The 12th edition of the popular African Cultural Festival in Rebstock Park is themed: "Shaping an interconnected world justly"
Guests include Youssou N'Dour, Oumou Sangaré, Luciano and other renowned artists
For the 12th time, the African Culture Festival will take place in Frankfurt's Rebstock Park from 7 to 9 July 2017. This year, visitors can look forward to three days of live music, political discussions, children's programs, as well as the popular bazaar with African food and handicrafts.
As in every year, the cultural festival stands out especially for its musical program:
Youssou N'Dour is one of Africa's most influential and successful artists. He will be on stage with his band "Le Super Étoile de Dakar" on July 08, 2017. N'Dour sang with Peter Gabriel or Neneh Cherry (of "7 Seconds" fame) and already filled halls all over the world with his Senegalese-influenced pop music. Now he released his 34th album. "Africa Rekk" means in Wolof, the national language of Senegal: "Africa only". Indeed, it is the most African album Youssou N'Dour has ever brought to the international market: Senegalese Mbalax rhythms, but also other African sounds and ballads. Duets with rapper Akon, who is of Senegalese origin, and with Congolese star Fally Ipupa complete the musical journey.
Malian singer Oumou Sangaré will also perform songs from her album "Bi Mogôya", due out in May. The "Wassoulou" (Malian music genre that harkens back to hunting rhythms) artist, who has already won a prestigious Grammy Award, will perform on 07/07/2017.
Completing the line-up is roots reggae star Luciano. The Jamaican is considered by many to be a successor to Bob Marley due to his impressive voice and spiritual messages. "Roots & Culture" lovers can see him live on July 08, 2017.
Along for the show are also Escalation, MOSCOW DEATH BRIGADE, Pachango & Ya Zuzuz and BILLY KONATE & MANDE DJARA.
The sound system tent will feature the best in reggae ampersand dancehall music over three days. Invited guests include SHASHAMANE International from Kenya, the Frankfurt-based ISLAND VIBES crew and the BASSEMENT SESSION crew.
As usual, there is plenty of space for important political discussions at the African Culture Festival. Experts from politics, science and practice as well as musicians performing at the festival will have their say in the Africa Forum tent. They will be keeping an eye on the G20 summit taking place at the same time. Unlike there, the Forum Tent will focus on Africa's interests. What about the supposed dialogue at eye level with the EU? On the one hand, there will be discussions about the unfair political instruments, such as the EU free trade agreements or the controversial currency control of the former colonial power France. On the other hand, the focus will be on promising solutions such as crowdfunding, ethical investment and other cooperation and investment opportunities in Africa.
In addition, a large bazaar with handicrafts and culinary delights awaits the audience again this year. For the children, this year the Playmobile will come to the African Cultural Festival and bring all kinds of things to run around and play with. In the Soccerarena there will be a soccer tournament and the storyteller, as well as the acrobatic show will entertain the children and also adults.
The organizers are looking forward to many visitors and 3 exciting days and have developed the pricing model. As there are bigger costs this year to offer the visitors a great program with great artists, the expense contribution had to be increased. In order not to disadvantage families, the following still applies: no contribution towards expenses is charged for children up to 12 years of age and those who are there until 7 pm on Friday and until 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday only pay ampeuro; 5 thereafter ampeuro; 10
