Music from Ethiopia -

This is actually from the Ethiopian film “Journey to Lasta”  which we may show next year … Sunny Sounds for Sunny Days! Yep, sun is back in Ireland …

Experience the Richness and Diversity of African Arts, Culture and Traditions.

The Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre will host five evenings of African cultural events to include: African Music; Crafts; Poetry and Film.

Monday, May 23rd

17.30 – 19.00 Henna hand design workshop
Learn how to do henna design and the significance of henna, incense and khangas in Swahili East African culture. Participants can create their own henna design.

19.30 – 21.00 Bellydancing workshop
Experience the traditional North African dance form in this workshop with Yasmina

Tuesday, May 24th
19.00 – 21.00 Writers’ night – readings & discussion
Writers and poets – from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Ireland – will read from and discuss their work. Presented by Dil Wickremasinghe (presenter of Newstalk’s ‘Global Village’ programme).

Wednesday, May 25th
18.30 – 21.00 Film screening and discussion: ‘U-Carmen eKhayelitsha’
Modern remake of Bizet’s opera Carmen, translated into Xhosa and set in the South African township Khayelitsha. Audience discussion facilitated by film reviewer and presenter Sarina Bellissimo.

Thursday, May 26th
18.30 – 20.00 Debate: ‘Mission Accomplished? How Africa views Irish missionaries’
A series of debates in relation to missionaries, chaired by Joe Humphreys. 26th May speakers: Sr. Patricia Murray from Ireland, Fr. Severinus Ndugwa from Uganda, Dr. Sahr Yambasu from Sierra Leone and Salome Mbugua from Kenya .

Further debates 6.30pm 2nd and 9th June.

Friday, May 27th
19.30 – 21.00 Live music event – Niwel Tsumbu trio
Congolese guitarist singer Niwel Tsumbu performs with his band.

All events are free of charge but booking is essential as places are limited

To book contact:

Edel Lawless, Irish Aid at 01 854 6924 / edel.lawless@dfa.ie

Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre, 27-31 Upper O’Connell St, Dublin 1

To find out more go to: www.irishaid.gov.ie/africaday

May 25 is Africa Day, the official day of the African Union. It’s an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success and join Africans around the world in highlighting the cultural, social and political life of the continent. 

Black Coffee featuring the mighty Hugh Masikela (South Africa) – cool grooves for a sunny summery summer!