Heywood Civic centre
Saturday 31st July 2010
Five years ago when the African Festival, known as KARIBU, actually started, the pioneers of this annual event had no idea that it would grow into the spectacular we are witnessing year after year!
KARIBU has become one of the greatest cultural and ethnic expositions of African Diaspora, especially in and around the North West of England. The large crowd this year included dignitaries such the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Councillors Farook Ahmed, Sultan Ali and the Labour MP Simon Danczuk. As expected, the well known African Black Eagles Acrobats Group from Kent brought nostalgic memories of authentic African live music, dancing and energetic acrobatic stunts to open the festival. To the delight of the spectators who had thronged from far and wide they performed Fire Eating and Dancing manoeuvres which left people amazed as the seemingly dangerous act was done with ease and poise by the three versatile performers.
The programme was opened officially by the Master of Ceremonies, the beautiful and eloquent Miss Marie France. She then introduced MP Simon Danczuk and Mayor Zulfiqar onto the stage. The MP gave a short address by welcoming all participants and also praised and thanked NESTAC for initiating a great cultural event that fosters unity through cultural diversity. The aim, to improve understanding and social cohesion amongst the wider community. He also mentioned how pleased he was with the professionalism in the way the event was organized. The Mayor in turn did the honours by presenting the NESTAC special Awards to recipients. Award winners were as follows:
Volunteer of the Year; Sam Yinkore;
Employee of the Year; Mrs. Maggie Howlett
KARIBU Awards Mrs Rita Kapes and Councillor Farooq Ahmed
The rest went to outstanding students in Hair braiding and ESOL courses.
The Hebron Church Choir led by Zoe Davies rendered some inspiring Gospel music that set the tone for a great evening of sweet music and dance. Their efforts were appreciated by the applause given following the wonderful three songs they performed.
The next group to come on stage was the famous Indian Dance group known as JYTA JYOTI. The young beautiful Indian dancers performed by dancing intricately to some Indian songs which drew the crowd in clap- ping and asking for an encore.
Ya Freddy, a solo Artist from Manchester was the next act to come on stage. Freddy sang beautiful tunes in English and Lingala, an African language from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The audience thought he was great and cheered him on.
A group known as Survivors led by Arsene "POP" came next to deliver a special song for Rochdale. They sang their hearts out and danced enthusiastically encouraging the audience to participate.
The fashion show began whilst dinner was served to the guests. The up and coming talented designer Miss Passy presented classic designs modelled by a number of beautiful young girls. They were very professional and their catwalk appearance and the designs worn were amazing to watch.
This year saw an increase in stall holders representing various organizations as well as a Face Painter who decorated the children faces with beautiful art work. Our partners and organizations that managed the stalls were:
The Greater Manchester Police
NHS Health Trainers
Primary Care Trust (PCT)
Stepping Stone
Rochdale Library
International Organization for Immigration (IOM)
Voices4Well- being.
