Many thanks to the sponsors of this event
Habari Africa Live Festival 2025
Fri Aug 8, 7 – 11 pm
Sat Aug 9, 12 – 11 pm
Sun Aug 10, 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 8-10, 2025. 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 8
7 - 10 pm : Ethiopian Buna Café???
Brigatine Tent
Enjoy sips of flavourful traditional Ethiopian coffee while you relax with incense and friendly conversations.
7 - 7:45 pm : Fethi Nadjem
Stage in the Park
Fethi Nadjem is an artist from Algeria, known for music that combines melodies and rhythms, guiding listeners through a rich tapestry of instruments including the violin, mandole, oud, guembri, bass, drums, electric guitar, and synthesizer.
8 - 9 pm : Boubé
Concert Stage
Born in Niger, Boubé grew up in the village of Iferouane (on the edge of the Ténéré desert), which hosts the most important Kel Tamasheq music festival. It was in the hypnotic atmosphere of this village, nestling at the foot of the Tamgak mountains and surrounded by herds of ostriches and dromedaries, that Boubé learned music. Boubé, a multi-instrumentalist artist, immerses his listeners in the enchanting atmosphere of the desert and the richness of Tamasheq culture. This experience perfectly embodies the artist’s aspirations: weaving intercultural connections, fostering sharing, and promoting harmony between communities. A self-taught musician, singer, songwriter, guitarist, acoustic and electric guitarist, he has been touring since the age of 13 with various groups in Africa. In 2012-2013, he played with Bombino as percussionist and drummer. (Algeria, Mali, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria, Libya, Morocco) and the following year Boubé continued his career with the group Mdou Moctar (England, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, France, Italy, Turkey, Canada, United States), both are respected figures of Kel Tamasheq music. His first album Issaktan was released in 2023 and his recent album Voyager in 2025. His music speaks of peace and friendship, and always inspires travel. In 2024 this charismatic artist won the Syli d'Argent award at the 17th edition of the Syli d'Or de la musique du monde in 2024.
9 - 9:30 pm : Kaabi Kouyaté
Stage in the Park
Multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, with a career spanning over 40 years, Kaabi Kouyaté continues to push the boundaries of Mandingo music. Heir to a griotic tradition but deeply rooted in modernity, Kaabi embodies the future of Mandingo music, a bridge between cultures, genres, and generations.
9:30 - 11 pm : Okavango African Orchestra with guests Lorraine Klaasen, Pape Ndiaye, Kaabi Kouyaté, Dally Dominic and Mario Posella
Concert Stage
Okavango African Orchestra, winners of the JUNO and Canadian Folk Music Awards, unites music and instruments from various African cultures to forge a new sound, blending diverse tunings, rhythms, and timbres. For this concert, Okavango is joined by the vibrant Queen of South African music, Lorraine Klaasen, the remarkable tama player Pape Ndiaye, the versatile multi-instrumentalist Kaabi Kouyaté, skilled bassist Dally Dominic, and guitarist Mario Posella.
Saturday August 9
1 - 5 pm : Blank Canvases - Explore African Abstract Art
Kids' Tent
Inspired by the vibrant, complex patterns, colours, and shapes of African Art from across the continent, families and children will create unique, one-of-a-kind abstract art pieces. In the process, they will learn about and engage with the traditions of contemporary and historical African artists who use patterns and abstraction to create aesthetically powerful and uniquely bold works of art. Using acrylic paint markers, collage materials, and visual symbols, participants will work with Artist Educators at the festival to develop their exciting abstract style and take home their artwork.
1 - 8 pm : Ethiopian Buna Café???
Brigatine Tent
Enjoy sips of flavourful traditional Ethiopian coffee while you relax with incense and friendly conversations.
2 - 2:45 pm : Sewà
Stage in the Park
Ṣẹwà is a Toronto-based Nigerian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and budding producer blending Afrobeat, Fuji, Jazz, R&B, Soul/Blues, and Pop. A fan once described her voice as “the after-smell of rain.” After selling out her first Nigerian concert in 2021, she moved to Toronto, completed Seneca College’s music program, and has since headlined sold-out shows and opened for artists like Asa, Johnny Drille, and Kiss Daniel. With two EPs out and a debut album on the way, Ṣẹwà’s soulful sound and vivid storytelling continue to connect cultures and captivate audiences across stages and streaming platforms.
3 - 4 pm : Mbira Village
Boulevard Pavilion
Mbira Village is a space of sound, spirit, and story, hosted by Moyo Mutamba. Rooted in the ancestral tradition of the Shona people, this is a place to sit with the mbira, to feel its resonance, and to learn through hands-on experience. Whether you're encountering Mbira for the first time or returning to its familiar voice, you're invited to explore, ask questions, and maybe learn a song. Mbira Village is a gathering ground, a place to touch African Indigenous history with your hands, to listen deeply, and to join the music that remembers and connects us.
4 - 4:45 pm : Musical Traditions of the Mandinka and Jolof Empires - Sadio Sissokho, Pape Ndiaye, Mabinty Sylla, Boblée Danse Cirque
Stage in the Park
Experience musical traditions of the Mandinka and Jolof Empires, featuring the kora, an instrument traditionally played by Djely (griot), a tradition of musicians, storytellers and singers that perform a variety of functions in society. Born into a Griot family, Sadio Sissokho learned to play kora and percussion at a young age with his family group Bannaya, a troupe well known in Senegal. Pape Ndiaye is an exceptional tama (talking drum) player, one of the emblematic instruments of Senegalese traditional and modern music. He was a percussionist for the Orchestre National de Senegal, one of the most prestigious orchestras attached to the Ministry of Culture. Mabinty Sylla is a dancer, choreographer and instructor of West Africa traditional dance forms. Lansana Camara a.k.a. Boblée Danse Cirque is an acrobat, dancer, instructor and former Cirque de Soleil performer.
4:15 - 5:45 pm : Film - La Trace de Kandia
Studio Theatre
Kandia, called "the golden voice of Manding", is the nickname given to the Guinean griot Ibrahima Sory Kouyaté (1933-1977) who was the emblematic singer of an Africa’s independence era. His music blended tradition and jazz long before African music gained global recognition. This is the story of Kandia—a man deeply committed to his country’s independence and to easing tensions brought about by war—who left a lasting impression through his historical knowledge and his innate gift for music. Q&A following film with son of the late Kandia, Kaabi Kouyaté. Host: Kobinna Ulzen. 15 min Q&A following film with Kaabi Kouyaté.
4:45 - 5:30 pm : Afro Fusion Dance with Pulga Muchochoma
South Lawn Tent
Come and dance with me! Join instructor and choreographer Pulga Muchochoma in this workshop that blends traditional dance from Mozambique with moves from Nigeria, Ghana and Angola. An energetic and expressive dance form combining African rhythms, footwork and movements. Open to all-ages and offering a fun way to explore African culture and movement.
5:30 - 7 pm : DJ Moussa Dance Africa with Boblée Danse
Boulevard Pavilion
DJ Moussa, born in Côte d’Ivoire, is considered the most versatile DJ in the African community in Toronto. DJ Moussa spins a diverse selection of the latest African music hits and classics. His unique style mixes music genres that include zouglou, coupe decale, makossa, mbalax, rumba, ndombolo, high-life, naija, zouk, kizomba and hip hop. He has performed in many of the top clubs in Toronto, and across Canada and West Africa.
6 - 6:30 pm : African Circus
Beside Stage in the Park
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.
6:05 - 6:45 pm : Film - Unite for Bissau - Nô Kumpu Guiné - Agroecology and Feminism in Guinea-Bissau
Studio Theatre
In the West African nation of Guinea-Bissau, this thought-provoking film takes you on a journey that follows brave local women who challenge patriarchy by building institutions that promote self-sufficiency through agroecology. They also defy social norms by standing up against female genital mutilation and rejecting forced marriage. Carrying forward the legacy of Amílcar Cabral, the Bissau-Guinean independence leader who placed women’s rights at the center of the struggle for liberation, the women of a rising generation are taking their power back. Host: Kobinna Ulzen With English subtitles.
7 - 7:45 pm : Nii Osabu
Stage in the Park
Nii Osabu is a Ghanaian highlife and African traditional musician, songwriter, and music producer, currently based in Toronto. With a start in music at 10 years old, following in the footsteps of his musical father, he now has over 30 singles to his credit and a debut album coming soon.
7:05 - 7:45 pm : Film - Take Me to Fendika
Studio Theatre
Take Me to Fendika illuminates the traditional and innovative musical culture of Ethiopia at what has been called “the best venue in Africa” through its founder, world-renowned dancer, Melaku Belay. Fendika Cultural Center is a dynamic art space that draws artists from across Africa and the world to present music, dance, poetry, and visual art. This film tells the story of how this vital space came into being and how it served as a place for artists to invent and reinvent Ethiopian modernity and place it in dialogue with global culture.
Host: Kobinna Ulzen
Q&A following film with New Perspective-Gezahegn Mekonnen and Sosi Ashenafi.
With English subtitles
8 - 9 pm : Sintayehu 'Mimi' Zenebe & Daniel Nebiat
Concert Stage
Sintayehu 'Mimi' Zenebe and Daniel Nebiat will showcase the finest Ethiopian and Eritrean music in their performances at the Habari Africa Festival. Experience the diverse and lively music that reflects their rich cultural heritages, from the traditional melodies of the highlands to the vibrant rhythms of urban life. Singing in Tigrinya or Amharic, their music crosses borders and combines distinctive rhythms and tunings that are exclusive to these nations. For this unique performance, an all-star ensemble of musicians will join Sintayehu 'Mimi' Zenebe and Daniel Nebiat.
9 - 9:30 pm : IZimba Arts
Stage in the Park
The IZimba Arts performance showcases vocals, drums and also includes the traditional dances such as Mchongoyo, Nquzu and Indlamu as well as contemporary township dances namely gumboot, some Pantsula and Jit.
9:30 - 11 pm : Fredy Massamba
Concert Stage
Fredy Massamba is well-known as a founding member and choreographer of the celebrated Tambours de Brazza however, as a solo artist, this 2012 Kora Awards winner has been dubbed the “Afro-soul voice of the Congo” (Radio-France, 2024). An extremely gifted singer-songwriter, Massamba revisits the Kingdom of Kongo’s ancestral repertoire and polyrhythmic chants from the equatorial forests, and incorporates lively Afro-soul rhythms, hip hop, jazz and Congolese rumba.
Sunday August 10
1 - 5 pm : Kalimba Village with Njacko Backo
Kids' Tent
This is an interactive fun children’s village to learn about the traditional Cameroonian Kalimba and bring traditional music to life. Come play and create your own sounds! In this kalimba workshop, Njacko Backo 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. Njacko will provide 16 kalimbas for workshop participants on a first come, first serve basis. He will also be supported by members of Kalimbas At Work so that everyone can hear how the different parts of the music can work together.
1 - 5 pm : Ethiopian Buna Café???
Brigatine Tent
Enjoy sips of flavourful traditional Ethiopian coffee while you relax with incense and friendly conversations.
1 - 2 pm : Drum Village Experience with African Drums & Art Crafts
Boulevard Pavilion
Everyone is welcome to join this all-ages interactive drum village with Saikou Saho of African Drum & Art Crafts. At the heart of this drum village is communal music-making, inviting individuals from all walks of life to partake in the rhythmic journey. There will be a limited supply of drums provided, so you are welcome to bring your own drum.
2 - 2:45 pm : TBA???
Stage in the Park
...
2:30 - 3:30 pm : Balafon Village with Adama Daou
North 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!
3 - 3:15 pm : Boblée Danse Cirque
Lawn in front of Stage in the Park
Lansana Camara, also known as Boblée, is a versatile multidisciplinary artist: a tightrope walker, dancer, acrobat and aerialist. Lansana Camara started dancing at the age of 8. His talent was evident from an early age and he was recruited to dance in the group BCBG de Raï, a popular coupé décalé group in Guinea-Conakry. Boblée later joined the popular hip hop dance group, Instinct Killer, and at the age of fifteen decided to train at the Keïta Fodeba Tinafan Acrobatic Arts Center. Guinea is known to produce some of the top acrobats worldwide and four years later, he was chosen from hundreds of acrobats to participate in the international tour with Cirque du Soleil’s Cavalia Odysséo. After relocating in Montreal in 2016, Boblée has worked with many circus performers, groups and acrobats. He is a dancer and acrobat with Groupe Benkadi and directs his own acrobatic troupe, Productions Sagatallas. He offers classes and workshops in African dance, hip hop, acrobatics, balance, and gymnastics to community centers, day camps, and schools in the greater Montreal Quebec area.
3:15 - 4 pm : Mbira Soul
Stage in the Park
Mbira Soul invites you to a ceremony by the water, an offering of sound, spirit, and joy. Rooted in the Shona tradition of Bira, where music opens the way for ancestral presence, we gather to listen with our bodies and move with the pulse of something older than words. With Mbira, hosho, drum, and dance, Moyo Mutamba, Memory Makuri, Mambo Chivero and Teddy Masuku invite you to cross a threshold. Come as kin, singing, clapping, and swaying where memory and music touch, and the ancestors draw near.
4 - 5:30 pm : SAHAD
Concert Stage
The name Sahad refers to “harvest” in Serer and “resurrection” in Wolof. Sahad describes himself as a bush taxi traveling the world in search of the riches that emerge from our differences to share them. From Afro to jazz, blues to folk, and funk, all his African and cosmic influences have been reimagined, giving birth to a kaleidoscopic music. Sahad Sarr is a Senegalese musician, social activist, and environmentalist. In addition to being the founder of Kamyaak Ecovillage. Sahad is the frontman of the Dakar-based band SAHAD. Sahad's lyrics often explore themes of spirituality, humanity, and the power of love and tolerance. With over a decade of experience, Sahad and his band have performed internationally, gaining recognition for their innovative approach to Senegalese alternative music. Sahad’s passion for music and activism led him to establish the record label Stereo Africa 432 and the Stereo Africa Festival in 2022, platforms designed to support young artists and promote West African music through cultural exchange.
5 - 6 pm : Balafon Village with Adama Daou
North 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!
5:30 - 6 pm : African Circus
Beside Stage in the Park
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.
6 - 7 pm : Sadaka
Festival Grounds, Stage 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 drummers and friends in a parade to the heart of Habari Africa. Everybody is welcome to drum, dance, clap and sing along!
