Music
06 May 08

Spirit of Africa Festival debuts in Galway

The first ever Spirit of Africa Festival will be held in Galway later this month, with a focus on the fight against poverty and exclusion in some of the world’s least developed countries.

The festival, which will take place from May 24-25, will be officially launched by Galway Mayor Tom Costello at 1pm on May 25 in Eyre Square.
Highlights will include the FCF African Choir, singers Jeanette Mokoena and Merriam Dike Gladys Osagie together with local South African groups.
Reggae singer Dread will join forces with tribal drumming group Perkus Negu to perform spiritual rhythms chants and beats.
African Jazz group Nkululeko, will be accompanied on-stage by musicians from the Black Magic Orchestra for the festival.
Galway University will be host to an exclusive preview of African Fashion Show “Reap the Runway” on May 24 with designers on the day showcasing their outstanding display of traditional and modern African styles.
NUIG College Bar will also feature African Films from Channel 4 producer David Mark's Ghana tomato story Trading Injustice and Jacinta Friels journey to Nigeria.
Over the course of the festival there will also be live music and storytelling for all ages, as well as workshops in dance, drum and voice.
The event is supported by Galway City Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Irish Aid.