Africa with the Masters Festival 2026

Join our village and celebrate FRIENDSHIP with us! Authentic African food, singing, dancing, drumming and storytelling are on the menu.
About this Event

Come visit Africa!
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In celebration of BC Culture Days, African artists and knowledge-keepers gather to share their culture with you! Hosted by the African Friendship Society, Africa with the Masters is a weekend festival for everyone, regardless of age, gender identity or cultural background. Join us for an authentic African meal, FREE cultural activities and lively workshops in traditional African rhythms from September 25 to 27, 2026.

ALSO join us for the SAWUBONA FOOD FEST on day 2 of the festival, Saturday September 26, from 12 pm to 3 pm. Register HERE to let us know you are coming to Sawubona!

Africa with the Masters 2026 Schedule

Friday, September 25 - $0 - $29

African Village Night – 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm...

• 7 pm – Doors open
• 7:30 pm – Land acknowledgement and blessings
• 7:45 pm – Cultural dinner (with soft live music)
• 8:30 pm – Storytelling by Guest Artist
• 9:00 pm – Solo Kora performance by Zal Sissokho!
• 9:30 pm – The Night of the Griots Feat Djely Tapa, Zal Sissokho, and Kocassale Dioubaté (West Africa)!
• 11 pm - End
  

*We do accommodate diverse dietary concerns (i.e. suitable for vegetarians & vegans).

*Make sure to let us know of any allergy you may have before being served a plate.

Saturday, September 26 - FREE

Africa Play Day – 10:00 am to 4:00pm

Crafts and Board Games of Africa (Oware, Diara, Ludo, etc.) - ALL DAY...

• 10:00 am - Doors open - various African crafts and board games available
• 11:30 am – Storytelling with Guest Artists (interactive)
• 12:45 pm – Ugandan rhythms by Sembatya and 8-year old Blue
• 2:15 pm – Kids' djembe & balafon workshop with Kocassalé Dioubaté
• 3:15 pm – Village Games by Angelique

- A balafon is a type of xylophone from West Africa
- The djembe is a West African hand percussion
* 20 children max per music workshop*

Other activities available during transition times, incl. African crafts, board games for adults and kids, etc.

* Please also Join us for the Sawubona Food Fest from 12 pm to 3 pm REGISTER HERE.

Sunday, September 27 - Pay-what-you-can

Workshops Day for adults – 10:30 am to 4:30 pm

• 10:45 am- 12:00 pm – South African drum meditation - South African drums only – with Munkie Ncapayi
• 12:15 pm-1:30 pm - Ingoma Rhythms from Rwanda with Ezra Kwizera
• 15 min Snack break (bring your own)

• 1:45 pm-3 pm - Djembe Rhythms from Senegal with Kocassalé Dioubaté and Zal Sissokho
• 3:15 pm-4:30 pm - West African Village Circle with Djely Tapa, Zal Sissokho, and Kocassalé Dioubaté

Workshops are designed for you to learn more about our traditions. Your questions are welcome and encouraged.
* Drums are available for rent at $5 for each class (please reserve yours in advance - limited supply)

* African snacks available during afternoon break.

*Bring your own lunch as needed

If you are interested in volunteering for the Africa with the Masters weekend, please let us know HERE.

We live, work, and play on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, also known as Vancouver, BC.

More details at

This festival is made possible by funding from Canada Arts Council, the City of Vancouver, and the BC Arts Council.