When it comes to fostering connections, few things rival the power of music, food, and dance.
Among the black diaspora, a common feeling is a desire for unity and community, particularly within an American context. They long for a collective identity where their shared culture is valued, mutual assistance is the norm, and their unique heritage is honored. A look at the African diaspora reveals a community marked by resilience, a dynamic and distinct culture, and the ability to inspire significant change. This desire for connection often finds expression through vibrant displays of culture and art, like music, food, and dance.
A standout event fostering this connection was the inaugural AfroBeat & Wine Festival held in Washington, D.C. A gathering, characterized by its vibrant celebrations and shared cultural history, proved to be a ground-breaking success. It bridged the gap between Africans and African Americans through an innovative mix of “AfroBeat and Wine,” showcasing the power of shared traditions in uniting diverse communities.
AfroBeat and Wine Festival stands as a unique cultural bridge-building exercise. Founded by Ghanaian-American Kwame Safo Agyemang and his partners, Providence Kebaya (Entrepreneur) and Ishmael Osekre – founder of Jollof Festival, this event celebrates the smooth blending of wine and Afrobeats. The festival, which drew over 1,600 attendees in Washington D.C., saw Black Artists and businesses to center stage; making its mark and drawing in Africans, African Americans, and Afro-Latinx individuals from and outside the DMV.
People have paired wine with different cultures throughout history. I feel it’s Afrobeats’ time in the sun,” said Kwame
Afrobeats, a genre that has continued to gain international influence, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Originating from West African highlife, drums, and beats, and influenced by American Jazz and funk, this music genre has garnered immense popularity worldwide, bolstered by the viral song “Calm Down” by Rema, featuring artist Selena Gomez.
Kwame’s partner, Providence, originally from Congo, has been playing African music and organizing events in D.C. “Let’s do something African!” this is how Providence decided to join,
“The idea is to connect Africa and to change the narrative.”
Beyond the music, the festival encapsulates a broader expression of identity. It elevates their food, culture, dance, parties, and unique worldviews. As seen during the festival, despite a drizzle, the attendees’ spirits weren’t dampened; the power of the music compelled them to join the revelry.
“In addition to the music itself, the festival is a full expression of who we are as people,” Kwame emphasized. “We are showcasing our food, our culture, our dances, our parties, and our unique way of experiencing life.”
The festival also offers a much-needed platform for black-owned and African-source wine and spirit brands yearning for visibility, thus encouraging more Black entrepreneurs to venture into this industry.
Kwame’s goal is to bring exposure to the best black-owned and Africa-sourced wine and spirit brands. Some wine-brand owners disclosed to TANTV that entrepreneurship is exceptionally challenging for people of color, and they needed events like this to boost their brands’ visibility to customers.
The future holds promise for this festival. With plans to make it an annual event and expand it to other cities, audiences can expect future Afrobeats and Wine Festivals to occur in cities with significant African crowds, such as Atlanta and Houston, and cities known for their lush vineyards, like Oakland.
Through such endeavors, we see the potential for a profound bond between Africans and African Americans, dispelling the notion of growing separation. Through music, food, dance, and shared celebration, there emerges an unmistakable unity that transcends national boundaries, underscoring a shared heritage.
For Kwame and his partners, this isn’t merely an annual celebration. It’s about fostering dialogue, building bridges, and crafting spaces where African and African diaspora communities can congregate, converse, and connect on a deeper level. It’s about embracing the threads of shared culture and weaving them into a vibrant tapestry that tells the world, “We are here, and we are united.”
