Didn’t get to escape Tokyo during Golden Week? Here’s a chance to take a mini holiday ‘in’ Africa, just a train ride away.
Fancy joining a workshop to learn some Ethiopian or Senegalese dance moves, or even getting your hair braided? The African Festa will offer the aforementioned, in addition to musical performances, an array of regional foods and some handmade clothing and crafts.
Noteworthy musical guests include Bil Aka Kora from Burkina Faso and Senegalese percussionist Latyr Sy, who is now based in Tokyo. Japanese taiko drummer Shuichi Hidano and Anyango, the world’s fist female nyatiti player (which a type of lyre from Kenya), will also take part in the festivities.
One of the largest cultural events in Japan, the African Festa aims to promote understanding and friendship between Africa and Japan and as well as entertainment, NGOs and embassies will host booths for those doing business with or wanting to find out more about Africa. This year’s Festa theme is “Hand in Hand with Africa”.
The African Festa arrives in Yokohama just before the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V), which will be held in the city between June 1st and 3rd.
African Festa 2013 (click for more info)
When: May 11-12
Where: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
How much: Free
(Image: how things looked at the African Festa in 2008)
