Shake Your Djibouti

Oops, upside your head…

ucky that old devil called The Sun peeked its beautiful head out for this year’s Africa Day…

Wicklow Local Authority, in partnership with the Africa Irish Society of Wicklow (AISW), are the moolah and the brains behind the annual event, which boasts African live music, dance, education, food and more.

And it all went down, as usual, in Burnaby Park, with African rhythms playing out under Irish skies.

Alongside educational sessions from Cakamu and Kcitu (leading cultural programmes with music, drumming, and storytelling), there were exhibitions from several African countries, whilst DJ Spaqz was on the turntables. There were also drumming lessons led by Brian Fleming, dancing from No Wahala, and Zoryana was on hand and feet to impart various body movements.

Braydee, a rising young artist, delivered some African-tinged rap whilst local lads Tadhg and Sam from T.O.K, performed with their band. and Egyptian beatboxer Abood kept the groove going with his mighty, mouthy beats..

As the day wound up, Benvalla showed off her vocal skills, whilst acclaimed band Sli na Croi were the headliner for the day.

Officially falling on Saturday, May 25th, Africa Day honours the wealth of African traditions and how people of African heritage have contributed to Irish society.

And with young McGowan busy at a family affair, Gentle Nudge’s Glauce Lucas stepped in with her trusty camera to capture the day. Full gallery here.

You can find out more by contacting Anne Waithira Burke by phone here, or emailing the African Irish Society of Wicklow here.  You can also check out Greystones’ previous melting pot get-togethers by here.

Once again, you can check out the full Glauce Lucas gallery of pics here, and jump back through previous Africa Days here.