WHAT IS AFRICA WITH THE MASTERS?

Coinciding with Culture Days, the 6th 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 2022 AWM Festival is “Blessing”. In African traditions, Blessing is a key component of a person’s wellbeing.  One must be blessed regularly to enjoy a good life.

Blessing is a state of the soul. It is a feeling that the soul is home, we are in alignment, and all is well. Many African cultures have their own unique ways to bestow blessings, but it is widely accepted that “To dance together is to bless each other.” And we will do just that.

As Africans, 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, comme les contes.

Volunteers Needed!
Please consider volunteering to help make the festival safe and fun for everyone.

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 30, 2022 - Village Night, a concert presenting professional artists of African descent and a delicious authentic Senegalese meal cooked by Chef Ansou.

2. Saturday, October 1, 2022 - Africa Play Day for families and the child in each of us, with free workshops and activities for children, facilitated by renowned professional artists and knowledge keepers of African descent.

3. Sunday, October 2, 2022 - Workshops open to the public and artists to study rhythm and drum traditions from Africa, with master artists of African descent. Our dance workshops are back this year!

Later in November, we will invite you to a daily online engagement (cultural activities, workshops, roundtable discussions, performance events, etc.) October 31- November 27 by professional African artists to celebrate our African heritage across Canada and contribute to the rich diversity of Canada Culture Days.