By Malachi Kudura
Sunday, November 13, 2022, was the Afro-Diaspora Day Party held at Quartyard near the Gaslamp District. This event had music, vendors, food, games, drinks, and more. Many of the partygoers wore beautiful African-tailored attire.
Some of the vendors in attendance were, Abule Afro Market & Eatery, Tanjah Love Photography, Oba Beard Oil, and Beholder. DJ Kentwizzy, DJ Vag, Danny G and Fly Zulu provided the music. They collectively played the latest AfroBeat and dancehall hits that kept the celebration on the dancefloor, with people unable to ignore the vibes.
Samantha Tirella was asked why she came to this event. She said, “I came to connect with people who also have a love for African music, food, and culture. To me, Afro-Diaspora is the unification of both Africans and African-Americans.”
“I’m from Eretria, and since I came to San Diego these events help me feel connected to home,” she continued.
70-year-old San Diego native Janet Thomas said, “I came to this event because I love the food and dancing to the music. I’ve been doing ballroom ballet dancing for over 30 years, but Afro-Beat has a different groove.”
According to Wikipedia, “The African diaspora refers to communities of people outside of the United States who are descended from people of African descent who were enslaved in the United States or its proceeding European colonies along the east coast of North America.”
Afro-Panda Entertainment founder said, “We created San Diego’s first Afro-Diaspora Day Party, to celebrate Africa’s music, food, and its people. We are very excited about putting together more events like this soon.”
The full house showed the need and desire for people to feel the connection to Africa and the energy it brings. From Jollof Rice and Goat to the many African fashions and jewelry displayed by the vendors, this event gave all that attended a sense of African unity at its best.
