The poster of the festival, Courtessy of Africa Insight
On Saturday, the 7th Seoul Africa Festival was held at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul, showcasing the rich and diverse cultures of Africa. Hosted by Africa Insight and supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the festival served as a unique platform for people to experience African culture firsthand.
The event kicked off at 12:30 p.m. with a vibrant parade by DjembeCola Roots, a group inspired by the performing arts of West Africa, particularly Mande music and dance. The parade, featuring 50 performers, highlighted the ethnic diversity of the African continent, capturing the audience’s attention with its dynamic energy.
At 1:30 p.m., an official opening ceremony followed at a special waterside stage set up in Banpo Hangang Park. The festival provided an opportunity for both Koreans and the African diaspora to engage with and appreciate the authentic and captivating elements of African culture. According to Africa Insight, the festival aimed to foster deeper cultural understanding between the African and Korean communities.
One of the most anticipated events of the day was the Asia Africa Talent Award, which took place at 3:30 p.m. Eight finalists from a pool of 150 global contestants competed for the title, showcasing a wide variety of talents. Congolese YouTuber Jonathan Yiombi hosted the award ceremony, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Moroccan influencer Kim Miso also performed a congratulatory act, delighting the crowd.
The festival's inclusive nature was further highlighted by the participation of artists from beyond Africa. American singer Greg, one of the judges, showcased his musical talents, adding to the festival’s diverse cultural lineup. This multicultural experience underscored Seoul’s role as a global cultural hub, where diverse traditions and artistic expressions converge.
As an annual event, the Seoul Africa Festival continues to gain traction, drawing increasing attention from locals and international visitors alike. Attendees had the chance to explore various aspects of African culture through traditional performances, food experiences, and an art market. The booths displaying traditional African clothing and handicrafts were particularly popular, which drew significant foot traffic.
One Korean attendee remarked, "It was a meaningful experience to engage with African culture up close, something that’s not easy to come by in daily life." Another attendee expressed, "I hope events like this become more frequent so that people can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures."
The Seoul Africa Festival is expected to remain a key cultural event that promotes meaningful exchanges between Seoul’s citizens and the African diaspora.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
The poster of the festival, Courtessy of Africa Insight
On Saturday, the 7th Seoul Africa Festival was held at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul, showcasing the rich and diverse cultures of Africa. Hosted by Africa Insight and supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the festival served as a unique platform for people to experience African culture firsthand.
The event kicked off at 12:30 p.m. with a vibrant parade by DjembeCola Roots, a group inspired by the performing arts of West Africa, particularly Mande music and dance. The parade, featuring 50 performers, highlighted the ethnic diversity of the African continent, capturing the audience’s attention with its dynamic energy.
At 1:30 p.m., an official opening ceremony followed at a special waterside stage set up in Banpo Hangang Park. The festival provided an opportunity for both Koreans and the African diaspora to engage with and appreciate the authentic and captivating elements of African culture. According to Africa Insight, the festival aimed to foster deeper cultural understanding between the African and Korean communities.
One of the most anticipated events of the day was the Asia Africa Talent Award, which took place at 3:30 p.m. Eight finalists from a pool of 150 global contestants competed for the title, showcasing a wide variety of talents. Congolese YouTuber Jonathan Yiombi hosted the award ceremony, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Moroccan influencer Kim Miso also performed a congratulatory act, delighting the crowd.
The festival's inclusive nature was further highlighted by the participation of artists from beyond Africa. American singer Greg, one of the judges, showcased his musical talents, adding to the festival’s diverse cultural lineup. This multicultural experience underscored Seoul’s role as a global cultural hub, where diverse traditions and artistic expressions converge.
As an annual event, the Seoul Africa Festival continues to gain traction, drawing increasing attention from locals and international visitors alike. Attendees had the chance to explore various aspects of African culture through traditional performances, food experiences, and an art market. The booths displaying traditional African clothing and handicrafts were particularly popular, which drew significant foot traffic.
One Korean attendee remarked, "It was a meaningful experience to engage with African culture up close, something that’s not easy to come by in daily life." Another attendee expressed, "I hope events like this become more frequent so that people can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures."
The Seoul Africa Festival is expected to remain a key cultural event that promotes meaningful exchanges between Seoul’s citizens and the African diaspora.
