The 33RD ANNUAL AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS (AFA) returns Labor Day Weekend to Chicago’s historic Washington Park in the heart of the south side’s museum district and future home of the Obama Presidential Library. The end-of-summer celebration of Black cultural arts re-emerges, following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, under the theme “Back to Culture. Back to Tradition”. All are invited to the affordable and family friendly Black cultural arts immersive experience in Washington Park. The culturally rich interactive event brings the art, sights, tastes, sounds and spirituality of African Diaspora global cultures to Chicago - all amid a replicated African village!

Non-stop entertainment representing the full arc of global Black music expression will be featured on two stages. International DJ’s will pump-up the spirit and segue between great talent including Kenyan born Chicago raised CHAI TULANI with his Mchuzi or “sauce” (in Swahili) of Hip Hop, Rap and Reggae, classical jazz vocalist MEGAN MCNEAL, spoken word artist JANEFF THE POET, smooth jazz with London based JERICHO *NOGUERA* and more! Chicago’s own “Empress of Soul” TERISA GRIFFIN will launch the “Harambee” reunion celebration with her soul stirring rendition of R&B favorites. Nigerian artists dominate Saturday night with REMA who rose to fame with his “Iron Man” release which Barack Obama had on his 2019 summer playlist. The twin Nigerian brothers of P-SQUARE, PETER and PAUL OKOYE, are back together for their Chicago festival performance. Gospel sensation ERICA CAMPBEL holds her own on Sunday with the CHICAGO MASS CHOIR and THE VICTORY TRAVELERS. The R&B award nominated SWV (Sisters with Voices) will rock the park and bridge the continents through song with South African mega-star (TBA Aug1) for the final African Festival of the Arts 2022 “Harambee” performance Monday night.

The festival’s gated grounds are a safe zone for children who can witness extraordinary sites like the towering S.P.I.R.I.T. Stilt Walkers or engage activities from computer coding to arts and crafts with the Betty Shabazz Academy. New and experienced musicians are invited to the Drum Circle where hypnotic rhythms will revitalize you and inspire the dancer in you! Discover natural healing practices and learn from the masters in the Spiritual, Health and Wellness Pavilions in the Ancestral Grove that feature interactive activities Including cycling, yoga, meditation and Zumba dancing! Get first edition signed books and hear from noted authors and poets in the Authors & Book Pavilion. See films by local and internationally known filmmakers in the Cinema & Black Storytelling Pavilion. Spice up your palette with culinary delights of the African diaspora from Jollof rice to plantains and cassava greens along the Bank of the Nile Food Court. Purchase collectible fine visual arts and meet the artists in the Fine Art and Quilt Pavilions. Shop for authentic museum quality textiles, Shona stone sculptures and wood carvings that are desired for high-end interior design. Add wearable art, leather crafts and hand-made unique jewelry by acclaimed designers to your personal and heirloom collections. Learn about African culture and current topics of interest in the Heritage Pavilion during daily international internet-based conversations. This eclectic end-of-summer Black cultural arts celebration and gathering has something for everyone!

We look forward to celebrating with you in Washington Park. Visit *www.AIHUSA.org* for full performance and ticket information about the 33rd annual Africa International House Gala and African Festival of the Arts.