WHAT IS AFRICA WITH THE MASTERS?

Coinciding with Culture Days, the 9th annual AWM Festival is a 3-day series of activities, performances and culturally relevant arts engagements by Elders, knowledge keepers and professional African artists living in Canada. The festival honors the “Spirit of the Village”, promotes friendship and respect, and welcomes people of all backgrounds through music, dance, traditional kids games and storytelling, performed and facilitated by African Elders, knowledge keepers, and professional African artists.

The theme for the 2025 AWM is “Dignity”. Dignity is about being treated with consideration, honor, and politeness, and being valued for who we are. It also involves a sense of self-worth and the ability to maintain composure and integrity, even in difficult situations. At AFS, we restore DIGNITY.

Indigenous traditions around the world have sought — and continue to seek — to preserve their dignity despite the oppression they have faced and still face today. At AFS, we support the fight for DIGNITY everywhere.

This festival is an opportunity to celebrate our friendships with the broader community while sharing who we are, through our artistic forms, as per many African traditions. Like all our events, AWM nurtures unity, feelings of joy and celebration, interconnectedness, and mind-body alignment.

***AWM is a bilingual event (French and English). Certaines activités se feront en Français selon l'audience.

AGENDA

Africa with the Masters in-person Festival is an immersive and invaluable experience taking place on the Ancestral and unceded land of the Coast Salish peoples –Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, over three action-packed days. It is an inclusive and welcoming experience for all, in a mobility accessible venue.

1. Friday, September 26, 2025 - Village Night, a concert presenting professional African artists, traditional storytelling, and a delicious authentic African meal.

2. Saturday, September 27, 2025 - Africa Play Day for families and the child in each of us, with free shows, games, and activities for children, facilitated by renowned professional African artists and knowledge keepers.

3. Sunday, September 28, 2025 - Workshops open to the public to study rhythm and drum traditions from Africa, with African artists. These workshops are for adults only, your kids can be with you but we have no class for them.

Later in October, we will invite you to our Sawubona Friendship Night. It's an opportunity to cultivate Friendship and enjoy a combination of African heritage from Africa and the Caribbean diaspora.