Programme of events unveiled for largest-ever Africa Day celebrations

(Pictured above is Minister Colm Brophy with NoWahal dance crew members (from right) Susan Ngereso McDarby, Kenyan musician, Anne Waithira Burke, Kenyan entertainer and Michael Chanda, Zambian dancer and integration educator. PHOTO: Mark Stedman)

Minister Colm Brophy has announced an exciting Africa Day 2022 programme, including a free film festival, a stunning exhibition at EPIC Museum, and events held in association with local authorities around the country.

This year will see Ireland’s largest-ever Africa Day programme, with events being held nationwide. Africa Day 2022 will see the return of in-person events for the first time since 2019.

Africa Day, which falls on Wednesday, May 25, celebrates the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life.

Africa Day celebrations are organised by Irish Aid in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and local authorities around the country.

Local authorities nationwide will host a wide range of cultural, artistic and family-friendly events.

These include family fun days, fashion shows, art exhibitions, movie nights, drumming workshops, street parades, music recitals and food markets, which will take place in towns and cities across Ireland.

This year will also see the inaugural Africa Day Film Festival in Dublin.

A number of contemporary African films will be screened free of charge in venues including the Lighthouse Cinema, IFI and the Savoy Cinema.

Complimentary tickets to the screenings can be claimed on the AfricaDay.ie website.

Pictured to mark the official launch of Africa Day 2022 is Minister of State with responsibility for Overseas Development, Colm Brophy TD, with NoWahal dance crew members (from right) Anne Waithira Burke, Kenyan entertainer, Susan Ngereso McDarby, Kenyan musician and Michael Chanda, Zambian dancer and integration educator. PHOTO: Mark Stedman

Africa Day 2022 will also see the launch of Revolutionary Routes: Ireland and the Black Atlantic, a stunning new exhibition at EPIC museum tracing Irish and African diaspora movement across the Atlantic over the centuries.

Revolutionary Routes, which will be on display from 25th May until 30th October, explores journeys undertaken by people and cultural artefacts that demonstrate the intertwining histories of the African and Irish diasporas.

Minister Brophy said: “Ireland has been enriched in so many ways by the presence of a vibrant African community.

“Ireland’s arts, culture, business, community development, sport and so much more have been strengthened by people of African origin or descent.

“Africa Day is about recognising that contribution and celebrating the culture and potential of the continent as a whole.

“Africa Day is also a chance to recognise ever-strengthening trade, investment and diplomatic links between Ireland and African nations and to acknowledge our decades-long work to support sustainable development across the continent.

“After two years of online events, this year will see the welcome return of in-person events nationwide.

“Irish Aid’s partnership with local authorities will bring the fun of Africa Day to communities around the country.

“Whether it is through music, sport, art or a film festival that will, for the first time, celebrate Africa’s dynamic film industry in Ireland, the Africa Day 2022 programme has something for everyone.

“I am delighted that Africa Day 2022 is set to be our biggest-ever Africa Day celebration.”