To Mark Africa Day, Galway will host a series of musical and cultural events this Saturday at Club Áras na nGael, Dominick Street, that will provide 11 hours of entertainment for both Galwegians and the city’s African community.
Africa Day is an initiative of the African Union which aims to celebrate African diversity and success as well as the cultural and economic potential of the continent. In Ireland, events to mark Africa Day are supported by Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development.
As a warm up for Saturday’s events there will be the Africa Day Tenpin Bowling Cup tomorrow in City Limits, Oranmore. Third and fourth class pupils from St Patrick’s NS Galway; St Joseph’s Kinvara; Scoil Bhride, Menlo; and the Shantalla and Oranmore boys National schools, will compete for the trophy. The pupils will each represent a different African country
The cup awards ceremony will be presented by the county Galway Mayor Jimmy McClearn, and is supported by Bus Éireann, Supermac’s, and the Galway county and city councils.
Africa Day Galway begins on Saturday at 2pm when the Solas Arts group will showcase work from eight women members.
At 3pm The Galway Multicultural Choir will be in concert, and be joined on stage by pupils from the five schools participating in the project to record the traditional Zimbabwean song ‘Fan Ban’ as a cultural heritage film.
There will also be an outdoor stage and performing there will be The Divine Rappers, an African youth hip hop and dance crew, based in Galway.
The early evening schedule presents a fashion show from designer Lady Alice and her models. Their creative and colourful modern day wear will bear the strong influence of the Cameroon.
From 9.30pm jazz and blues singer Helen Webb, accompanied by Nathan Furey on guitar, will be in concert. Also performing on the night will be Nigerian soul/gospel musician Toluking and his band, and Ghanain reggae band Stewert at 11pm.
Throughout the day there will be DJ sets from DJ Frame, African food at the BBQ, and the Champions League final will also be available to watch with a drink on the venue TV.
Admission to the event is free. For more information see www.africaday.ie and www.spiritofvoice.com
