Preparations are underway at Katara Cultural Village for Qatar’s first festival celebrating African culture. The weeklong festival runs from 4pm to 10pm starting Sunday, April 7 and ending on Saturday, April 13.

It involves the collaboration of some 15 African embassies in Qatar and will feature more than 180 performers, artists and films from these countries, including street artists performing the La Hadhra, Malouf, Gnawa, Mezwed, Stambali, and percussion. Countries include Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Kenya.

African cuisine  jewelry and handcrafts, a drive-through cinema and a “Kid Zone” are also planned. The festival is free, but tickets must be purchased for the performances, either online here or at Virgin Megastores in Landmark and Villaggio malls.

Growing role

The number of expats moving to Qatar from African countries is growing in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup.

Just yesterday, Qatar moved closer to establishing a Nigerian diplomatic mission here with the arrival of ambassador Shuaibu Adamu Ahmed. The aim of the mission is to better serve Nigerians living in Qatar and as a strategic move given Qatar’s growing economic and political clout, officials said, according to the Gulf Times.

Here’s the program:

Thoughts?

Credit: Image courtesy of Katara