Credit: Charles Wright Museum, African World Festival 2023
Get ready for the highly anticipated 41st Annual African World Festival, July 12-14! Festival Fridays make a triumphant return, offering a preview of what promises to be the most exciting and dynamic festival yet.
The African World Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration of African culture, heritage and community that traditionally takes place every year. This dynamic event offers various activities including traditional music performances, captivating dance performances, vibrant arts and crafts, delicious and authentic African cuisine and enlightening cultural exhibits from various African nations and the diaspora.
Event attendees can expect to immerse themselves in a dynamic showcase of African musical traditions, blending ancient and modern genres. From the captivating and energetic rhythms of Afrobeat to the soulful melodies of Highlife, the program promises to deliver an engaging and diverse musical experience. Additionally, attendees will be able to witness impressive performances of traditional African drumming, adding a powerful and authentic element to the event.
Last year, George Clinton performed; this year, attendees can expect performances from Rapsody, Dumpstaphunk and Detroit’s Drey Skonie & The KLouds Band, to name a few.
This year’s gathering will be a unique opportunity for us to come together as a community and commemorate our cultural heritage, share our diverse experiences and aspire to a better future. The Wright is excited to bring stories from the Black community to the forefront, honoring our shared journey, and collectively imagining the road ahead.
Attendees can explore African-inspired fashion, jewelry and art and even try their hand at traditional African crafts. And of course, they will be able to enjoy a variety of delicious African dishes. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse and dynamic cultures that shape the African continent and its global influence.
Located at Hart Plaza for this 3-day celebration that showcases the beauty, strength and spirit of the African diaspora. Nearly 20,000 attendees are expected to attend and enjoy our shows, vendors, food, clothing, health products, visual arts, live demonstrations, community resources and information, and much more.
Last year, the festival returned to Hart Plaza after 12 years at the Wright Museum. Due to the rising costs of organizing major events, the festival is now mandatory. General admission and online single-day tickets are $15 for non-member adults, $10 for non-member seniors 65 and older, $10 for non-member students 13 and over. Free entry for all children under 13.
On the day of the festival, prices are higher. Weekend passes are available for purchase. However, entry is free for Wright Museum members.
For more information on ticket costs, vendors and performance times, please visit https://www.thewright.org/africanworldfestival.
About the author of the message
Amber Ogden, editor
Amber Ogden, a Detroit native, is an experienced journalist with skills in investigative reporting, feature writing and multimedia storytelling. She covers a variety of topics related to the black community, from human interest stories to racial injustices to community events. Amber is currently an editor and can be reached by email at aogden@michronicle.com.
