THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
From 24 July to 3 August 2025, Berlin will once again host the vibrant KENAKO Africa Festival — but this year at a new location: Washingtonplatz, directly in front of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Despite the move from its traditional home at Alexanderplatz, the festival promises the same rich blend of African music, art, culture and dialogue that has made it a beloved annual event.
With the theme “Peace in an Age of Global Warfare,” the 2025 edition focuses on fostering understanding, solidarity and resilience through cultural exchange and critical conversations. Amid global crises and growing societal tensions, the festival serves as a platform for reflection, activism and celebration of African identities and diasporic perspectives.
Visitors can look forward to an exciting lineup of live music, dance, workshops, panel discussions and a bustling marketplace filled with handmade crafts, fashion, fair-trade products, and culinary delights from across the continent.
Musical Highlights
The festival stage will host an eclectic mix of artists representing the diversity of African music:
- Dareel Marley, the dynamic Nigerian singer, songwriter and DJ, brings his fusion of Afrobeat and contemporary club rhythms to the heart of Berlin.
- Mary Anibal, an award-winning Afro-fusion artist from Zimbabwe, captivates audiences with her soulful voice and vibrant stage presence.
- Ndungu Kina, a Leipzig-based band, invites the crowd to move and celebrate with their high-energy performances combining traditional drumming, dance, and interactive show elements.
- Festival-goers can also dance to the beats of DJ MaVert, AfroHaus Berlin’s resident DJ, whose sets are known for igniting dance floors with Afro-electronic vibes.
Workshops and Talks
Beyond the music, KENAKO 2025 offers inspiring workshops and thought-provoking discussions:
- Upcycling Workshop (with Togo Goes On e.V.): Participants learn to give old clothes new life while exploring sustainability and creativity.
- Panel Discussion – Wars, Migration & Brain Drain:
This panel explores how war drives migration and accelerates brain drain – the emigration of skilled individuals whose knowledge is vital for post-conflict reconstruction. Experts will discuss the roles and responsibilities of host countries, international institutions, and countries of origin in responding to this trend. What prevents return? What encourages it? And how can expertise in exile contribute to rebuilding efforts?
- Peace-Building Workshop (with Act4Transformation): This interactive session, featuring facilitator Ameyo Dick, explores how to respond to racism with civil courage.
- Fast Fashion – Slow Justice: A participatory workshop addressing the environmental and social costs of the fashion industry, offering tools for responsible consumerism.
- Talk – Die Situation im Sudan:
Presented by Amal Abass – German-Sudanese activist, born in Dresden, co-founder of the kindergarten Kindezi.ao, the tubman.network, and founder of the initiative “Eltern Schwarzer Kinder.”
Amal Abass will offer insights into the current conflict in Sudan, its devastating human toll and the impact on diasporic communities. Her perspective bridges personal engagement and structural critique, highlighting both suffering and resilience.
Family-Friendly and Inclusive
Children are warmly welcomed with special creative activities and play zones, ensuring the festival remains a space for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy, reflect, and connect.
For the full program and updates, visit the festival’s website: www.kenako-festival.de
