NEW YORK, NY– Cultura Profética, Les Nubians, Kafu Banton, Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Danay Suarez and Que Bajo?! are but a few of the artists that will delight audiences with their afrolatino sounds. The third edition of the Festival is proud to showcase these artists who have shone worldwide for their talent and for exalting afrolatino culture.
This year the Festival has expanded to a multi-location, three-day event with 20+ artists representing Afrolatinidad in 10+ countries. This year is also especially important because the Festival is an official supporter of the International Decade for People of African Descent declared by the U.N.
The Festival kicks off on Friday July 10, 2015 at 7pm with an Opening Gala Reception honoring accomplished members of the Afrolatino community, including New York Times Bureau Chief for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, Randal Archibold, New York State Assemblyman 68th District, Robert J. Rodriguez, Founder and Director of the Caribbean Cultural Center and African Diaspora Institute, Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, author Willie Perdomo and Tech Journalist/CEO, Janel Martinez. The night will include performances by the Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats youth orchestra directed by 2015 Latin Jazz Grammy winner Arturo O’ Farrill, NYC salsa band Los Hacheros, amongst many others. Special guest Cuban songstress Danay Suarez will close the event.
Day 2 Saturday July 11th, starts at Cubana Social located in Bushwick, Brooklyn with three different panels exploring the intersection of Afrolatinidad, Culture, and Technology. In the evening, the Festival moves to the Wick in Bushwick for a Dance Party and Concert with Popular NYC tropical bass DJs Que Bajo?!.
Day 3 Sunday July 12, at Bed-Stuy’s Restoration Plaza brings dance workshops, art exhibitions, and musical performances by artists including Chop and Quench “The Fela! Band,” Les Nubians, Kafu Banton and Cultura Profética. Beyond the robust lineup, on this day Afrolatino Fest has partnered with ImageNation Cinema Foundation and Summerstage for a free documentary screening of Celia: The Queen and performances at St. Mary’s Park in the Bronx.
The Festival will take NYC by storm to AFFIRM, EDUCATE and CELEBRATE Afrolatino cultures.
THE AFROLATINO FESTIVAL OF NEW YORK:
The Festival of N.Y. celebrates the contributions of Afrolatinos through networking, cultural exchange, artistic showcases, culinary presentations, and education. It serves as an important opportunity for organizations working within Afrolatino communities to raise social awareness and highlight their work. Our mission is to provide a positive public space to pay tribute to the African roots of people from Latin America and the Caribbean. This year is especially important because it also serves to commemorate the International Decade for People of African Descent declared by the U.N. (2015-2024) and its principles of “justice”, “recognition” and “development”.