Africa Festival Würzburg: A little Africa in Germany
Sunshine, positives vibes and rhythm: Europe's biggest festival for African music and culture is taking place in Würzburg for the 31st time. DW's Gwendolin Hilse takes a look at what the festival has to offer.
Bavarian tradition meets African culture
A dirndl made from African fabics. This imaginative outfit not only reflects the identity of 21-year-old Lea, but it also symbolizes what the Africa Festival in Würzburg stands for: Cultural diversity, acceptance and cosmopolitanism. Lea's already looking forward to wearing this dirndl again at this year's Oktoberfest.
'Musical development aid for Germany'
What started in 1989 under the name "Musical development aid for Germany" has become one of the most important forums for African music and culture in Germany. Over the years, more than 7,000 artists from 56 African and Caribbean countries have presented their cultural diversity to this small German town.
Musical heavyweight: Femi Kuti
With rich sounds from the saxophone and a good deal of social critique, Femi Kuti — the eldest son of Fela Kuti, the "king of Afrobeats" — took to the stage. "Africa will be great again," he sang, criticizing the greed of African politicians. "We need good leadership. Every African must be involved," Kuti told DW. "Young people have to understand that it's their life and demand justice."
Music for the soul
Another crowd pleaser was the Ndlovu Youth Choir from South Africa. What began ten years ago as a project to help socially disadvantaged youth people has now transformed into a professional ensemble. They recieved critical acclaim around the world in 2018 with their interpretation of Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" sung in Zulu.
Kora meets world music
The soft strings of the kora, the West African harp, intertwined with soul. The Senegalese musician Saliou Cissokho comes from a family line of griots — traditional storytellers and praise singers. Together with his wife, Anna, he combines traditional Senegalese music with modern soul music. "Coming here always feels very special. We are all one big family," he says.
Caribbean carnival in Bavaria
A colorful procession with brass musicians and samba dancers brought the necessary Caribbean flair to the festival. The artists from Caribbean Brass International come from Aruba and Curacao, two small islands off the coast of South America. The music and dance stem from traditions that African slaves brought with them across the Atlantic. Today's carnival is a mix of the old and the new.
'Different colors — one people'
That's the motto of this year's festival, and both artists and visitors have embraced it. "The Africa festival builds bridges and brings us closer to African cultures," explained Würzburg Mayor Christian Schuchardt. "In turbulent political times such as these this is more important than ever."
A yearly family tradition
For many Africans living in Germany, the festival is a yearly event. Amina, Aliya and Soraya have been coming to the festival for years with their parents. "For the kids it's great to see that Africa isn't only about poverty and suffering, the way that it's often represented," says their mother, Vijdan (right).
For the love of Africa
For many Germans, it's also a chance to see an Africa beyond the image that is portrayed by the mainstream media. "We're here for the love of African music and culture," said one couple. Their first major contact with African culture came through a drumming workshop. The next, long overdue step will be a trip to the continent itself.
Fashion from Senegal
Fashion has always had its place at the festival. The Senegalese designer Rama Diaw has been showcasing her collections at the festival for the past seven years. Her clothes are tailored by seamstresses in her home country, creating jobs and the independence that comes with a source of income.
From Cape Town to Marrakech
From Moroccan mint tea to Shona sculptures, from Togolese masks to Kenyan Masai beads: a journey through the African continent take less than an hour in Würzburg. As many as 70 market and food stands offer a glimpse into Africa's diversity.
Stories and stunts
Adessa, the Ghanaian group of acrobats and musicians, performs daily for the festival crowds. They do somersaults, form human pyramids and accompany the festival's youngest visitors into the children's tent. There, Senegalese storyteller Ibrahima awaits them, spinning them in her web of West African tales and pantomime.