By Malachi Kudura, Contributing Writer
Saturday, October 15, 2022, the Worldbeat Cultural Center hosted “A Taste of Africa”. This event was filled with food, music, and culture. The attendees dressed in beautiful African attire and sounds of native drums set the mood for a festive celebration of the Motherland.
The vendors represented their respective countries, Abule Afro Market and Eatery, Spicy African Food (Nigerian), Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant (Ethiopia), Fatuma Cuisine (Somalian), Asmera Café (Eritrean), South African Food and Catering (South Africa), and Caribbean Pleasure (Haitian). Other vendors sold African necklaces, bracelets, earrings, clothes, and Djembe drums.
“I love events like this, they unite African cultures and help us get a better understanding and appreciation of the continent,” said Dramane Kone, Djembe drummer from Burkina Faso. When asked why it is important to support events like this, he stated, “People should always support. It’s good for the mind, body, and soul.”
This event had many traditional ceremonies and performances. The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, Djelia Kadi African Drum & Dance Ensemble (Burkina Faso) and Sankoh & The Rockaway Kings from Sierra Leone performed live reggae on the Worldbeat stage.
A taste of Africa’s purpose was to celebrate and appreciate the continent, its people, and various foods. The long line indicated people’s desire to be connected to Africa and its many tastes and cultures. Makeda Dread and the World Beat Cultural Center for years have been bringing San Diego its dose of roots and culture. It looks like they will continue this legacy of celebrating Indigenous culture for many years to come.
