About
Music Africa is a not-for-profit community-based organization that promotes African music in Toronto through its annual flagship music festival AFROFEST. Established in 1990, Music Africa is among the oldest and most respected organizations promoting African music in Canada. Through its activities and events, such as the annual Black History Month Concert Series, Music Africa is committed to enhancing appreciation and awareness of African music among Canadians and continues to strive to establish Toronto as a thriving global center for African music. In 2008, Music Africa received the Heritage Award from Planet Africa (an internationally-broadcast television show and print magazine).
THE FESTIVAL
AFROFEST is the largest free African Music Festival in North America.
Held annually, AFROFEST takes place the first weekend of July at Woodbine Park in the heart of Toronto. Started in 1989 by Music Africa, AFROFEST showcases the best in African music, art, crafts, culture and food. Now in its 28th year, the festival has continued to grow and so has the calibre of artists that have graced its stages.
With over 35 live performances and over 100,000 visitors in 2016, the festival is a family-friendly and fun-filled extravaganza consisting of five areas: the Main Stage, Youth Stage and Drum Stage, Children’s Village, and a vibrant Marketplace which includes a delectable selection of food vendors from across the city. Each of these distinct areas provides a diverse, cultural festival experience, offering several different spaces for attendees to spend their weekend.
AFROFEST is inclusive and accessible with free admission. The festival is designed in such a way as to give its diverse audience the opportunity to experience various elements of African culture and its community.
MISSION STATEMENT:
AFROFEST ignites the spirit of African culture in the heart of Toronto, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. AFROFEST seeks to share the rich and diverse expressions of African music and culture in an inclusive, vibrant and positive community festival setting. Through AFROFEST, a diverse audience celebrates the abundant energy of African music in an effort to cultivate community spirit and enhance the understanding and appreciation of the diverse people of Africa.