Passport to Africa is a journey through the sights, sounds and tastes that define Africa. A Washington DC-based festival that is growing in stature every year (2008 and 2009 were lots of fun), it has managed to put together a tremendous selection that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning tastes in it’s fourth year.
Passport to Africa brunch 2008
This year’s lineup is exceptional. The journey begins on May 23rd with an African-Fusion Brunch from 12 – 3 p.m. at Kendejah Restaurant and Lounge in Washington DC. There will be a buffet of signature African dishes made by local food enthusiasts, and a treat of live entertainment by Vera Oye’ Yaa-Anna of the Palaver Hut, A West African Culinary Theater.
On May 24th, local high-school children will learn about the Africa that the media doesn’t share. The discussion, dubbed “Beyond the Jungle – A Discussion about Parts of Africa You Never See In the Media!”, will introduce them to modern Africa, and invite lively discussion.
May 25th will be an introduction to Ghanian cuisine at Ghana Cafe, located at 1336 14th Street, NW. This is an opportunity to try some great food in a wonderful atmosphere. Run by a Ghanian couple, Tony and Abigail Opare, the cafe will transport you through a wonderful smorgasbord of taste and sounds.
For those interested in African fashion AND African wine, May 26 should prove to be a delight. There will be samples of Moroccan wine at Marrakesh Palace with a parade of beautiful African outfits and a beauty bar. The event is co-sponsored by Diaspora African Women’s Network (DAWN), Bluffa Jo Cosmetics and African Vibes “I Wear African” Campaign.
African art is stuff of legend, but we always see the traditional art. Passport to Africa brings a modern perspective to African art with a trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art to view the exhibition, Transitions by South African artist, Paul Emmanuel. If you would like to learn about “The African presence in Mexico: From Yanga to Present”, visit the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. For those who would like to decorate their homes, Zawadi offers a host of unique home furnishings and accessories.
A network and happy hour event is scheduled for May 28th at 6:30 p.m. It will be at the famed Kora restaurant in Arlington, Virginia with Chef Morou (an Ivorian chef who has been featured on the Iron Chef America, and Good Morning America).
May 29th will have you treated to fantastic performances by Bsheba and Meklit Hadero at The Warehouse Loft. These Ethiopian ladies offer some of the best in afro-hiphop and afro-fusion jazz. This event also celebrates the 4th anniversary of Bernos t-shirts, a company that has celebrated African pride iwith quality t-shirt designs.
The week culminates with DC’s largest afro-international part at Zanzibar. Please remember your whites, or you will be left out in the cold. There will be 2 levels of entertainment with 5 of the hottest African DJ’s. Make sure you have cute but comfortable dancing shoes on. You will be on the dance floor all night. Visit the Ultra White Party website for more information.
Each event shares an aspect of a different part of Africa with you. Take in all the perspectives and leave with a greater understanding of what Africa really is. Passport to Africa is produced by I Dream Of AFrica (IDOA) Entertainment, a company determined to re-brand Africa through innovative events, panel discussions, and cultural festivals.