4th Annual Houston AfriFEST to highlight the African arts, culture, and entertainment

File photo of a reflection of the African art, music, and culture. The purpose of the Houston AfriFEST is to share cultural arts activities from the different nationalities and ethnic groups of the African continent.
File photo of a reflection of the African art, music, and culture. The purpose of the Houston AfriFEST is to share cultural arts activities from the different nationalities and ethnic groups of the African continent.

Houston, the most diverse city in the U.S. will again take center stage as it pays tribute to the continent of Africa. On Saturday, October 8th, 2016 the Nigerian-American Multicultural Council (NAMC) and the African Student Association host its 4th annual Houston AfriFEST – a festival of African arts, culture, and entertainment from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Houston Baptist University, located at 7502 Fondren Rd., Houston, TX 77074.

The purpose of the Houston AfriFEST is to share cultural arts activities from the different nationalities and ethnic groups of the African continent. Over 2000 people will attend this one-day event! Houston AfriFEST 2016 will showcase traditional and contemporary African dances, music, art, poetry by artists from several African countries.

Special guest performers will include Lipsia, an Angolan jazz, R&B and world music singer who was born in Russia. Lipsia has been nominated by the African Entertainment Awards as the “Best New Female Artist of 2016”. Richie Francis, a Nigerian singer will bring his style of urban music that is so popular with the youth. The Cameroonian masquerade dancers will bring the traditional Njang dances. Chilli, the Cultural Ambassador of Cameroon has exported original traditional music from the grass lands of Kumbo to the world stage. Myoa, a London-based songstress will also grace the 2016 Houston AfriFEST stage. Joy of Djembe, a 14-piece djembe orchestra will open the festival with a drum call.

Special guest performer, Lipsia is a jazz, blues and world music singer/songwriter from Angola. She was born in Russia and classically trained, and has participated in various international singing competitions. In 2010 she was signed to "Milionario Records" and is currently managed by Nilza Lima. She is a 2016 nominee for best new artist for the African Entertainment Awards to be held October 22 in Elizabeth NJ.
Special guest performer, Lipsia is a jazz, blues and world music singer/songwriter from Angola. She was born in Russia and classically trained, and has participated in various international singing competitions. In 2010 she was signed to “Milionario Records” and is currently managed by Nilza Lima. She is a 2016 nominee for best new artist for the African Entertainment Awards to be held October 22 in Elizabeth NJ.

The Africa Zone will consist of displays from countries such as Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania Uganda and Diaspora Africans from the United States and the Caribbean. Each country will have an elaborate exhibition of their national arts, crafts, history and geography. Our local partner is the Houston Museum of African American Culture which will showcase African films.

Richie, (born Richard Francis) as he is known, is a Nigerian talented Singer, prolific songwriter and musician. A former member of the group D’accord winners of Star Quest 2006 Music concert organized by Nigerian Breweries Plc.
Richie, (born Richard Francis) as he is known, is a Nigerian talented Singer, prolific songwriter and musician. A former member of the group D’accord winners of Star Quest 2006 Music concert organized by Nigerian Breweries Plc.

The Kids’ Zone will have educational and fun activities for children of all ages – including face-painting, arts and crafts and other engaging activities. The Festival’s African Market will have local and international merchants who bring an array of arts, crafts, fashions for the consumption of our visitors. Festival attendees can partake in authentic, tasty exotic dishes from continental African Food vendors.

Admission to the 2016 AfriFest is only $5.00 for the general public and free for seniors, college students and children. A portion of the proceeds go towards a scholarship fund for higher education for qualifying students.

For more information please go to www.namchouston.org or call Abby @ 281-788-8798.

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