South African singer Nomfusi is one of the headliners at this year’s Afro-Pfingsten. Switzerland’s topmost African festival will not only feature music concerts but also a film programme, bazaar and arts exhibitions, among other events / Photo: CMK/Freudenhaus

Afro-Pfingsten Music Festival kicks off in Winterthur on 29 May!

The Swiss town of Winterthur will once again play hosts to artists from Africa, Europe and the Caribbean and provide a unique theatre for the meeting of Africa and its Diaspora.

Afro-Pfingsten World Music Festival in Winterthur is back this year! The biggest African cultural jamboree in Switzerland, which was missing on the calendar last year, is staging a come-back with a big bang. From 29 May to 5 June, the annual festival will parade the crème de la crème of artistes from the continent and the Diaspora. 

The festival will feature a four-day music programme with each concert session focusing on particular genre – South African Night, Afro Latin Night, Traditional Night and Reggae Night.

Among the artistes billed to perform at the concerts are Takeifa from Senegal, Orchestra Poly-Rythmo (Benin) and the French-Malian BKO Quintet. Other top musicians expected in Winterthur are the South African singer Nomfusi, the Zimbabwean band Mokoomba, Ayekoo Drummers from Ghana and the African Salsa Orchestra (Benin).

The Caribbean will not be left out as groups, such as Warrior King & the Rootz Warriors (Jamaica), Macka B & Roots Ragga Band (UK) and Septeto Nabori (Cuba), will also entertain fans at the festival.

Morocco is the guest country at this year’s Afro-Pfingsten.

A walk through the Obere Graben in Winterthur is enough to get a taste of the North African country’s air and discover its cultural treasures. Morocco will present some jewels from its cultural treasure chest there. It’s a unique opportunity to haggle with the traders of a small souk, enjoy the oriental cuisine, and watch Moroccan musicians and dance. You will get a feel of the North African country in Winterthur!

Apart from music, Afro-Pfingsten 2017 will feature bazaars, workshops, film programmes, art exhibitions and podium discussions and other activities that have all turned Winterthur into a veritable African cultural experience. 

Vivian Asamaoh

More festival information at: www.afro-pfingsten.ch


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