Educational and cultural arts organization Delou Africa Inc.'s second annual African Diaspora Dance & Drum Festival of Florida, held August 5 to 7, saw attendance more than double with the addition of more activities for both adults and children. "This year, we offered a more comprehensive children's village by partnering with other nonprofits," said Chipo Chemoyo, choreographer and educator for Delou Africa Inc.
Throughout the three-day event, 750 guests gathered at the Little Haiti Cultural Center to take part in activities like dancing, arts and crafts, and singing. Adults took part in yoga sessions led by Anita MacBeth of Venus Rising and a workshop that educated participants on West African instrument the shekere, led by Myron and Natalie Jackson of Kuumba Dancers & Drummers. The event saw its largest gathering of dancers, drummers, and artists from around the world. Artists and performers from Guinea, Senegal, Haiti, and Ivory Coast entertained guests in drum and dance circles and djun-djun dance intensives. In the children's village, kids could engage in singing, arts and crafts, and face painting by Ella Bella Face Painting. Organizers also added hula-hooping music, drum circles, and rites of passage workshops to the children's program.
Tickets cost $10 for adult drum, dance, and song classes and $12 to $15 for Saturday's theatrical concert. Free activities included all children's classes and workshops, as well as the adult health forum. In the open market, independent food vendors sold Southern, African, Caribbean, and vegetarian cuisine, and global artists showcased jewelry and other novelties for purchase.
Due to this year's higher attendance numbers, Chemoyo says moving the event to a larger venue for the next go-around is likely.
