Open The Gate 5th Anniversary – The African Market & African Live Music
This June the Hackney-born cultural organisation Open The Gate is celebrating its 5th Anniversary. For the occasion they are offering a FREE Festival in the heart of East London on Sunday 8th June 2014 at RichMix.
Join them for 12h non-stop of celebration with Live Music concert along with their remarkable and well renowned African Market.
The African Market is a unique quality fair showcasing a selection of talented designers from various parts of Africa or inspired by African Cultures.
There, you can shop original & ethical fashion, accessories, jewellery, shoes as well as Arts & Crafts, homeware, natural beauty and health products, books, music, arts and more. Local & international charities are also represented, promoting their actions and raising awareness but also funds by selling goods.
More than an exhibition and trade space, The African Market is a place of curiosity attracting an eclectic mix of people including families, young people, students & adults, and a networking platform both for traders and interested visitors, connecting amateurs, professionals and passionates.
Alongside The African Market, an array of musicians will be performing on stage and get you on your dancing feet: an amazing line-up of over 8 live acts from Open The Gate roster who will transport you across the African Continent and beyond.
The Ghanaian collective One Drum will open the celebrations with their participative Drum & Dance workshop.
They will be then followed by the unique Malagasy guitar reefs of Nogabe Randriaharimalala, the rhythmic exploration of Congolese-Brazilian percussion virtuoso Siemy Di, the experimental Afro-dub and percussions of musicologist Antonio Testa, the funk rhythms of the band Ma’Grass, and the distinctive sound of Mbalax and Senegalese Blues by guitarist Abdoulaye Samb & Minnjiaraby and the innovative grooves of Gambian Griot Jally Kebba Susso and Moroccan Gwana artist Simo Lagnawi for their newly formed duet Gwana Griot.
The whole day and night Festival will end with the engaged Afro Fusions,
Reggae and Hip-hop of the band Asheber & The Afrikan Revolution.
The event is absolutely free entry and family friendly! There will be Face painting, Glitter Tattoos and other kids activities available througout the afternoon.
And to complete the atmosphere, delicious homemade African food will be served in a homely living room area!
– 12noon to 12midnight
Open The Gate is a cultural organization whose objective is to promote a positive and contemporary image of African & Diaspora arts, crafts, music, design and culture; offering accessible quality programs across the communities.
Event date: Sunday 8th June 2014
Venue: Rich Mix
Venue address: 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, Shoreditch, London E1 6LA