Culture
14 May 24

Lineup revealed for 2024 Africa Day Festival featuring Discovery Gospel Choir, Slí na Croí, Tebi Rex and more

The line-up for the Africa Day 2024 event at IMMA on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham has been announced, with almost 50 performers, artists and organisations set to take part in a special celebration of African cultures this weekend.

The line-up for the Africa Day 2024 festival at IMMA on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham has been announced, with almost 50 performers, artists and organisations set to take part in a special celebration of African cultures this weekend, Sunday 19th May.

Africa Day got its start in 1963, commemorating the Organisation of African Unity with a international day, which falls on 25th May each year. Ireland has hosted Africa Day celebrations since 2006.

On the mainstage, headline acts include the Discovery Gospel Choir, Slí na Croí, Tebi Rex, Neubri, Kiruu, The Bekes and Monte DJ.

On the Rhythm Stage, Irish Aid will host a drumming workshop, and Africa Day ambassador Lapree Lala will perform a dance set and workshop. AFROKIDS Ireland, Samba Dance Brazil, Khassim Carey, Low Gee and more will take to the stage.

The event will see over 20 organisations take part in the Cultural Village, which showcases art and culture from across Africa. Among those participating in the Village are the Liberian Association Ireland, the Association of Tanzanians and Zambia Ireland Association, who provide community for migrant Africans and people interested in their respective cultures. Other participants include AkiDwA - shorthand for Akina Dada wa, or "sisterhood" in Swahili - which comprises a national outreach network of migrant women living in Ireland, Image of Africa and many more.

Dancer Lapree Lala and Michael Chanda from the Discovery Gospel Choir. Copyright Julien Behal

This year's event at IMMA will feature a Best Dressed Competition that will be judged by China Soribe and Liswa Adindu-McDonald from Afrocentric fashion purveyor Umoja Linn, and Tina Tinuke Akinola-Jinad, CEO Tritees.

The full event line-up boasts over 50 musical acts, dancers and cultural groups that will take part in this year's event, which includes a main stage, a rhythm stage for dancing and drumming workshops, the Cultural Village, a children's entertainment area, numerous food stalls and a Best Dressed competition.

The Africa Day event at the RHK event will be organised in partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Dublin City Council. In addition to the IMMA Africa Day, 31 local organisations will host a wide range of cultural, artistic and family-friendly events. These will include contemporary African/Irish culture, as well as family fun days, fashion, art, film, music, dance and food events, which will take place in towns and cities across Ireland.

Pictured L to R: Michael Chanda from the Discovery Gospel Choir; dancer Lapree Lala (front); footballer Roberto Lopes; Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Sean Fleming T.D and designer Virtue Shine. Copyright Julien Behal Photography.

“Africa Day is an important opportunity to celebrate Ireland’s growing links with the continent of Africa," says Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming T.D.. "Through our development cooperation, our growing economic and political ties, and our increased people-to-people links, Ireland’s relationship with countries across Africa is strengthening every year.

"Events such as Africa Day are an opportunity for people in Ireland to learn more about Ireland’s engagement with Africa, as well as enjoying the vibrancy and diversity of cultures across the continent.

"Africa Day has grown into a nationwide event and I am delighted to say that local authorities around Ireland will be hosting events this year to mark the day. Last year’s flagship event at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham (RHK) was a fantastic family day out. I am delighted that Africa Day will return to Royal Hospital Kilmainham on 19th May."

For more information, including a programme of performers, please see here.