Please note that this event has already occured.
Key information
Date: Saturday 14 October 2017
Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: No tickets required
Africa on the Square returns to Trafalgar Square for the fourth time on Saturday 14 October.
This popular event continues to grow with over 25,000 attending last year as it celebrates African arts and culture.
There’ll be a range of activities highlighting communities from across the continent.
You can expect another fantastic line-up of entertainment including live music, dancing and a talent show. Plus an African market, food stalls, fashion show and lots of fun stuff for kids.
Africa on the Square is organised by the Mayor of London for Black History Month 2017.
The Mayor organises and supports lots of different events to celebrate the many cultures and communities of London.
Watch Africa on the Square 2016 highlights:
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Main Stage
The main stage at Africa on the Square includes a host of exciting performances from musicians representing a broad range of African countries including Sudan, Cameroon, Madagascar, Ghana, Morocco and Mali.
Running Order
Artist Biographies
Amira Kheir
Hailed as the ‘Diva of the Sudanese desert’ Sudanese-Italian singer Amira Kheir has been enchanting audiences with a sound inspired by traditional music from her homeland Sudan and experimental Jazz and Soul
Muntu Valdo
Belonging to the Sawa community who populate the length of Cameroon’s coastline, Muntu Valdo’s music is rooted in the blues, mixing African traditions with striking modernity and technical mastery.
Nogabe’s guitar picking and amazing voice combined with the deep sound of the Calabash played by Djembe Master Khalifa Conte and Mehdi Ganjvar’s on the Darbuka and Bongos, makes this trio totally unique.
Yaaba Funk
Formed in Brixton in 2006, Yaaba Funk are one of the most respected bands on the Afro music scene. Fusing 21st century Hi-Life and hard -hitting Afro Funk with a bass-heavy UK vibe.
Simo Lagnawi & Gnawa Blues All Stars
Gnawa Blues All Stars will be joined by Simo Lagnawi who was nominated for 2 Songlines Music Awards in 2014 for best newcomer and best artist.
Djembe Thunder
A London based group from Mali West Africa who play Malian Music, which originates from Kangaba, the city of Touramaghan Traore the General of Soundiata Keita Emperor of the Mandinka Empire.
Jay Johnson
Winner of the Africa on the Square Youth Talent Show 2016 Jay Johnson’s music is inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan and Paolo Nutini.
DJ Edu
DJ Edu is at the forefront of breaking & championing African talent across the globe and his weekly BBC Radio 1Xtra show, Destination Africa, is the UK’s longest running and most influential African Music show.
Comperes
Rosemary Laryea
Currently a Company Director of theatre production company Crying in the Wilderness Productions, Rosemary was awarded ‘Best Female Presenter’ in 2010 by the Colourful Radio listeners.
Usifu Jalloh The Cowfoot Prince
Returning as host for a fourth consecutive year Usifu Jalloh is a highly experienced, talented award-winning performer and educator.
Free Family Workshops
As well as a bumper programme of music and entertainment on the main stage Africa on the Square also features lots of fun workshops for all the family to get involved taking place throughout the day.
West-African Drumming & Dance
Children and adults are invited to join the circle and learn basic rhythms from West-African Drumming.
Football Kick
A football workshop led by a team of enthusiastic West-African players and coaches from Jolof Sports Club. Just how many balls can you get in the goal?
Animal Mask Making
Children will love this opportunity to create exciting animal masks and find their inner monkey, tiger or lion.
Mosaics Making
Artistic, fun and creative, come and create a mosaic ready to take home and hang on the wall.
Jewellery & Beads Making
Make your own beautiful jewellery in this fun creative workshop.
Screen-printing
Discover and learn about African patterns and print your own tote bag!
Facepainting & Traditional Moroccan Henna Tattoo
Come and get your face painted and why you’re their get a henna tattoo.
Massage Therapy
One for the adults – come and enjoy a 10minutes relaxing shoulder, neck , back massage to unwind and recharge yourself.
Hair Braiding
Try African style hair braiding.