Stir Cheat Sheet: All you need to know about African Heritage Festival of Music and Dance (AHFOMAD) 2022

With Fally Ipupa headlining, the fest also features food and fashion, all in celebration of Black Peoples through the arts 

By Gail Johnson

Fally Ipupa.

African Heritage Music and Dance Society presents African Heritage Festival of Music and Dance (AHFOMAD) at Surrey Civic Plaza from September 2 to 4

The annual African Heritage Festival of Music and Dance is all about celebrating Black Peoples in B.C. and beyond through its namesake artforms and then some; there’s everything from fashion to food. 

“Our hope is that the Black Peoples of the Lower Mainland and their allies, friends, and associates will come out in numbers to experience what we have to share with all and be a part of our establishing a new benchmark for a Black Peoples’ professional music and arts festival in our province and Canada, ”AHFOMAD artistic and managing director Ezeadi Patrick Onukwulu tells Stir. “It is our hope that people leave our festival with a better awareness, knowledge, and understanding infused with love and appreciation for Black Peoples and their cultures.”

Among the participating DJs are Kino-B, Vinnie B, and Bazenga, while other musical guests include Feven, Clear Mortifee, Mauvey, Turunesh, Alpha Queen, Curtis Clearsky and the Constellationz, and Bantu Salsa.

It all starts on September 2, from 5 to 9 pm, with a pop-up market; and drum, dance, and other workshops, all free. Gates open at 11 am on September 3, with performances and activities running from 12 pm to 10 pm; free. On September 4, gates open at 11 am with live music and other happenings from 12 to 8 pm; $50.

Here’s a guide to some of the other AHFOMAD 2022 highlights.

#1

Fally Ipupa

Hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ipupa is a superstar in Africa. With five albums to his name, the artist transcends borders with a mix of traditional Congolese music (including rumba and ndombolo) and urban pop. Having performed all across the African Continent and the U.S., and at venues like Accor Hotels Arena in Paris, he makes his Vancouver debut at AHFOMAD 2022 on September 4, along with his stellar multipiece band. 

TÖME.

#2

TÖME

The Canadian-Nigerian singer-songwriter born Michelle Oluwatomi Akanbi counts Fela Kuti, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Sade, and Alicia Keys among her early influences. TÖME has gone on to win the 2021 Juno award for her single “I Pray” featuring Sean Kingston. Other career highlights include appearances at SXSW and sharing the stage with African giant Burna Boy at his historic sold-out show at OVO Arena Wembley in 2019. That same year, she joined African pop icon Wizkid for his 2019 Canadian tour and Mr. Eazi for his European tour. TÖME’s sophomore album, 2020’s 10-track Bigger than 4 Walls (BT4W), featured African pop stars Runtown, King Promise, and Zlatan and neo-alternative artist Wavy the Creator. Earlier this year, the Montreal-based artist released her third album, LÖV (Love Over Vanity).

“I want to change the game musically in the mid-American industry by creating a genre slowly being recognized, Afro- Fusion,” TÖME says.

Sickle Cell Apparel founder Odobie.

Sickle Cell Apparel.

#3

Sickle Cell Apparel

T-shirts, hoodies, workout gear, sundresses, men’s and women’s tank tops, travel bags, and more: this local line of clothing and accessories is the brainchild of a young artist named Odobie who was eight months old when she was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. There’s no cure for the disease that can cause pain, swelling, vision problems, frequent infections, and other symptoms. She and her mom work with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada and the Sickle Cell Association of British Columbia to raise awareness of the condition, with 50 percent of profits going toward sickle-cell research. 

#4

Culinary arts 

Food is a powerful way to experience culture, and there’s a diverse spread at this year’s AHFOMAD on September 3 and 4. VanSuya will be serving up authentic Nigerian barbecue dishes and smoky jollof rice; Safari Kabumbe from the DRC is cooking up Congolais cuisine; and A Taste of Rwanda will also be on-site. 

For more information, see African Heritage Music and Dance Society.

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