The festival is “a celebration that brings together the richness of cultures, the joy of music, and the spirit of community!”
AUGUST 17 and 18, the heart of Niagara Falls area of Ontario Canada, will be filled with rhythms and flavours of African origin and feel as the 2024 African Women Acting AWA Niagara Festival returns “by popular demand.”
Initiated and directed by Sonia Aimy, the Canada-based Nigerian singer, actress, art and social activist, the festival is top of culture calendar in Ontario and other Canadian cities.
Holding from noon every day till 10 pm, the festival is billed will be held at the equally reputable Oakes Garden Theatre located at 5825 River Road, Niagara Falls, L2G 3K9.
“This year’s festival promises an array of attractions, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees,” stated Aimy, the multitalented/multi-skilled native of Edo State, who is, however, internationally renowned for her successful career, first as an actress, and now as a singer and art activist, with a penchant for flagging her rich Edo cultural resources in all of her activities.
She adds that the festival is “a celebration that brings together the richness of cultures, the joy of music, and the spirit of community!”
According to Aimy, attendees at the festival should expect:
● Musical Performances in a diverse musical journey as talented local artists from African, Native, South Asian, and other Canadian communities take the stage.”
The daily routine of the festival is outlined as follows:
Saturday, August 17:
* DJ Moussa: Global Music (All day)
* African Drumming Circle Workshop: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
* Yagnac: Belly dance workshop (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
* KL Entertainment led by Akhil: 5:00 p.m.
* Kyla Wheeler: Bollywood dancers (6:00 p.m.)
* Juliet Dunn: Jazz (6:25 p.m.)
* CDot & Daniel Monte ft Cdot: Hip-hop and Pop Rock (7:25 p.m.)
* Amadou Kienou Ft Yagnac: African Traditional/Dance (8:40 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Sunday, August 18:
* DJ Moussa: Global Music (All day)
* African Drumming Circle Workshop: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
* Yagnac: Belly dance workshop (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
* Hailey Shepstone: RnB, folk (5:00 p.m.)
* Okay Camper: Country, Indie Rock (5:20 p.m.)
* OL Child – Philip Davis: Indigenous (6:00 p.m.)
* Faith Amour: Afro-Jazz (6:40 p.m.)
* Lady Son (Yeti Ajasin) Ft Salsa Dancing Niagara: Afro-Cuban (7:20 p.m.)
* Dicko Fils/Amadou Kienou Ft Yagnac: African music/dance (8:30 p.m. – 10:00
p.m.)
Other activities include:
- Workshops: an interactive African Drumming circle, exploring the world of visual arts through hands-on creative experiences. The workshops are designed to inspire and educate, providing a deeper connection to the arts.
- Kids’ Zone by RiverBrink: A designated space for children aged 3 to 12, filled with imaginative and engaging activities. The Kids’ Zone ensures that the youngest attendees have an enjoyable and enriching experience.
- Exhibition: A showcase of products and services from local craftsmen, businesses, and organisations; offering a glimpse into the vibrant community of the Niagara region, highlighting the creativity and innovation of local talent.
The event is free to attend but tickets for workshops and food vouchers can be purchased via:
Workshops: https://www.eventbrite.ca/…/rhythms-movements-workshop…
Food vouchers: https://www.eventbrite.ca/…/meal-vouchers-for-the-awa…
Early bird tickets: $30 for Sat/Sun workshops, single day workshop $20. Food vouchers $15. *Early bird prices available until July 31 st , 2024.
Last year, the AWA team was led on a well-promoted and reported tour of Nigeria by Ms Aimy, during which they performed in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities, with a promise to be back this year, or in nearest future.
