Many thanks to the sponsors of this event
Habari Africa Live Festival 2024
Fri Aug 9, 7 - 11 pm
Sat Aug 10, 12 - 11 pm
Sun Aug 11, 12 - 7 pm
at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Much awaited LIVE festival, great for the whole family!
Batuki Music Society is proud to present the eleventh edition of the Habari Africa Festival from Friday August 9-11, 2024. This multi-disciplinary African arts festival is free for all-ages and co-produced with Harbourfront Centre. Join us live in person for a weekend of exploration and engagement with the art and sounds of the continent through presentations that celebrate the uniqueness, wealth and diversity of African music, dance, film and arts.
Friday August 9
7 - 10 pm : Ethiopian Buna CaféBrigantine Tent
Enjoy sips of traditional Ethiopian coffee while you relax with incense and friendly conversations.
7 pm : Hassan El HadiStage in the Park
Hassan El Hadi is a singer-songwriter author and accomplished oud player. He also plays the banjo, hajhouj and percussion. Originally from Morocco, he grew up in Marrakech with the sounds of Arab-Berber music. He was inspired by the annual Festival of Popular Arts, the daily rhythms of the Jemaa El Fna square and the many local ceremonies and festivities. Hassan El Hadi is a graduate of the Marrakech Conservatory of Music, where he won the best oud player title in 1994. Since his arrival in Quebec in 1995, Hassan El Hadi has continued his musical journey, composing music that is both original and rooted in tradition with a hint of jazz. Bringing together all the influences of Moroccan music, he combines the energetic and upbeat rhythms of the Berbers to the expressiveness of Arabic music and refinement of Andalusian music.
8 pm : Sia TolnoConcert Stage
Sia Tolno is from Guinea/Sierra Leone, West Africa, and is steeped in Afrobeat, Afro-blues, Manding and Soukous styles of African popular music and performs her own songs. Her music is both personal and universal, singing about her unique past while making it relevant to the global masses. She has worked with Tony Allen (FELA's Music Director & Drummer) and Lusafrica records (Paris). Her new album is being recorded in Barcelona produced by Aaron Feder in collaboration with Slow Walk Music.
9:30 pm : DJ Moussa with Starplus GeneralStage in the Park
DJ Moussa spins a diverse selection of the latest African music hits and classics. DJ Moussa, born in Côte d’Ivoire, is considered the most versatile DJ in the African community in Toronto. His unique style mixes music genres that include zouglou, coupe decale, makossa, mbalax, ndombolo, high-life, naija, Afrobeats, zouk, kizomba and hip hop. He has performed in many of the top clubs in Toronto, and across Canada and West Africa. Berthony Starplus is a singer, dancer and choreographer with Congolese heritage. He started his career as a dancer in 2009. He won a dance competition in 2013 organized by South Africans named “Here is my beat; what is yours?” He has participated in many festivals and performed in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Canada.
10:00 pm : Emmanuel Jal
Concert Stage
Emmanuel started his life as a child soldier in the war-torn region of Southern Sudan in the early 1980s. He was eventually rescued by a British aid worker Emma McCune and smuggled to Kenya where he overcame a huge number of struggles to become a successful and acclaimed recording artist and peace ambassador. He now lives in Toronto, Canada. Emmanuel has released seven award nominated albums: Shangah, Naath, The Key, Gua, Ceasefire, Warchild and See Me Mama. Jal’s music has single releases, including Kuar (FNX Omar & Henrik Schwarz), Hey Mama (Da Capo), Guaja (Levy) and Gorah (Nitefreak). His live appearances have included Live 8, Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert and the One Concert for his Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has collaborated and performed alongside artists such as Lauryn Hill, Xavier Rudd, Peter Gabriel, Nelly Furtado, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Joss Stone, Ed Sheeran, Nile Rodgers and Alicia Keys. Drawing on his personal experiences and background, he speaks and performs with a strong message of reconciliation and peace, and has addressed the UN, US Congress, the Carter Centre and the very highest level of several governments. In 2008 a full-length documentary on his life was released. The film, Warchild, won 12 prestigious film festival awards worldwide. In the same year, his autobiography, also called Warchild, was published by Little Brown. Emmanuel co-starred with Reese Witherspoon in the Warner Brothers motion picture, The Good Lie which tells the story about the journey of four young Sudanese refugees (based on The Lost Boys of Sudan) who win a lottery for relocation to the United States. Emmanuel has also appeared as the adult lead in the major motion picture Africa United; a Pathé, UK Film Council and BBC Films presentation in association with Warner Bros, released in October 2010. During his career, he has been involved with a number of global charity organisations, including the British Council, the Child Soldiers Initiative, Amnesty International and Oxfam. He has spoken alongside major players in the world of global humanitarianism, including Kofi Annan, Ban Ki-Moon and The Elders Group. Emmanuel has been invited numerous times to speak at Richard Branson’s Virgin Unite conference on Necker Island on global leadership and philanthropy. He has continued to support and work alongside Amnesty International as one of their main spokespeople and has received numerous awards for his peace efforts in South Sudan including recognition from Ban Ki Moon at the UN. In 2010, Jal released ‘We Want Peace’, part of a wider campaign of the same name that called for peace, protection and justice for all of Sudan, as well as calling for an end to all conflicts that affect innocent people around the world. This campaign is supported by a number of A-list stars and leaders, including George Clooney, Alicia Keys, Richard Branson, Jimmy Carter and Kofi Annan. Through social media and fan participation, the campaign has grown in strength and Emmanuel’s message of peace has resonated particularly amongst young people, allowing them to connect to larger social and political issues through emotional empathy. With the support of organizations such as Free The Children, Amnesty International, Ford Foundation, Humanity United and many others, Emmanuel has taken ‘We Want Peace’ on the road and spoken to hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world, touring across Mexico, the UK, the US, Africa, Canada, Australia and Asia. Often these tours include visits to community centres, youth detention centres and prisons where Emmanuel has been able to speak first hand to young people who have become disengaged with education and society. For his outstanding commitment to peace building, Jal has been awarded the Vaclav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent 2018, Desmond Tutu Reconciliation Award 2017, Hero in the global campaign against violent extremism – UNESCO 2016, The Hunt Humanitarian Award, The Dresden Peace Prize and The Common Ground Award amongst others. In 2012, he was asked to be a Young Global Leader for the World Economic Forum, and he has performed at the G20 summit in Mexico. Emmanuel is also the creator of Jal Gua, a gluten free super food powder made of organic sorghum and organic moringa, which has 140% iron, 45% Vitamin C and 40% Vitamin B1 of the daily recommended intake. Jal Gua has a distribution deal with Pilling Foods in Ontario, Canada and is currently stocked in major health stores across Canada including Whole Foods as well as online at JalGua.com. Emmanuel’s greatest passion is his charity which he founded in 2009 Gua Africa which supports those affected by war and poverty from South Sudan. The charity has trained and educated South Sudanese refugees to becoming first-class professionals in medicine, law and education.
Saturday August 10
1 - 8 pm : Ethiopian Buna CaféBrigantine Tent
Enjoy sips of traditional Ethiopian coffee while you relax with incense and friendly conversations.
1 - 5 pm : Kalimba Village with Njacko BackoHarbour Kids' Tent
In this kalimba (African thumb piano) workshop, Njacko will teach a style of music called Manganbeu. Traditionally, Manganbeu is a delicate music that is played at parties to remind everyone to exist in harmony and to respect one another. This music is also used to talk about things that are not going well in the community so that people can learn and do better. The first 10 participants at the workshop will have the opportunity to finish up their very own kalimba to take home (one kalimba per family). These kalimbas were started by Steve Woloshyn, Njacko’s late Father-in-Law. Steve made hundreds of kalimbas over the past 20 years, and these were the last kalimbas that he didn’t have the opportunity to finish before his health deteriorated. These kalimbas are being gifted in his honour and memory. In addition, Njacko will provide 16 kalimbas for workshop participants to borrow on a first come, first serve basis. Other percussion instruments will also be available for participants. Njacko was born in Cameroon and raised in the hills in a small village called Bazou, which means "the walkers”. He began playing percussion and making instruments at age three, and started to play kalimba at age seven. He has studied with master African musicians all over Africa and Europe and has himself been teaching both children and adults for more than twenty years. Njacko is a Juno-nominated musician and songwriter, and recently released his second children’s book “The Lion and the Zebra” (English) / “Le Lion et le Zèbre” (Français).
2:15 pm : Mzee Watmon Amone & MC Ojegele
Stage in the Park
Standing at 6'4", 73 years-old Acholi nanga maestro, Mzee Watmon Amone from Northern Uganda, has captivated audiences since the age of 8. Inspired by his father and grandfather, Mzee Watmon has spent over 50 years perfecting the Nanga (zither), Adungu (bow harp), Lukeme (lamellophone) and mastering the Larakaraka and Bwola royal drums, flutes and traditional dance movements. He is the founder of The Watmon Cultural Group, a collective of musicians, which promotes the preservation of Ugandan cultural heritage through music and dance. The group is made up of up to 50 members, the youngest being only 7 years old. He has trained hundreds of dancers and performed for Commonwealth Heads of State, Pope John Paul II and U.S. President George W. Bush. His musical journey has taken him to Holland, France, Germany and London for recordings. The group was recorded by BBC for the World Route album produced by Lucy Duran. He was also a member of Ndere, the Ugandan National Theatre performing group. Watmon Amone performs with his son, Odida a.k.a. MC Ojegele, who has become an expert in the Nanga, Adungu and Lukeme instruments. Thanks to Walter Ojok-Acii for his generous support in bringing Mzee Watmon and Odida to Canada.
3 pm : Balafon Village with Adama DaouNorth Orchard
With simple rhythmic and melodic exercises, Adama Daou will introduce you to the balafon, an African wooden xylophone, UNESCO named as a masterpiece of intangible heritage. Balafon is a soothing instrument allowing a distinctive musical journey. Grab your sticks and create your own sound, inspired by your inner soul! A Malian musician from the city of Mopti, Adama Daou developed his skills in African percussion (djembe, dumdum, calabash and balafon) by participating in traditional ceremonies during his childhood and through his training at the National Institute of Arts in Bamako. Moving to Paris in 2000, he performed and toured with groups like Lo’jo and dance companies. Based in Montreal since 2011, Adama Daou is constantly guided by a strong desire to introduce Malian percussions to the public while creating musical projects with artists from different horizons, performing, developing workshops, and participating to the development of sociocultural actions based on music. In addition to touring across Europe, Canada and the United States, Adama regularly hosts African percussion, dance classes and workshops.
3 pm : Workshop: Rwandan Dance with Empress NyiringangoSouth Lawn Tent
Join Empress Nyiringango in this interactive workshop to learn the basic steps of traditional Rwandan dance and the style’s history, as well as its role in the society. Empress Nyiringango is an Ottawa-based Rwandan singer, guitarist and songwriter with a message of faith, resilience and healing. Her philosophy is to celebrate Canadian diversity and to co-exist respectfully in the healing journey of fellow immigrants who fled war and all forms of atrocities. Her music uplifts and raises awareness on the impact of cultural heritage. Empress is a self-taught musician, showcasing the self-titled Jablur sound, which stands for jazz, blues, and Rwandan. This distinctive fusion features Rwanda’s oldest instrument “Inanga" (Zither) and contemporary music sounds. Singing in her mother tongue Kinyarwanda, paired with Swahili, French, and English, Empress Nyiringango composed her first song ‘Agahinda’ (sorrow) in memory of all the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Saddened by the heinous crimes, she embarked on an arduous healing musical journey to convey messages of resilience, compassion, unity & peace to the world. JUNO award winning musicians; Aron Nitunga, Kofi Ackah, Ian De Souza, along with Vincent Nsengiyumva join Empress for this performance.
4 pm : Melat MengeshaStage in the Park
Melat’s success in the first season of Balageru (Ethiopian Idol) in 2015 was a major breakthrough in pursuing music. She worked in NGO projects regarding advocacy for women farmers. As a result, she toured Ethiopia and Europe as a singer and produced music video clips. She released audio music entitled “Sidet” regarding women in exile in 2017. Another single in collaboration with Ethiopian renowned Artists focusing on the rich cultural background of the "Gurage" heritage reached millions across country which impacted a lot of lives in the local and diaspora community. Additionally, she engaged in diverse Ethiopian musical genres for community development and fundraisings. She took part in trainings, workshops and cultural and professional exchange programs. Melat is currently engaged in showcasing her work for the community by participating in various shows from her repertoire. She will be accompanied by a stellar ensemble of musicians in the Ethiopian-Canadian music scene.
4:30 pm : Sia Tolno Workshop - My life: School, War & Music - Sierra Leone to GuineaSouth Lawn Tent
During the war having Afrobeat as my main music helped me survive through all the turmoil. Music is all that makes me happy. Growing up in a strict home, life had not been a quiet river. Since the war in 1992, I’ve lived so many lives while looking for myself which I’ve lost for quite a long time. This stress made me a goddess of life. I love life and I always had to fight to fit in. I found prestige, love and confidence in Afrobeat music which I came to know through Fela Kuti’s music. I needed to talk as I knew I had to take action for all the trouble Africans were going through. Even though my first real Afrobeat album was completely arranged by veteran Tony Allen, Fela Kuti’s best friend and drummer, I’ve tried to mix this groove with some traditional instruments, for example, Guitar Mandengue, Balafon and Djembe. I will present the workshop with my band leader & music director Aaron Feder who plays multiple instruments and is founder of the Afro Dead, another musical project which I also sing the songs of the Grateful Dead in the Afrobeat style.
5:30 pm : Film Screening - Between the RainsStudio Theatre
Filmed with stunning cinematography over four years, Between the Rains explores a childhood caught within a traditional culture that is a casualty of climate change. As Kenya grows increasingly barren with access to grazing land and water rapidly shrinking, inevitable conflict and a drastic erosion of pastoral culture has followed. During a period of record low rainfall in northern Kenya, the Turkana-Ngaremara community faces growing violent clashes with rival tribes and encroaching wild predators hunting their livestock. Kolei, a sensitive shepherd boy whose name translates to “living amongst the goats, questions not only his path as a warrior, but also the erosion of the culture that has shaped every aspect of his life. With unprecedented and intimate access to the Turkana people, this moving coming-of-age story reveals the grave threats facing one of the world's oldest communities. Winner, Best Documentary and Best Cinematography | Tribeca Festival 2023. Directors: Andrew Brown and Moses Thuranira Country: Kenya Languages: Turkana, Swahili, English subtitles
6 pm : Abe African CircusWest Lawn
Abe African Circus features incredible balancing acts, mesmerizing juggling displays and acrobatic feats at the Habari Africa Festival! Born in Ethiopia, Abebe Atlebachew is a circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, and has performed all over the world. He shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus. Circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, Abebe Atlebachew has performed all over the world. Originally from Ethiopia, beginning circus at the age of 10, Abebe heard about performers in China utilising a ladder in their routine and decided to try it himself. He practised, watched YouTube videos and taught himself tricks until he had a masterful routine. Abebe believes that life is like a ladder; full of ups and downs Abebe received a diploma from Addis Africa Circus school, training in disciplines such as free-standing ladder, dance, drama and music, and won the Addis Africa Circus award in 2013. Landing his first international contract in 2012 in Turkey, performing dance and ladder for a 6-month run, Abe continued book various international contracts over the next 6 years. This included an African cultural show in Germany in 2014: Mother Africa Circus, which toured throughout Europe in 2016, Hong Kong Wonderland show at Ocean Park, and touring throughout United States in 2018, performing dance and free-standing ladder, and Cirque Zuma Zuma in United States performing dance and bounce juggling and the Canadian Wonderland team park, Raptors halftime show and Canada’s Got Talent and local events. Already having a full touring career, Abebe is now based in Toronto, Canada. As he learns more about the Toronto circus community, and Canadian culture, he’s producing his own shows with different African dances, he shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus.
7:15 pm : Gye NyameStage in the Park
Gye Nyame Band is a Ghanaian-Canadian highlife musical group that celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage of Ghana while embracing the multicultural landscape of Canada. The ensemble brings together talents musicians from diverse backgrounds to create a fusion of traditional Ghanaian highlife music with contemporary Canadian influences. The band’s journey began when a group of passionate musicians hailing from Ghana and Canada, came together with a shared love of highlife music. Drawing inspiration from their cultural roots and collective experiences, they embarked on a musical exploration that would bridge continents and captivate audiences. Highlife music, with its infectious rhythms and melodious guitar lines, forms the heart and soul of the ensemble’s sound. Rooted in the music traditions of Ghana, highlife blends indigenous rhythms with elements of jazz, funk and Afrobeat. The ensemble’s music reflects the rich tapestry of influences, incorporating lively percussion, soulful vocals, and intricate guitar work. Since their inception, Gye Nyame Band has achieved numerous milestones and accolades. They have released several critically acclaimed covers, captivating listeners with their electrifying performances and innovative musical arrangements. Their dynamic stage presence and infectious energy have earned them a dedicated following both at home and abroad. Gye Nyame Band is committed to promoting cultural exchange and fostering community engagement. They collaborate with schools, cultural organizations, and community groups to share their love for highlife music and celebrate Ghanaian culture. Through workshops, educational programs and outreach initiatives, they inspire the next generation of musicians and promote cross-cultural understanding. Gye Nyame Band stands as a shining example of the transformative power of music to unite cultures, inspire audiences and celebrate the richness of shared humanity. With their infectious rhythms, soulful melodies and unwavering passion, they continue to spread joy wherever they go.
8 pm : Empress NyiringangoConcert Stage
Empress Nyiringango is an Ottawa-based Rwandan singer, guitarist and songwriter with a message of faith, resilience and healing. Her philosophy is to celebrate Canadian diversity and to co-exist respectfully in the healing journey of fellow immigrants who fled war and all forms of atrocities. Her music uplifts and raises awareness on the impact of cultural heritage. Empress is a self-taught musician, showcasing the self-titled Jablur sound, which stands for jazz, blues, and Rwandan. This distinctive fusion features Rwanda’s oldest instrument “Inanga" (Zither) and contemporary music sounds. Singing in her mother tongue Kinyarwanda, paired with Swahili, French, and English, Empress Nyiringango composed her first song ‘Agahinda’ (sorrow) in memory of all the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Saddened by the heinous crimes, she embarked on an arduous healing musical journey to convey messages of resilience, compassion, unity & peace to the world. JUNO award winning musicians; Aron Nitunga, Kofi Ackah, Ian De Souza, along with Vincent Nsengiyumva join Empress for this performance.
9 pm : Mzee Watmon Amone & MC OjegeleStage in the Park
Standing at 6'4", 73 years-old Acholi nanga maestro, Mzee Watmon Amone from Northern Uganda, has captivated audiences since the age of 8. Inspired by his father and grandfather, Mzee Watmon has spent over 50 years perfecting the Nanga (zither), Adungu (bow harp), Lukeme (lamellophone) and mastering the Larakaraka and Bwola royal drums, flutes and traditional dance movements. He is the founder of The Watmon Cultural Group, a collective of musicians, which promotes the preservation of Ugandan cultural heritage through music and dance. The group is made up of up to 50 members, the youngest being only 7 years old. He has trained hundreds of dancers and performed for Commonwealth Heads of State, Pope John Paul II and U.S. President George W. Bush. His musical journey has taken him to Holland, France, Germany and London for recordings. The group was recorded by BBC for the World Route album produced by Lucy Duran. He was also a member of Ndere, the Ugandan National Theatre performing group. Watmon Amone performs with his son, Odida a.k.a. MC Ojegele, who has become an expert in the Nanga, Adungu and Lukeme instruments. Thanks to Walter Ojok-Acii for his generous support in bringing Mzee Watmon and Odida to Canada.
9:30 pm : Teranga SenegalConcert Stage
Teranga Senegal curated by Batuki Music Society brings together some of the finest singers and instrumentalists of Senegalese heritage for their premiere concert at Habari Africa. The music performance will focus on specific traditions, songs and rhythms that draw from the vast cultural wealth of Senegalese music. The inspiration for this new creative work is a desire to explore the Senegalese music traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. The presentation will highlight the works of Senegalese-Canadian artists, musicians and composers. Though Senegal is a very traditional society, it is a modern democracy where many ethnic groups, traditions and religions coexist in a cohesive environment. The country’s music is an oasis of traditional songs, melodies, rhythms and modern beats. There are a large number of genres. The traditional Manding compositions are performed by griots with kora and hand percussion accompaniment. Yella is the music of the Sahel region and made famous by one of Senegal's most popular artists Baaba Maal, sung in Pulaar language. Bougarabou music features hinde drum (a special Senegalese drum), whistle, hand percussion and sung in the Khasonke language. Assiko is the fruit of several beats that have migrated to Gorée, Senegal through slavery: songs from what is today known as Congo, Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria made their way to this West African island. And the modern Mbalax, made popular by the star Youssou N'Dour, is a genre that emerged in the 1970's as the distinctive sound of postcolonial Senegal. It was derived from a fusion of indigenous Wolof sabar drumming with music principally from African popular music. Here in Montreal, there are Senegalese-Canadian emerging and established artists who share a deep connection through the language, stories and songs that define their Senegalese heritage. These artists have been inspired by Senegalese music and its evolving forms which is reflected in their own artistic work. The featured artists include:
- Kora player, percussionist, composer and vocalist Noumoucounda Cissoko, hailed as the Jimi Hendrix of the kora, who cleverly moves between genres; from blues, jazz, hip-hop, fused with his griot traditions and Senegalese mbalax. On international tours he has participated along with renowned artists such as Youssou Ndour, Ky Marley, Ira Colman, Ernest Ranglin, Alpha Blondy, Omar Pene, Red Rats, Princess Erika, MC Solaar and Stromae.
- His brothers, Sadio (JUNO winner) and Fa Sissokho are based in Montreal, they are griots and multi-instrumentalists (kora, hinde, tama, djembe, doun-doun, sabar drums, singers) who have been a fixture on the Canadian music scene performing traditional and contemporary genres of Senegalese and West African music.
- Assane Seck is the son of the griot Zale Seck, he is a guitarist, arranger and composer who has worked with the top players in the Senegalese and African music scene in Canada and around the world.
- Seydina Ndiaye is a vocalist and composer with a passion for traditional and modern Senegalese music. Before moving to Canada, he was in demand with international touring groups and one of the artists in Youssou N'Dour's record label, a place reserved for the top vocalists and musicians in Senegal.
- Ilam is a rising star of popular Senegalese music. He is diverse in his musical repertoire that includes yella and blues of the Sahel, Fulani roots, reggae and Afropop. He was the recipient of the Radio Canada Revelation Award in 2017.
- Raphael Ojo is an expert drummer in West African rhythms, especially the difficult Senegalese beats. He is highly skilled in the various musical genres in this project.
- Pape Ndiaye is an exceptional tama player, one of the emblematic instruments of Senegalese traditional and modern music.
- Atoumane Diop is a keyboardist based in Ottawa with extensive experience in West African music.
- Congolese bassist Dauphin Mbuyi is a fixture in the African music scene in Montreal, well-experienced in various forms of African music, from traditional genres to gospel and other popular music.
Sunday August 11
1 - 6 pm : Ethiopian Buna CaféBrigantine Tent
Enjoy sips of traditional Ethiopian coffee while you relax with incense and friendly conversations.
1 - 5 pm : Storytelling Through Fabric with Blank CanvasesHarbour Kids' Tent
Using beautifully coloured fabrics with vibrant patterns, colours and shapes, families and children will create unique one-of-a-kind art pieces. In the process, they will learn about and engage in the traditions of contemporary and historical African Artists who use fabric collage techniques to tell stories of family, land and ancestral memory. Blank Canvases is an art programme that uses the authentic artistic approach to inspire children and stimulate creative thinking. We have a dream to bring art into people’s lives and to encourage them to think and live creatively. We strive to teach people an appreciation for local arts and culture through workshops that are centred on the important art that is made in our neighbourhoods. We want to bring the arts into our schools, our workplaces and our free time. We do this in a way that is supportive, non-intimidating and inspirational. In doing so we will employ artist educators who believe passionately in the power of art to change and enrich the lives of those in our communities. We create workshops that are engaging and participatory. We employ professional art educators. We focus on local artists, art groups and collectives. We bring together professional artist educators who teach our students the artistic process in a way that inspires creativity, individuality and a love of art making. We believe that wonderful art can be with sustainable environmental resource. We source beautiful art making materials that are donated, upcycled and re-used to make wonderful unique art pieces.
1:30 pm : Fiyé Foli Workshop: N'goni, Calabash & Djembe with Amadou Kienou
South Lawn Tent
Distributed today between Guinea, Mali, northern Côte d'Ivoire, eastern Senegal and Gambia, most Mandinka griots (West African storytellers, singers, musicians, and oral historians) share the same tradition of exuberant songs and the use of certain emblematic instruments, including the n'goni, balafon, kora, djembe and calabash. These griots played the role of historians for their people, recalling the exploits of the ancestors and the legendary figures of the Empire of Mali, and thus they provided wisdom, reason, and reminders of the founding rules and values of their society. Master drummer Amadou Kienou hails from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, which was once part of the vast ancient Mandinka empire. A descendant of the Dafin people, Amadou was initiated as a djeli or griot (oral historian), part of a long line of griots. Amadou will perform the signature contemporary polyrhythmic music that continues along the rich and living traditions of the Mandinka empire of West Africa.
2 pm : Balafon Village with Adama DaouNorth Orchard
With simple rhythmic and melodic exercises, Adama Daou will introduce you to the balafon, an African wooden xylophone, UNESCO named as a masterpiece of intangible heritage. Balafon is a soothing instrument allowing a distinctive musical journey. Grab your sticks and create your own sound, inspired by your inner soul! A Malian musician from the city of Mopti, Adama Daou developed his skills in African percussion (djembe, dumdum, calabash and balafon) by participating in traditional ceremonies during his childhood and through his training at the National Institute of Arts in Bamako. Moving to Paris in 2000, he performed and toured with groups like Lo’jo and dance companies. Based in Montreal since 2011, Adama Daou is constantly guided by a strong desire to introduce Malian percussions to the public while creating musical projects with artists from different horizons, performing, developing workshops, and participating to the development of sociocultural actions based on music. In addition to touring across Europe, Canada and the United States, Adama regularly hosts African percussion, dance classes and workshops.
2 pm : Mabinty Sylla & Lanaya
Stage in the Park
Professional dancer, choreographer and instructor Mabinty Sylla, created Lanaya African Cultural Group to present traditional dance and drumming from West Africa. Born in Guinea, Mabinty Sylla began her dance training in Conakry with Mamadouba Camara, a dance instructor, who is the first soloist for the Ballet Djoliba and former soloist for the Ballet Africans; two of West Africa’s most respected traditional groups. She also studied and performed with a group Ballet Tayeli directed by Fode Gassama. She moved to Toronto in 2008, and has since performed in cities and festivals across Canada. She teaches dance in schools, community programs and workshops for individuals and groups. Mabinty is a member of the JUNO award winning group Okavango African Orchestra.
2:30 pm : Les Frères Cissoko: Noumoucounda, Sadio & Fa South Lawn Tent
Les Frères Cissoko, Sadio, Fa and Noumoucounda, originally from Senegal, are the descendants of one of the great families of Mandingo griots in West Africa. They pay homage to tradition by infusing a good dose of creativity. Multi-instrumentalists, masters of the kora and percussion, they handle their instruments and their voices with disarming dexterity and panache. Come discover or rediscover this musical culture rich in several millennia of stories and captivating rhythms in a warm and festive atmosphere.
3 pm : KunleStage in the Park
An award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, Kunle’s folk and soul music bridges contemporary styles with roots in West African rhythms and stories. Nigerian-born and currently based in Toronto, Kunle combines his rich vocals, guitar tapping, harmonica, and talking drum to take audiences into what he terms ‘Music with No Boundaries’. Over the past three years, Kunle has experienced a transformative journey, evolving into a versatile producer, composer, and performer. From enthralling showcases on the stages of prestigious festivals throughout North America, Africa, and Europe to making a notable debut on theatre stages, including the esteemed Stratford Festival, Kunle embodies the philosophy that creative expression is not just a performance but a way of life.
4 pm : Rumba: Soul of CongoConcert Stage
Rumba: Soul of Congo features an all-star ensemble of musicians, singers and dancers who share a deep connection through the languages, stories and songs that define their Congolese heritage. Curated by Batuki Music Society, the repertoire will celebrate the artistry of some of the veterans and icons of Congolese music. The performing ensemble includes Mis Blandine, Pecosse Animations, Noel Mpiaza, Dauphin Mbuyi, Jean-Claude Kamina a.k.a. R9, Samuel Kasongo, Aron Tounga and Lionel Mukangu. The inspiration for this new creative work is the desire to explore the Rumba music traditions that have been passed down and evolved through the work of artists of Congolese heritage. The rumba is considered an essential and representative part of the identity of Congolese people and the diaspora. It is perceived as a means of conveying the social and cultural values of the region and of promoting inter-generational social cohesion and solidarity. Rumba: Soul of Congo will present repertoire to celebrate the artistry of veterans and icons of Congolese music; Dr. Nico, Grand Kalle, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Franco Luambo, Papa Wemba, Zaiko Langa Langa, Férré Gola, Fally Ipupa, Madilu System, Abeti Masikini, M’bilia Bel, Tshala Muana and more. A presentation to celebrate the UNESCO designation of Congolese rumba music as an intangible heritage. The inspiration for this new creative work is the desire to explore the Rumba music traditions that have been passed down and evolved through the work of artists of Congolese heritage. The rumba is considered an essential and representative part of the identity of Congolese people and the diaspora. It is perceived as a means of conveying the social and cultural values of the region and of promoting inter-generational social cohesion and solidarity. Rumba: Soul of Congo will present repertoire to celebrate the artistry of veterans and icons of Congolese music; Dr. Nico, Grand Kalle, Tabu Ley Rochereau, Franco Luambo, Papa Wemba, Abeti Masikini, M’bilia Bel, Tshala Muana and more. A presentation to celebrate the UNESCO designation of Congolese rumba music as an intangible heritage.
5 pm : Abe African Circus
West Lawn
Abe African Circus features incredible balancing acts, mesmerizing juggling displays and acrobatic feats at the Habari Africa Festival! Born in Ethiopia, Abebe Atlebachew is a circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, and has performed all over the world. He shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus. Circus performer, dancer, choreographer and director, Abebe Atlebachew has performed all over the world. Originally from Ethiopia, beginning circus at the age of 10, Abebe heard about performers in China utilising a ladder in their routine and decided to try it himself. He practised, watched YouTube videos and taught himself tricks until he had a masterful routine. Abebe believes that life is like a ladder; full of ups and downs Abebe received a diploma from Addis Africa Circus school, training in disciplines such as free-standing ladder, dance, drama and music, and won the Addis Africa Circus award in 2013. Landing his first international contract in 2012 in Turkey, performing dance and ladder for a 6-month run, Abe continued book various international contracts over the next 6 years. This included an African cultural show in Germany in 2014: Mother Africa Circus, which toured throughout Europe in 2016, Hong Kong Wonderland show at Ocean Park, and touring throughout United States in 2018, performing dance and free-standing ladder, and Cirque Zuma Zuma in United States performing dance and bounce juggling and the Canadian Wonderland team park, Raptors halftime show and Canada’s Got Talent and local events. Already having a full touring career, Abebe is now based in Toronto, Canada. As he learns more about the Toronto circus community, and Canadian culture, he’s producing his own shows with different African dances, he shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus.
6 pm : SadakaStage in the Park
Sadakah means to give. Inviting our divine deities to give us the energy to spread blessings. Alubarika! Sadaka was created by Nigerian dance educator, performer and choreographer, Sani Abu Mohammed Allen of Ijovudu Dance International. Join master drummer Amadou Kienou and friends in a parade to the heart of Habari Africa. Everybody is welcome to drum, dance, clap and sing along! Amadou Kienou was born into one of Burkina Faso’s legendary musical families and received his artistic education from his father and grandfather. As a child he showed remarkable talent, quickly developing a distinctive drumming style on the djembe and tama. Amadou Kienou is the seventh son of a family of griots or praise singers of Dafing origin, originating from a tribe, which settled down at the ancient Mandingue Empire. Praise singers (Griots), from father to son, are very popular and renowned dancers and singers in West Africa. Most of them are musicians by profession. The varied repertoire of Amadou Kienou consists of songs, dances and musical soundings of the Mandingue rhythms. Some of which he has adapted for the drum, such as Senoufo, Senegalese, Peul, childhood songs, love songs and rhythms from the forest. Master djembefola Amadou Kienou is in demand as performer and teacher in Europe, Africa and North America.
