Harbourfront Centre presents HABARI AFRICA!

August 2, 2016August 3, 2016 News Room

Harbourfront Centre is proud to present Habari Africa Festival, co-produced by Batuki Music Society, August 12–14. Returning for its third edition, this three-day festival celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of the African continent.

Throughout the weekend, African music will be at the forefront with artists from Senegal, Mali, Ethiopia and more. On August 12, Blandine Mbiya will join veteran Congolese group Cour des Grands with a special tribute performance paying homage to two giants of African music, Tabu Ley Rochereau and Papa Wemba, on the Concert Stage.

Descending from a long line of griots (a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet and/or musician), internationally renowned Senegalese singer Mamy Kanouté , presents a charming performance that marries traditional and western instruments on the Concert Stage on August 13. Ethio- jazz singer Alemayehu Eshete also takes over the Concert Stage on August 13 with powerful vocals reminiscent of James Brown and a sound combining Ethio-jazz, soul, blues and rock and roll.

“Habari Africa highlights the diversity of Africa through a variety of mediums including our exciting lineup of musical performances and interactive dance and drum workshops that take place throughout the weekend,” says Nadine McNulty, Artistic Director at Batuki Music Society. “Torontonians have the opportunity to build a greater understanding and appreciation for African culture by experiencing it through the various art forms that are closely tied to the continent.”

This year’s Habari Africa highlights the rich assortment of cultures that shape Africa through music, dance, film, workshops, crafts, fashion and food.

Throughout the Festival, the World Café will be turning out delicious food inspired by Habari Africa, while the Lakeview Market will be bursting at the seams with vendors from all over the city.

And everyday at Harbourfront Centre, Boxcar Social offers a curated, rotating list of coffees from the best roasters in North America, and a careful selection of some of the world’s top new-world wines, craft beers, scotches and bourbons. The Slip, voted one of Toronto’s best new patios, offers all-day sun, a breeze off the lake, cocktail pitchers and fresh cuisine.

In addition to Habari Africa Festival, co-produced by Batuki Music Society, Harbourfront Centre’s exciting Summer Festivals still include the upcoming:
Hot & Spicy Food Festival, August 19–21
TAIWANfest: A Cultural Tango with Hong Kong, co-produced by Asian Canadian Special Events Association, August 26–28

Ashkenaz Festival, produced with Ashkenaz Foundation in Partnership with Harbourfront Centre, September 3–5

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Harbourfront Centre is a Canadian charity operating 10 prime acres of Toronto’s central waterfront as a free and open public site. It celebrates the multiplicities of cultures that comprise Canada and enlivens the city through the creative imaginations of artists from across the country and around the globe.

For additional information, please visit harbourfrontcentre.com/festivals/habariafrica or call 416-973-4000.

Harbourfront Centre presents

HABARI AFRICA FESTIVAL Co-produced with Batuki Music Society Harbourfront Centre – 235 Queens Quay West August 12–14, 2016

Admission to Habari Africa is Free

Kwame Stephens and Friends, August 12
Djely Tapa, August 12
Yebo Dance Collective, August 12
Hommage à Tabu Ley Rochereau et Papa Wemba, August 12
Griot Voices Workshop with Djely Tapa, August 13
Senegalese Sabar Workshop with Djaly Sadio Sissokho, August 13 Ethio-Traditional Dance Eskista Workshop, August 13
Lanaya: West African Dance Workshop with Mabinty Sylla, August 13 Documentary: Roaring Abyss, August 13
Hip-Hop Slam featuring Rasselas and Ebedoz, August 13 Ethio-Traditional Dance Troupe, August 13
Boda Boda Thieves screening, August 13
Mamy Kanouté, August 13
Carine Band, August 13
Shekere: African Rhythm Shakers for Kids, August 13 & 14 Swizzlestick Theatre: Moko Jumbie Stilt Dancing Workshops, August 13 & 14 Oware Games – MACPRI, August 13 & 14
Sangele: Traditional Head-Wrap Workshop, August 13 & 14
Panel Discussion – Generation of Leaders, August 14
Mafattet, August 14
Siraba: Djembe Drum Workshop with Amadou Kienou, August 14 Fojeba & the Sunshine Band, August 14
Beats of the Antonov screening, August 14
Afrafranto, August 14