By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter


A slew of cultural activities featuring performers dressed in colourful attires marked the opening of the first African Festival at Katara - the Cultural Village - in Doha yesterday afternoon.
The performers wowed the crowed with their native music and dance presentations while parading along the booths set up for the seven-day event.
Bringing African culture to the heart of Qatar, 16 embassies are participating in the festival. “Katara decided to hold this event because it covers all the cultural aspects of the African continent,” said Ghana Chaccour, project manager.
Besides featuring booths of all the participating embassies, said Chaccour, the festival would comprise various events over the next few days. These include three major concerts by well-known African musicians.
The organisers have also set up a special zone where visitors can enjoy free African food and drinks. “African chefs have come to Doha to prepare native food, which the public here can enjoy,” Chaccour said. Some of the samples are stuffed rice, vegetable stew and a variety of drinks, such as a pineapple juice that tastes refreshingly different.
Some of the booths are selling native necklaces, shirts, handicrafts, wood sculptures and various unique items. Besides, there are a few stalls where exquisite paintings and photographs are being sold or displayed.
For those who want an insight into clothing in Africa, the festival features live batik-making. Besides, said Chaccour, visitors can also learn about the art of hairdressing in Africa.
The Liberian embassy has set up an information booth aimed at creating awareness on the country’s history. Visitors can see pictures of some of the most attractive places in the country at the booth.
First-secretary Alieu M Massaquoi said Liberia was the first African country to declare independence - in 1847. He added that they would start exporting oil from 2017.
A few metres away from the Liberian booth is the kids’ zone where children can colour, paint and draw on a wall. The festival staff have lined up gifts for the best drawings.
Chaccour said artistes would also perform authentic African shows like La Hadhra, Malouf, Gnawa, Mezwed and Stambali in the coming days.
Visitors can also enjoy the
African Circus led by the Kenyan Boys, a group of dancers, acrobats, musicians, fire performers and contortionists.



1. Visitors can try some African delicacies at the festival.