The OAK Initiative UK CIC, supported by University of Bradford, QM Records and African communities within Bradford, has announced the debut of the Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA) set to be held on the 19th and 20th of July 2024 at Centenary Square, Bradford.
The two-day cultural event is set to entertain the Bradford community and West Yorkshire with a showcase of the beauty of African culture in diverse music, dance, drama, cuisine, and more.
The Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA) is not just a cultural celebration, but also a catalyst for economic growth. By drawing in visitors and promoting tourism, the festival is set to give a significant boost to the local economy.
The dynamic marketplace, a key feature of the event, will be a treasure trove of authentic African crafts, textiles, and culinary delights.
This presents a golden opportunity for local businesses and artisans to showcase their products and thrive, further enhancing the economic landscape of Bradford.
The Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA), endorsed by the local council as part of the Bradford City of Culture 2025 celebrations, is more than just a cultural event
It is a platform for cross-cultural dialogue, promoting inclusivity and reinforcing Bradford’s reputation as a diverse and welcoming city.
The festival provides a stage for local talents to shine alongside international performers, fostering a sense of pride and community spirit that is synonymous with the city of Bradford.
“We are setting ambitious targets to challenge ourselves, to bring and set even more culture loose, into every corner of the City of Bradford, come next year when Bradford will be the city of culture.”
Dr Olushola Kolawole (OAK), the Festival Director and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead for the University of Bradford, School of Management is working together with leaders of other African communities such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameron, Malawi, Caribbean, and other partners to ensure the diversity of the African culture in this multicultural city that has been home to diverse expressions of memorable events and heritage.
Co-curator, Kafayat Adegoke of Art Empathy, and Curiosities CIC is guided by regenerative principles, and shares the same vision and values as BAFA, in her dual arts sector capacity as a British theatre maker/dancer, and a cultural leader. She was instrumental in the current UK City of Culture 2025 win of the Bradford district; sitting firmly on the Bradford Producing Hub Creativity Council while pushing her voice in undoing gatekeeping within the arts sector, and to deliver real diversity – not only race (as popular opinion seem to lean that phrase on), but also inclusive of access for all creatives living with unseen disabilities. Kafayat believes it is time to develop a new narrative around equality, away from deficit models.
Oluwatosin Omotola Ajayi will be playing the talking Drum or Gangan to welcome the Lords Mayors to the event.
The Talking Drum, or ‘Gangan’ among the Yoruba people, is a powerful emblem of African heritage.
Omotola’s performance aims to entertain and educate the audience about the cultural significance of the talking drum in Yoruba tradition.
“We are confident that this event will foster greater understanding of the African culture to attendees and tourists, foster participation of people in underrepresented communities in the creative and cultural sector and contribute to the social and economic growth of the city.
The festival kicks off on Friday, July 19, 2024 with the opening ceremony in Bright Building, University of Bradford.
The Leeds Trinity University Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Egbu, will speak on the theme,’My culture, My heritage.’ After the opening ceremony, there is an exhibition of the African continent by Ruth Agbolade.
After the exhibition, the event will be moved to Theatre in the Mill for drama and stage play performances.
These will include the performance of ‘Esther’s Revenge’ – a stage play written and directed by Kenneth Uphopho, while a drama performance by Chris Ihuewa, one of the most prolific actors from the Nigerian film industry; Nollywood (a portmanteau of Nigeria, and the American major film hub – Hollywood).
The Saturday event starts at 10am, with Market Stalls, while the main event will start at 12noon.
The closing event on Saturday will witness the live music performance of Dele Sosimi Quartet.
Confirmed dignitaries attending BAFA include the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Lord Mayor of Kirklees, and Lord Mayor of Leeds to mention a few. Also in attendance will be the senior executives of the University of Bradford; the Vice Chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon, Pro – Vice Chancellor of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Professor Udy Archibong, Professor Emeseh Engobo the interim Dean Faculty of Management, Law and Social Science.
ALSO READ: Stakeholders seek Makinde’s intervention as health workers’ strike enters 60 days
and then