Big names out for Africa Day 2010

Africa Day will be celebrated this Sunday in Dublin, with an extensive entertainment programme mapped out by organisers Irish Aid.

The “fun family day out”, which is free to attend, will see an African Bazaar, an Education Zone, a Food Zone and various workshops dotted around the Iveagh Gardens – but taking centre stage will be the eclectic music on offer.

A number of Irish and African acts will perform throughout the day. Jape, Dave Flynn, Amasis, Fidil, Cion O’Callaghan, The Amazing Few, Funzo, Discovery Gospel Choir, TKO, Wassa Wassa and Newpark Afro-Cuban Orchestra are amongst the Irish contingent, while Solo Cissokho (Senegal), Tony Kumbu (South Africa) and guitarist Niwel Tsumbu (Congo) will represent their home continent.

“I’m really delighted to be participating in the programme,” said Tsumbu. “This year, the main stage music focus has shifted away from big Irish names to having a clearer focus on Irish-African collaborations, as well as exploring different styles of African music. That will also be reflected in the workshops at the Music Tent – I’ll be taking part in an interactive workshop on African guitar styles with Dave Flynn.”

There will also be comedy, DJs and other entertainment on hand.

A twin event in Limerick is planned for May 30th, and the day (which officially falls on May 25th) will also be celebrated in numerous towns nationwide. See africaday.ie