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.
Frankfurt will play host to the first-ever ASA WA Day, a vibrant celebration of Yoruba heritage, on Saturday, 12 July 2025. Taking place at Saalbau Griesheim, the event promises an immersive journey into one of West Africa’s most influential and enduring cultures.
Organised by the Yoruba Heritage Art and Cultural Group in collaboration with Souls of Africa e.V., ASA WA Day — meaning “Our Culture” in the Yoruba language — marks a bold step in preserving and showcasing African identity within Europe’s multicultural fabric.
The event brings together Yoruba descendants, cultural enthusiasts and the wider public to experience the rich traditions, music, food, language and values of the Yoruba people. It aims to foster unity, cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge transfer among the African diaspora and beyond.
“ASA WA Day is not just an event. It is a cultural awakening and a legacy for generations to come,” the organising committee noted. “It affirms that no matter where we are in the world, our culture lives on — with pride, purpose, and unity.”
The day-long celebration will feature an exciting lineup of traditional performances and cultural activities, including:
- Ìjòyò Cultural Parade – a vibrant display of traditional attire, dance and music
- Live drumming and performance art featuring the iconic Gángan – the Yoruba talking drum known for mimicking speech
- Authentic Yoruba cuisine and a variety of cultural exhibitions
- Interactive showcases, including storytelling sessions, language engagement and traditional rites
With every beat of the drum and every dish served, attendees will experience the living heartbeat of Yoruba civilisation — one that spans centuries and continents.
In a powerful nod to Yoruba traditional leadership, Yoruba kings from across Europe — including France, the Netherlands, the UK — will grace the occasion. Their presence symbolises a growing recognition of traditional African institutions in the diaspora.
Joining them in a show of pan-African solidarity will be Hausa community kings from Northern Nigeria, underscoring the shared heritage and mutual respect between diverse African cultures.
This royal gathering not only lends ceremonial weight to the occasion but also reinforces ASA WA Day’s mission to bridge the past and the present — and unite Africa’s many voices under one celebratory roof.
ASA WA Day is part of a broader cultural awakening among African communities in Europe. With Paris already hosting its own version of the celebration, Frankfurt’s inclusion signals the beginning of what organisers hope will become an annual tradition across Germany and beyond.
More than a celebration, ASA WA Day serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy, education, and unity, offering a renewed sense of belonging to Africans in the diaspora and strengthening ties with their German hosts.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 12 July 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Venue: Saalbau Griesheim, Schwarzerlenweg 57, 65933 Frankfurt am Main
Whether you are of Yoruba descent, African heritage or simply curious about the richness of African traditions, ASA WA Day promises an unforgettable evening of culture, connection, and pride.
Sola Jolaoso
