‘Dathliad Cymru-Affrica’ festival (Wales-Africa Celebration in Welsh) launched in 2023. This year sees the celebration of African culture and arts in Wales happening at Bluestone Brewing Co, Pembrokeshire on the 24th August 2024, a take-over of Butetown Carnival on Sunday 25th August, and at Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda on 22nd & 23rd November.

This unique and exciting Welsh festival promotes the beauty of diversity in Wales by showcasing international artists from Africa and African artists based in Wales and across the UK.

International artists performing this year include Zimbabwe’s Mokoomba (headlining in Cardiff). They are described as Afrofusion at its best – driving rhythms, electrifying beats, and harmonies that are unmatched.

Headlining Bluestone Brewing Co in Pembrokeshire is one of Nigeria’s finest, Dele Sosimi with his Afrobeat Experience. Multiple award-winning Afrobeat Ambassador Dele has been consistently flying the Afrobeat flag since 1995. He started his musical career with the legend Fela Kuti‘s Egypt 80 band and then co-founded and led childhood friend Femi Kuti’s Positive Force. He will be joined by his 7 piece band.

These headline acts will be supported by a full and varied programme of artists from across the UK representing several African countries, including Cardiff’s own rising star Adjua (performing in Pembrokeshire) and Moroccan/Welsh duo Ayoub & Ffion (performing in all three locations), Gambian kora player Suntou Susso feat. Binta Susso (live in Cardiff), Sudanese/Algerian collaboration Asya Satti feat. Yaz Fentazi (playing Cardiff & Bethesda) and many more. With fashion, dance, African community arts showcases, participatory workshops, African food, and much more, this year once again promises to be a real celebration of Africa in Wales for all the family. The programme for Neuadd Ogwen in November will be announced soon.

Feedback from the launch of Dathliad Cymru-Affrica in 2023:

“It was a weekend showcasing the power of all genres of African song dance and art. I opened this feature saying Wales needed more. That was not a request that was a demand. African talent must have more exposure and Wales is the place to start”- Africa Welsh News

“You did something special bringing an event like this to Wales, we are honoured to have been part of such an historic event. The vibes, performances and activities were another level. I’m excited to see this grow. The passion and dedication you all poured into this was very apparent and that was reflected by the people that attended. This is a festival that will be talked about and anticipated until the next time it comes around” – SheShe, Radio Cardiff Artists

Dathliad Cymru-Affrica is the brainchild of musician N’famady Kouyaté and Cathryn McShane-Kouyaté of The Successors of the Mandingue, a Cardiff based African arts organisation. The festival founders aim to facilitate the sharing of cultures and arts in a joyful celebration that brings communities in Wales together and that showcases the richness of talent and wealth of diversity that exists in Wales and beyond. This year they present this pan-African multi-venue festival again having expanded to Pembrokeshire, as well as a year-round community workshop programme, bringing African arts to rural communities all over Wales. Dathliad Cymru-Affrica is kindly funded by Arts Council Wales with additional support from Gwynedd Council and Anthem as well as sponsorship and partnership support from Neuadd Ogwen, BACA (Butetown Arts and Culture Association), Bluestone Brewing Co, Wales Millennium Centre, Newydd Housing Association, Cadwyn Housing Association and Bangor University.

Ticket link for Bluestone Brewing Co, Cilgwyn, Pembrokeshire, 24th August: TICKETS

(Prices children under 5 free, Under 16 £12.50, Concession £20, Full price £25).

Take-over of Butetown Carnival, Cardiff Bay, 25th August: Free to the public (more info to be announced)

Ticket link for Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda, Gwynedd, 22/23 November: TBC

Festival website: https://successors.co.uk/dathliad-cymru-affrica-2024