AMAPIANO is taking over the music industry globally, and some of the biggest stars of this genre are flying the Mzansi flag high overseas.
The award-winning All Africa Festival (AAF), which is the UAE’s largest celebration of Africa’s rich and diverse cultures in all their vibrant expressions and representations, is set to make a return for its third edition, debuting in the nation’s capital, Abu Dhabi.
The festival will take place from Friday, February 2 to Sunday, 4 February and will see the UAE Africa Connect (UAEAC) platform operate as the festival’s strategic partner.
UAEAC is a platform that celebrates the harmonic and solid partnership between the UAE and Sub-Saharan Africa.
An A-list of artists who were announced to be among African stars who will be performing at the event include Mzansi’s Kamo Mphela, Pabi Cooper, Vigrodeep, and SHA SHA.
ALSO READ: Dr Malinga crawls back to ANC
CEO and co-founder of the All Africa Festival, Nina Olatoke, said they couldn’t be more excited to bring back the All Africa Festival with Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
“The festival will be providing the perfect backdrop to take this event to new heights in driving our mandate to showcase and celebrate Africa’s vibrant entertainment, food and cultural experiences to residents and visitors to the UAE and the GCC region at large,” she said.
Nina said they went from humble beginnings in Dubai’s Creek Park in 2018 to hosting the festival at the foot of Burj Khalifa in Burj Park for two consecutive years.
“Our history spans more than five years of curating and successfully producing a festival that welcomes all nationalities to come and experience the heartbeat of Africa through sound and displays of art, fashion and cuisine,” she said.
She said the decision to move the All Africa Festival to Abu Dhabi was inspired by the nation’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally diverse society, as well as having witnessed the growth in numbers of African expats living and working in the UAE.
“As we bring to life the electric, vibrant energy for which Africa is known through music performances, fashion and art installations across the three days, we are truly honoured to be working closely with UAE Africa Connect, our strategic partner, the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, as well as Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, in bringing this event to life,” Nina said.
