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Spirit of Africa, part of the Seattle Center Festál series, returns on Saturday, May 10, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Armory Food & Event Hall at Seattle Center. This free, family-friendly event celebrates African cultures, music, dance, art, and community, with this year’s theme: “Unity Through the African Lenses.”
The event explores Africa’s vast cultural landscape as a unifying force, inviting festivalgoers to see the world through an African worldview. Showcasing curated performances, vibrant cultural exhibitions, community dialogues, and interactive activities, the festival seeks to deepen appreciation for Africa’s role in shaping global identity, connection, and resilience.
Performance Highlights:
• Yao Amponsah (Anokye) highlights the intricate drumming and dance traditions of the Ashanti people of Ghana, reflecting the beauty and diversity of West African music.
• Franco Attk (Rimnongdo Francis Ramde), from Burkina Faso, brings heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies from his debut album “Eldorado,” weaving themes of love, hope, and heritage.
• Thione Diop, renowned Senegalese percussionist and a descendant of a Griot drumming family, returns with his mastery of the djembe and traditional percussion, igniting energy through his dynamic and powerful performances.
• Arsalan Ibrahim brings the oral traditions of his Songhai and Mende heritage to life through storytelling and music, connecting audiences to West Africa’s legacy of resilience and wisdom.
• Kwetu Band delivers an electrifying fusion of African music with modern genres, creating a sound that’s both rooted and revolutionary.
• Zambuko Marimba Ensemble (under the direction of Sheree Seretse) is back by popular demand! Uniting people of African descent to the roots of African Marimba for over 20 years, their irresistible rhythms from Zimbabwe celebrate the spirit and soul of the “Land of Great Warriors.”
• Tamy Moyo is gracing the stage in Seattle! Straight from Zimbabwe and one of Africa’s brightest stars, this award-winning singer-songwriter, producer, and powerhouse performer will take you on a journey through sound and soul with music that blends soul, R&B, folk, pop, jazz, rock, and oriental influences—creating an ethereal, heartfelt, and organic universe you won’t want to miss.
“The Spirit of Africa Festival is more than just an event — it’s a cultural homecoming for many and a powerful entry point for others,” said Gora Diop, Festival Producer. “This year, we invite everyone to experience unity through Africa’s many lenses — through its music, stories, and people.” This festival is part of the Festál series of 25 cultural festivals presented by community groups and hosted by Seattle Center throughout the year.