Habari Africa Festival 2023

Batuki Music Society is proud to present the Habari Africa Festival at Harbourfront Centre from Friday August 11 – 13, 2023. This multi-disciplinary African arts festival is free with activities for all-ages. Join us for a weekend of exploration and engagement with the art, sounds and tastes of the continent.

Music and Dance Performances:

Chimurenga Revival features Mary Anibal, and comprises a talented group of musicians to perform traditional and folk songs, from Zimbabwe. The performance is a tribute to the late Mbira Queen – Stella ‘Ambuya’ Chiweshe, who played a significant role in the liberation movement.

Rumba: Soul of Congo features an all-star ensemble who share a deep connection through the languages, stories and songs that define their Congolese heritage. The repertoire will celebrate the artistry of the veterans and icons of Congolese music.

Lorraine Klaasen, performer extraordinaire, is the daughter of the jazz singer Thandie Klaasen, one of Nelson Mandela’s favourite singers and an indisputable South African legend.

KIZABA seeks to infuse Afrobeats, electronics, house and contemporary music with melodies and rhythms from Congolese traditions, creating a unique Afro-futurist universe.

Benkadi provides an authentic experience of West African traditions. Be energized during this incredible display of acrobatics pitted against vibrant drum beats!

Born in Ivory Coast, Kady Diaby is a storyteller of modern times, the tales she shares in her music create a connection between tradition and modernity.

Cheikh Ibra Fam is a multidimensional artist with a futuristic spirit, his music incorporates hip-hop and R&B beats, alongside Afrobeat horns with nods to his Senegalese heritage.

Adama Daou is a master of the balafon and accomplished percussionist from the city of Mopti, Mali. He is supported by a cast of accomplished musicians from Montreal.

Alpha Rhythm Roots presents concerts, workshops and percussion classes with the goal to bring the music, dance and cultural traditions of Guinea and West Africa to Canada.

Juno-nominated Njacko Backo and Kalimbas At Work weave together the sweet sounds of kalimba and ngoni in unique configurations anchored in traditional Cameroonian rhythms.

Abe African Circus features incredible balancing acts, juggling displays and acrobatic feats! Born in Ethiopia, Abebe Atlebachew is a circus performer, dancer and choreographer. He shares the struggle of migration through his art of circus.

Live Painting by Kando – a visual artist, born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo whose work, explores themes of individuality and identity as a way to express his deep desire for freedom.

Haiba, is an accomplished oud player, singer and composer from El Obeid, Sudan. Inspired by his homeland, he performs folk and popular songs that share the Sudanese tradition of lyrical music that utilizes oblique metaphors.

The Indaga Dance Troupe perform traditional dances from Burundi in order to showcase their heritage.

Sadaka is an invitation for our divine deities to give us the energy to spread blessings. Sadaka was created by Nigerian dance educator, performer and choreographer, Sani Abu Mohammed Allen of Ijovudu Dance. Join master drummer Amadou Kienou and friends in a parade to the heart of Habari Africa. Everybody is welcome to drum, dance, clap and sing along!

Interactive all-ages workshops:

DzePasi is a Shona word which means ‘from the earth’. This is a workshop on traditional music, the Mbira instrument and dance. All are welcome to learn to sing and dance to folk songs of Zimbabwe. Led by Mary Anibal and Tich Maredza.

La Kora de Griot workshop features Sadio Sissokho, in a celebration of the majestic kora instrument and sound that contains Africa’s story of yesterday, today and tomorrow, a captivating expression of griot wisdom.

The Balafon Village instructor Adama Daou will introduce you to the African wooden xylophone through simple rhythmic and melodic exercises. Grab your sticks and create your own sound, inspired by your inner soul!

Learn traditional and urban dances from Southern Africa with IZimba Arts in this high energy workshop for all ages.

BK By R.I.T.E! Fusing traditional East African dance moves and rhythms with modern concepts and Hip Hop grooves.

Children’s Activities:

African Mask Portraits by Blank Canvases invites our young participants to make their own mixed media collage portrait inspired by African masks from various countries and based on the works of artist Sean Skeir.

Kalimba Orchestra led by Njacko Backo, is an interactive children’s workshop to learn about the Cameroonian Kalimba and bring traditional music to life.  Njacko will share The Lion and the Zebra story in this activity.

Cesária Évora Film Screening:

World renowned performer Cesária Évora in a new and intimate documentary. With previously unseen footage and insights into the singer’s life, the film follows the struggles and success of the Barefoot Diva. Her voice took her from poverty to stardom, but her only dream was to be free. Host: Edward Ulzen