EVERETT—The Washington West African Center’s third annual Sounds of Africa will be returning this year at Garfield Park, located at 2300 Walnut Street in Everett, on Saturday, August 16.
The Sounds of Africa festival aims to create a harmonious gathering where people from various communities can come together and immerse themselves in the rich and authentic culture and traditions of Africa, the West Agrican Center said. Its intention is to foster diversity, promote peaceful coexistence and facilitate meaningful businesses exchanges between Washington’s African community and other cultures.
From 1 p.m. until 7 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy authentic African cuisines, experience traditional African fashion, and immerse themselves in the liveliness of African music. Guests can expect fashion shows, dance competitions, and live music by an assortment of African bands and artists including Pa Bobo Jorbarteh, the Kuyateh Arts, Selassie Soldiers, WAWAC BIDEWW Choir, Gangsango West African Music and Dance Group and more.
This is the second year the BIDEWW Choir children will take the main stage. Last year they opened the festival with a performance of ‘Hear Us Out’ – a song about hope, healing, and family. This year, the children’s choir is returning with an original song that celebrates heritage, resilience, and dreams.
An assortment of different vendors will also be on site selling African wares such as food, clothing, arts and crafts, in addition to other businesses and community partners hosting giveaways and discussing their organization’s services.
There will also be several entertainment options for children including meet-and-greets with local firemen, face painting, a bouncy house and musical chairs games, and interactive musical engagements.
For the last three years the Sounds of Africa festival has provided a space where African Americans can feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Children are encouraged to laugh, jump, dance, and feel proud of who they are.
The event is open to the public and free of charge.
The Sounds of Africa festival is also in search of volunteers and vendors. Interested parties can sign up by scanning the following QR code.
You can stay connected with the Washington West African Center on social media and more at:
- Facebook: Washington West African Center
- Instagram: @wawestafricancenter
- Youtube: Washington West African Center
If you would like to support WAWAC to provide more services to the West African community in Washington State, contact the organization at: 253-235-2132 or email: info@wawac.org or visit www.wawac.org
You can also send a cash/check donation to the Washington West African Center at 19203, 36th Avenue West, Suite 210, Lynnwood, WA, 98036, Cashapp/Zelle: 4045936215, or visit wawac.org/donations/donate/
Author: Kienan Briscoe
