Halifax’s own George Mbamalu, a prominent figure in the African community, reflects on the journey of Afri Fest - the African Festival of Arts and Culture, an event he co-founded after arriving in Halifax in the 1980s. Mbamalu, originally from Nigeria, pursued engineering studies at Dalhousie University where he noticed a significant gap in the cultural representation of his own African heritage, which inspired him to take action.

During a recent interview at our Dartmouth studio, Mbamalu shared insights about his role in shaping the festival. “When I came here, there was a lack of African cultural representation,” he explained. “The idea for Afri Fest was born from this observation. We saw how other communities established their own festivals and realized it was time for us to do the same.”

Initially struggling to organize the festival due to unification challenges within the African community, the festival saw its first successful event in 2010. Despite these early obstacles, the determination and perseverance of Mbamalu and his team paid off. Since then, Afri Fest has grown significantly and is now celebrated annually with increasing local and international participation, drawing attention and visitors from various parts of the world.

Looking ahead, Mbamalu envisions Afri Fest continuing to enrich the community by showcasing African culture and empowering local artists and vendors. The 2024 Afri Fest will take place from July 18th to 21st, featuring performances from artists worldwide and a variety of cultural activities, including music, dance, traditional crafts, and culinary experiences that reflect the diverse cultures within the African continent.

Mbamalu remains dedicated to the festival’s mission: “It’s not just about celebrating our heritage but also about building a stronger, more connected community. We want to create a space where everyone can come together, learn, and appreciate the rich tapestry of African cultures. It's a celebration of our past, present, and future, and a way to ensure that our traditions are passed down to the next generation.”