Africa Fest brings cultures together at Victoria’s waterfront through music, food and community

From June 4 to 7, Victoria’s Inner Harbour will transform into a celebration of culture, community and connection as Africa Fest returns with music, dance, food and performances celebrating traditions from across the global African diaspora.

The festival, now in its 13th year, is making its debut at Ship Point after more than a decade at Centennial Square. But for founder and executive director Pulcherie Mboussi, the event has always been about more than entertainment.

It’s about creating a space where people feel welcome, seen and connected.

“We want to create a space where people feel like they travel somewhere,” said Mboussi, who is originally from Cameroon. “Africa is 54 countries and more than 3,000 cultures. We don’t have all that representation in Victoria, but we want people to come and discover that diversity.”

That commitment to inclusion has shaped the festival from the beginning.

Because African communities remain underrepresented on Vancouver Island, Mboussi said organizers invite performers and community groups from other cultures to share the stage alongside African artists. Mboussi sees it as an opportunity for communities to learn from one another.

“In Africa, we say you are home,” she said. “Everybody can come. It’s a very inclusive festival,” she said.

That spirit will be reflected throughout the festival’s four-day lineup.

Thursday’s opening day features a community market and a Kizomba dance workshop, introducing festival-goers to one of Africa’s most popular social dances.

Friday explores the connections between Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin cultures, featuring a salsa workshop and a live performance by a Cuban band.

Saturday will shine a spotlight on youth. After years of seeing young people ask for opportunities to perform, organizers have dedicated two hours of programming specifically for youth to take the stage and showcase their talents.

The day will also feature African drumming, dance performances, Zumba, Mexican cultural performers and a Colombian folk-dance group travelling from Vancouver.

Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to browse more than 20 vendors and exhibitors, sample food from a variety of cultures and connect with community members. For Mboussi, those conversations are among the festival’s most important offerings.

Over the years, she has watched awareness grow as more people attend the event and engage with African communities. What she hopes people leave with is not only a greater appreciation for African cultures, but a deeper understanding of one another.

“Everybody can try African food. It’s not spicy, it’s tasty.” she said laughing.

What began as a small gathering with only a handful of vendors has grown into one of large scale multicultural celebration, drawing thousands of visitors.

Despite rain being in the forecast for parts of the weekend, organizers say the festivities will continue. Vendors will be sheltered under tents and programming is expected to proceed as planned.

“Rain doesn’t stop us,” Mboussi said. “Just come and feel the vibe. It’s like travelling to Africa without taking a plane.”

For Mboussi, the goal is simple.

“We want people to come chat with community members and make new friends,” she said.