After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the highly anticipated Focus Africa Festival is making a triumphant return to the vibrant arts scene of Shoreditch. Set to take place on July 29th, 2023, at the esteemed Rich Mix venue, this explosive multicultural entertainment showcase promises to transport attendees into the heart of the Motherland with an immersive experience of live music, captivating fashion, and a celebration of African culture. Presented by the Focus Africa Organisation in partnership with Arts Council England and Creative Resilience International, the festival has garnered support from esteemed pillars in the community, including Rich Mix, The Africa Centre, The Royal African Society, and Black Cultural Archives.
Lasting an impressive 8 hours, the 4th Focus Africa Festival will captivate the audience with an array of tantalizing rhythms and seductive sounds from some of the finest musicians representing Africa. Over 40 artists and musicians, including renowned acts like Yaaba Funk from Ghana, Grupo Lokito from Congo DRC – UK, and Koroleko Moussa Dembele from Burkina Faso, will take the stage, showcasing genres such as Hi-life, Soukouss, Rumba, Salsa, and more. This unprecedented musical extravaganza will undoubtedly leave attendees spellbound and enthralled by the diverse musical heritage of the African continent.
In an exciting first for the festival, a fashion component will be introduced, adding another layer of creativity and cultural expression. The runway will come alive with the captivating designs of emerging and frontier fashion creatives from Africa and the African Diaspora. Celebrated names in the industry, including Lisou London, Kwame Koranteng, Denim Recon, Massassi B, Samson Soboye, YouMeeWee, George Adesegun, Re:I.D., Andersson Rodrigues, MultiCulture, Matthew Eluwande and Kutivz Kouture, will showcase their impressive collections, spotlighting the fusion of contemporary and traditional African aesthetics. This unique integration of music and fashion promises to create an immersive experience that showcases the rich tapestry of African artistry and creativity.
The Focus Africa Festival aims to be an inclusive event, offering something for everyone in attendance. The music will be non-stop, featuring the hottest DJs who will spin the best of Afrobeat, Azonto, Kuduro, Coupe Decale, Afrohouse, Amapiano, and Soukous, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere that keeps the audience moving to the infectious beats. Moreover, festival-goers will have the opportunity to explore a vibrant marketplace of vendors, offering African food, crafts, and cultural artifacts, adding to the sensory journey through the Motherland.
In line with the festival’s commitment to community engagement, a free drum and Balafon workshop will be held from 5 pm to 6.30 pm, allowing attendees of all ages to learn and experience the rich heritage of African percussion instruments. This interactive session will foster a deeper appreciation for African music and traditions, creating a space for cultural exchange and learning.
To ensure a seamless experience, interested individuals can visit the Focus Africa Facebook page (https://bit.ly/3GHGR0Y) for more information on how to book their place at the festival.
