Batuki Music Society and Harbourfront Centre in association with Afrique Nouvelle Musique present Habari Africa Festival on July 18-20 - FREE http://wwwbatukimusic.com/ www.harbourfrontcentre.com/summer/habariafrica

An unprecedented exploration of contemporary African arts and culture in the heart of Torontos waterfront

From the African continent to the shores of Lake Ontario, Batuki Music Society invites Toronto and its visitors to the inaugural Habari Africa festival, a multi-disciplinary music and arts festival that displays the rich and diverse culture of Africa from July 18-20.

Habari Africa will feature a mix of traditional, fusion and emerging music and dance styles performed by musicians based in Canada, as well as international touring groups. Batuki Music Society will display an authentic African experience through presentations and workshops that celebrate the uniqueness, wealth and diversity of African music, arts and culture.

Like the countrys landscape, African culture is large and diverse in ways that cannot be fully appreciated until an individual has actually immersed oneself within it, shares Nadine McNulty, artistic director of Batuki Music Society. By drawing on various modern and ancient expressions of stories used across Africa, our hope is that we bring a truly authentic reflection of modern Africa to Torontos waterfront.

Be it the rhythm and variety of African music or the taste of exquisite African-inspired cuisine, the Habari Africa festival is a chance for people of all ages to experience a continent and culture that is home to 15 per cent of the worlds population. Join Batuki Music Society and Harbourfront Centre for a weekend of exploration and engagement with the art, sounds and tastes of Africa.

Afrique Nouvelle Musique supports Habari Africa Francophone programming.

Habari Africa Highlights at a Glance

Music: Born into a life of a child soldier, Emmanuel Jal survived a life of struggle and emerged a world-renowned recording artist known for his unique style of hip-hop, which is infused with messages of peace and reconciliation.

Dance: Founded by Nigerian dance educator, performer and choreographer Sani-Abu Mohammed Allen, Toronto's Ijovudu African Dance Company presents Evolution, a 45-minute non-stop traditional, modern, contemporary and tribal dance showcase.

Theatre: Kwame Nkrumahs Rise and Fall A Stage Play by Kwame Stephens, is the latest play by Kwame Stephens, a Toronto based storyteller of Ghanaian heritage. With a career spanning two-decades, he has been telling stories through poetry, short stories and, most recently, stage plays.

For additional information and complete event listings, please visit harbourfrontcentre.com/summer/habariafrica or batuki.ca/habari2014 or call the Information Hotline at 416-973-4000. Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay West in the heart of downtown Torontos waterfront.

For information about visiting Harbourfront Centre during the Queens Quay revitalization, visit harbourfrontcentre.com/gettinghere.

Batuki Music Society gratefully acknowledges the support of Harbourfront Centre, Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council and Afrique Nouvelle Musique. Thanks to our media supporters CIUT 89.5 FM, CBC Radio and Radio Canada.