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AFROFEST 2023

July 7, 2023 - July 9, 2023

AFROFEST is the largest free African festival in North America and celebrates the beauty and diversity of African music and culture.

Through our programming over the years, AFROFEST has become one of the most important African cultural events in Canada as it showcases numerous multinational artists and initiatives which aim promoting the diverse and beautiful nature of various cultures in Africa. We welcome everyone to join us to celebrate our cultural heritage.

Key points about AFROFEST 2023: – Celebrating its 35th year- This is the second time we will present a 3-day festival at Woodbine Park.

– Largest free African festival in N. America with over 45 performances, 90+ vendors and over 140,000 visitors over the weekend. – Programming Philosophy: Genres of music which showcase African, Diaspora and Black culture (Afrobeat, Afropop, Amapiano, Soukous, Makossa, Rai, Reggae, Rumba etc.)- Lineup focuses on local artists but also includes international artists.

AFROFEST 2023 will feature 6 main areas: 1. Main Stage: Will feature performances by established artists. First list will be released before the middle of February 2023.2. Baobab Stage: This highly energetic and engaging stage is the home of emerging artists and talent. It has shorter performances which focus on more interaction between the emcees and the audience. The full schedule for both stages is available before the end of May 2023. 3. AFROFEST Marketplace: Features about 90 food and merchandise vendors.

  1. Children’s Creative Village: This area is reserved for toddlers who are introduced to basic elements of African culture. Activities include face painting, storytelling and other interactive elements.5. Drum Zone: Drumming is an integral part of African culture. Hosted by African Drums and Art Crafts this is an area reserved individuals who will like to experience traditional African drumming and dance. 6. Mom-and-tots area where nursing mothers can change their children.

Some new elements of AFROFEST 2023 are:

  1. DJ Sound Clash
  2. Fashion Show: This is another interactive element with daily cash prizes of $500 awarded to the best male and best female individuals dressed in the African or African inspired attires. We will have “Fashion Police” on site and a booth where interested participants will enter to be considered. Contestants can also take a picture and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #AFROFEST2022fashion. The more the likes on the picture, the higher the chance for the contestant to be chosen. The top 10 contestants will be invited to present their outfits on the AFROFEST main stage and the audience will select the winner.
  3. AFROFEST Community Shield Awards: There are many Africans in Toronto doing amazing work and inspiring people on a daily basis but whose stories go unrecognized. This award is for the unsung heroes within the African community in Toronto. Individuals are encouraged to submit the profile of anyone who they think is worthy of consideration. The winners will be presented on the main Stage at AFROFEST 2023.

New Idea:

On Thursday July 06, 2023 we are exploring the idea of having a movie night during which we will broadcast a movie about African art.

Details

Start:
July 7, 2023
End:
July 9, 2023

Venue

Woodbine Park 1695 Queen Street East Toronto, ON M4L 1G7
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