Bantu African Fest is coming to Geelong to immerse the community in southern and western Africa’s culture, food, music, and dance.
Geelong African organisation Bantu Collective will host the free event at The Geelong Club from 3pm to 9pm on Saturday, May 24.
Bantu Collective’s Ngoni Dzashe said the event would feature many activities for adults and children.
“We have stand-up comedians this year with a two-hour comedy session and five comedians. We also have a two-hour magic show for the kids and balloon twisting,” he said.
“We have two dance workshops, including Afro-fusion and Caribbean Dancehall dancing, along with food from Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and West Africa.
“We’ve also got a stellar line up, with the headline for our show this year being Zimbabwean-Mozambican artist Sylent Nqo, known as the Guitar Sangoma or witch doctor of playing the guitar.”
Mr Dzashe said the event was open to everybody, was wheelchair accessible, and was a chance to introduce people to the African culture.
“It’s important that we (have events like this) because it helps break down any barriers that we have in communication between Afro-Australians, Africans and the wider community,” he said.
“It’s as simple as you could have amazing food from West Africa, and that would be your first step into finding something out about Africa. This (event) is important because it helps bridge that gap.
“The misconception about this event is that it’s an African event for Africans, which it’s not at all. It’s an invitation to the Geelong and wider community to experience the African culture for a couple of hours.”
Visit eventbrite.com.au/e/bantu-fest-tickets-1359643643739 for more information and free tickets to the event.
