Third annual Regina AfroFest says all colors and cultures can get along

The third annual Regina AfroFest took place Saturday. The event is free and open to all ages and cultures.

Both dancing and drumming workshops took place at Victoria Park. The Regina Public Library has also joined in on the festivities by hosting a movie screening of African films for children.

African culture is very unique, and organizers of the Regina AfroFest say that’s the whole point. Awelana Akeriweis is the executive director of the festival and is proud to live in a multicultural city.

“We live in a very multicultural society and community here in Regina, we’ve seen lots of people moving in here from diverse backgrounds … learn a little about each other’s background, it makes for a better place to live,” Akeriweis said.

She say’s the more we know about each other, the better off we are. The festival observed a moment of silence in honour of all the recent shooting victims in the United States.

“At the end of the day, we are all human and we should respect each other,” Akeriweis said.

Jah Cutta is a singer who’s band was part of the evening performances. He admits his background is Jamaican, not African, but that he always feels welcome amongst the group.

“You know because its love we all should share right. So we don’t have to worry about nothing,” Cutta said.

Unity is the unofficial theme of the third annual Afro-Fest and according to Amadu, the leader of the drum circle workshop.

“The drum brings people together, it’s like a uniter … It’s like a therapy, like a meditation. You can feel how to drum.”