AFROFEST 2016 LAUNCH

Music Africa, the organizers of Afrofest, Toronto’s largest celebration of African music, heritage and culture will be announcing the full program for Afrofest 2016 on Thursday June 16, 2016 at the Gladstone Hotel located at 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto.

It’s time to celebrate our 29th Anniversary!

A detailed Afrofest 2016 program will be announced at the OFFICIAL MEDIA CONFERENCE at the Gladstone’s Melody Bar at 6:30 p.m. – followed by performances by Amadou Kienou, Donne Roberts & Afrafranto.

This is a chance for members and media to get a preview of the upcoming Afrofest to be held on July 9 & 10, 2016 at Woodbine Park.

It’s also a chance to join our list of volunteers for the festival, become a member, get information on becoming a vendor and meet with some of the artists who will perform at Afrofest 2016.

Snacks will be served prior to the press briefing.

For media information, please contact us:

T: 416.469.5336 E:info@musicafrica.ca

About Afrofest:

In 1989, Highlife World, local promoters of Ghanaian music, started Afrofest with a vision to broaden and challenge the stereotypical views of Africa. Since then Afrofest has evolved to become Canada’s largest annual African music event.

In its first year, Afrofest took place at the former Bamboo Club before branching out onto Queen’s Park in 1990 and, later, expanded with additional concerts to launch the festival at other clubs and public venues.

After many years at Queen’s Park, initially as a one-day event, Afrofest is now held at Woodbine Park and draws over 100,000 visitors over the weekend.

With a bustling marketplace, food and craft vendors, artistic displays, a Children’s Village, a drum stage, music workshops, organized fun and educational activities for youth, the festival just keeps growing and getting better every year!

Over the past quarter of a century, some of the greatest stars of African music have performed at the festival. The impressive roster includes: Hugh Masekela, Papa Wemba, Amampondo, Oumou Sangare, African Guitar Summit, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Toumani Dioubate, JB M’Piana, Samba Mapangala, Fallou Dieng, Sir Shina Peters, King Mensah, Chiwoniso and Dobet Gnahore, to name a few.

About Music Africa:

Music Africa is a non-profit community-based organization whose main objective is to promote African music in Toronto through the Afrofest music festival and other occasional events. Established in 1990, Music Africa is among the oldest and most respected organizations promoting African music in Canada.

Music Africa also supports the activities of other non-profit cultural organizations through partnerships for various events. Through its activities, Music Africa is committed to enhancing appreciation and awareness of African music among Canadians while also striving to establish Toronto as a thriving global centre for African music.

Music Africa gratefully acknowledges the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council.