African culture to be celebrated in Footscray

  • 2015-05-12
Footscray will be alive with smells and sounds later this month, with the annual Emerge in the West taking place.

The festival celebrates the African culture that has grown up around west Melbourne due to the increasing numbers of migrants.

The event began in 2011 to promote refugee businesses and artists, and has grown in popularity over the years, even leading to the foundation of a special association for African small businesses in 2014.

It is organised by Multicultural Arts Victoria and includes artists, musicians and fashion designers.

This year, The Lalibelas will be bringing their Ethiopian jazz to the main stage along with the Somali Peace Band and several hip-hop groups. A fashion show will showcase the work of local African designers, while poet and novelist Kabu Okai-Davies will be promoting his latest work.

Visitors should look out for poster printing advertising each of the events, and the running order for both stages.

Festival goers will also be able to take part in craft workshops and enjoy a selection of African food from the area’s restaurants and cafes, while street traders will be selling textiles and crafts and offering hair sculpting. Many will be offering special discounts on the day.

The festival takes place on Saturday, May 16th in Nicholson Street, between Paisley Street and Irvine Street, from 1pm to 7pm. Entry is free.