Berlin celebrates Africa as Kenako Festival opens!

The African festival in the federal capital of Berlin opens on 2 June with a wide-ranging programme including live concerts, dance workshops, a bazaar and workshops at the popular Alexanderplatz in the city centre. The Festival is visited by around 5,000 people daily!

Kenako Afrika Festival, from 2-12 June, parades established and up-and-coming artists, including Wiyaala, the creative artist from Ghana who combines traditional African rhythms with modern pop music. The festival also features Mali’s superstar Habib Koité, singer Nomfusi from South Africa and the Germany-based pan-African AKWABA gospel group, among many other artists. 

An Intercultural Market, which opens daily from 10 am to 10 pm, affords visitors the chance to buy artefacts, gift items, sample African food and simply enjoy the bazaar atmosphere.

Kenako Festival, which celebrates its 5th anniversary and is fast establishing a solid reputation on Berlin’s cultural scene, also hosts other events, ranging from film shows, workshops and podium discussions on the Diaspora entrepreneurs’ role in driving German-African trade and investment. An open business forum on 3-4 June offers a networking opportunity for African entrepreneurs based in Germany and their German counterparts – to meet and develop possible partnerships.

The Bridgebuilder’s Fair, which takes place every year in the course of the Kenako Festival, communicates to a big audience the valuable and diverse work of organisations and initiatives with connection to Africa. 

This year, the Bridgebuilder’s Fair will take place from 10-12 June and its highlight is the Kenako Award 2016. The two best projects selected by a panel of experts will each receive a flight ticket, sponsored by Brussels Airlines, to an African country of their choice.

For the complete festival programme, visit: www.kenako-festival.de

Vivian Asamoah & Antonia Reglin

 

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