News
Return of Celebrate Africa Festival Announced by Dept of Parks and Rec., Pr. Geo. County
September 8, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2022
Program Contact: Deletta Gillespie, 301-446-3232
Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311
CELEBRATE AFRICA FESTIVAL RETURNS TO PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Riverdale, MD – The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County is pleased to announce its plans for this year’s Celebrate Africa festival, happening September 25, 2022 from 12 – 6 pm at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. This award-winning festival is a day full of celebratory events and joyous performances honoring the artistic and cultural contributions of the African immigrant community to Prince George’s County. Celebrate Africa is free and open to the public.
Darlene Watkins, Chief of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Division of Prince George’s County shares “This will be our fifth Celebrate Africa festival and – with a lineup featuring African comedians, storytellers, dance fitness, musicians and food vendors – this year’s festival may indeed be our best!”
Celebrate Africa Festival 2022’s lineup includes:
- Meditating to the spellbinding vibes of Kora music – known as west Africa’s classical music – with master musician and jeli/griot Amadou Kouyate
- Kenyan comedienne, actor, storyteller, and vocalist Anna Mwhalago‘s hilarious sense of humor will have you laughing out loud as she shares stories about African immigrant experiences in the United States
- Nigerian-Canadian Singer/Songwriter TolumiDE will charm and delight all with her “Suya Soul” style (a unique fusion of contemporary R&B with African pop)
- Chopteeth‘s sounds will connect the common groove between the funkiest, most hip-shakin’ West African and American popular music on the planet
- This year’s fashion show – Red Carpet Africa – will have you swooning over Ghanaian-born designer Afua Sam’s African-influenced fashion designs – spotted at red-carpet events all over the world
- Performing Arts Center for African Cultures will show you the latest dance moves from across the African continent
- Listen to the music of the royal courts of 13th century Manding West Africa with The Uasuf Gueye Trio
Other festival highlights include Storytelling on the River, where you’ll have a chance to lose yourself in centuries-old folk tales and fables while cruising the Anacostia, as well as shopping in the marketplace for authentic arts and crafts from all over the continent.
Along the way, refuel and feast on delightful African culinary creations from a variety of on-site food vendors, including Hunger Tamer (featuring West African cuisine) and more vendors to be announced.
For more information, visit https://www.pgparks.com/event_list/celebrate-africa.
Bladensburg Waterfront Park is located at 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710. Patrons traveling by car are strongly encouraged to park at the nearby Colmar Manor Community Park (3200 37th Avenue, Colmar, MD) and ride the shuttle to the festival.
About the Department
The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, PhotoShelter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
