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From Fred Itua, Abuja
Plans have been concluded for Yemi Alade, Diamond Platnumz, Omah Lay, Eddie Kenzo, Tekno and over 35 artistes and DJs across Africa to perform at the All Africa Festival, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Organisers of the event said with the new year celebrations over, “the award-winning All Africa Festival (AAF), the UAE’s largest celebration of Africa’s rich and diverse cultures in all their vibrant expressions and representations, are ramping up efforts to deliver an unforgettable mosaic of performances, artistic, culinary and culturally immersive experiences on the grounds of Yas Island’s Etihad Park, next month.
“With an exhaustive lineup of globally acclaimed artists across multiple afro-centric genres in music set to take the stage next month, performing with a backdrop of vibrant festive energy, there are many reasons to attend.
“More than 35 artistes and DJs coming from all corners of Africa will perform at the three-day Festival. Congolese French singer, rapper, and songwriter, Maître Gims; Canadian Moroccan actress, singer and dancer, Nora Fatehi; Nigerian singer-songwriters, Omah Lay, Tekno and Yemi Alade; and Ghanaian Afropop, dancehall and reggae musician, Stonebwoy, have been announced as some of the headlining acts at the festival.
“Joining them are the Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artiste, Diamond Platnumz; French hip hop, R&B and urban pop singer-songwriter, Vegedream; Moroccan rapper, ElGrandeToto; Sudanese singer/songwriter, Hleem Taj Alser; Ethiopian hip hop artiste, Lij Michael (Faf); South African dancer and singer, Kamo Mphela; Zimbabwean-born ‘Queen of Amapiano,’ Sha Sha; Congolese Soukous star, singer and producer, Koffi Olomide and Zimbabwean-born singers, songwriters, Berita and Hillary.
“With many more artistes having joined the fold of talents performing in Abu Dhabi at the All Africa Festival, this event is set to be the biggest Ode to Afro-entertainment in the Middle East to date.
“A stellar line-up of DJs from Africa and the diaspora set to keep the vibe alive in between performances. Now, what’s a music inspired festival without some electric energy from a DJ’s turntable? Emirati female DJ Liya brings it in for local talent at the Festival, joined by Zimbabwean DJ C-Boy, Kenyan Deeyay Mneddy, Somali DJ, Jay Beats, and American DJ, Nikki Nicole, who have all rose to prominence on the Dubai entertainment scene.
“Tanzanian RJ the DJ, Senegalese DJ, Dollar and Nigerian DJ Royal Phys, South African Vigro Deep, and Nigerian St Seii form the stable of disk jockeys flying in from the continent to Abu Dhabi, to showcase their talent from their turntables.
“Ghanaian actress and film producer, Juliet Ibrahim, will reel in the festivities as event host. Growing up in Ghana introduced Juliet to the vivid traditions, values, and friendliness of African culture. She credits her Lebanese heritage for close family ties, and a passion for delectable cuisine.
“Guests at the All Africa Festival will soak up Juliet’s contagious energy, sure to be captivated by the personality that is making waves as an actress and film producer as she takes to the stage as the event host from February 2, through to February 4 in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park.
“Additionally, creative visual and mural artiste, Olujimi Emmanuel Ayomide, also known as Ceezar Empire, as well as other UAE based artistes, will be at the festival grounds, taking guests through the use of paint and other media, to deliver live displays of thought provoking murals and artworks.
“A taste of Africa’s diverse culinary flavours. It is no surprise that the aromatic spices and bold flavours of African cuisine have found a seat at the UAE’s multicultural dining table. From Nigerian jollof rice, Kenyan Nyama Choma to South African bobotie, the gastronomic landscape has expanded to encompass a diverse array of African culinary delights.
“Fashion inspired by the rich tapestry of Africa. As fashion shows dedicated to African designs are becoming a fixture on the UAE’s fashion calendar, we can anticipate Afro-inspired fashion, be it clothing, accessories and novelty items, to find their way onto the festival grounds at Yas Island’s Etihad Park.”
