Events

Building communities through culture

11th Annual Taste of Africa Festival

Get ready to embark on a journey of culture, diversity and celebration as Cheza Nami Foundation proudly presents the 11th annual Taste of Africa Festival in Livermore, California. Taste of Africa is a free, outdoor festival celebrating the rich diversity and heritage of Africa and the Diaspora, which will be taking place on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 10:00am – 6:00pm at the Shea Homes Plaza Lawn Area of the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, 94551

7th

Oct

Thank you to all our sponsors

“Moving Together” community dancing and drumming workshops made possible by the California Arts Council and Fremont Bank

Presenting Sponsor

Thank you to Livermore Valley Arts for your Sponsorship support for the second year in a row

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Kid zone sponsored in part by Hively. Community art project in partnership with Quest Science Center

Cultural Performance Schedule

Bankhead Plaza Stage

All Day Music with DJ Allan

MC – Edwin Okogo

Cheza Nami Foundation’s Taste of Africa festival welcomes you to explore the rich tapestry of African heritage and the Diaspora. With a vibrant lineup of musicians and dance performances by local African and African Diaspora artists at the Bankhead Plaza Stage

PUSD youth step team – 10:45am

Chinyakare Ensemble – 11:05am

Cheza Nami Ensemble – 11:45am

Diamano Coura West African Dance Company- 12:35pm

Arenas Dance Company/Duniya Drumming and Dance – 1:10pm

Mokili wa – 2pm

Samba Guisse – 3:10pm

Sambada – 4:05pm

TOA Musical Jam –  5:15pm

 

Moving together Community

Drumming and Dance workshops

All Day – MCLeod Street between 1st and 2nd Street

New this year is the “Moving Together” program, on McLeod street right across from the Bankhead Theater, bringing master African & Diaspora Artists for dance and drumming workshops, all free to the community. Come and explore dance and drumming with workshops facilitated by master teachers teaching movement from different cultures such as Congo, Senegal, Brazil, Kenya, Cuba and many more. No experience necessary and open to all ages. Features master dance and Drum teacher

 

For The Drum Classes, please bring your own drum or rent on of ours at $5

All Workshops 45 minutes

Abel (Brazilian Drumming)- 10:00am

Susana Arenas (Afro Cuban) – 10:55am

Saa Saa Sistah – 11:50am

Djenaba Ndeye (Beginning Sabar – Senegal) – 12:45pm

Dandha (Afro Samba) – 1:40pm

Ibou Ngom (Senegal Drumming) – 2:45pm

Tico Santos (Capoeira) – 3:40pm

Rocssy Mahania (Congolese Drumming) -4:35pm

Loubayi Arnaud (Congolese Dance)- 5:30pm

 

Activities

All Day – MCLeod Street between 1st and 2nd Street and at the Bankhead Plaza

Please support our vendors. They are selling food, children’s books, body scrubs, oils and butters, African fabrics, clothing, jewelry, fragrances, art and more!!!

Vendors

All Day – MCLeod Street between 1st and 2nd Street and at the Bankhead Plaza

Please support our vendors. They are selling food, children’s books, body scrubs, oils and butters, African fabrics, clothing, jewelry, fragrances, art and more!!!

Past Events

The Black Excellence Flyer

The objectives of this program are to create a space for students to affirm their racial and cultural identities, build upon their sense of personal and academic self-worth, and ground them in the Pleasanton Unified Black community.

Two days per week (Wednesdays & Thursdays)

Download the event flyer

5th - 13th

JULY

Cheza Nami Foundation, in partnership with local Master Artist Loubayi Arnaud, and the Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center, are excited to present the 7th annual Hâ Mbongui African Dance & Drum Conference at TWDCC in Santa Cruz, California, from May 18-21, 2023, followed by the Santa Cruz installation of the Essence show, featuring the Cheza Nami ensemble and guest artists.

18th - 21st

MAY

This Women’s history month, we celebrated the contributions of our women partner artists, Dandha da Hora from Brazil, Stella Situma from Kenya, and Mandjou Kone from Mali/Bukina Faso.

25th

MAR.

The Essence Show was a collaborative performance that explored the rich musical legacy and cultures across the African Diaspora, including Cuba, Brazil, Kenya, Congo, and several West African Cultures, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal, to name a few. 

3rd

FEB.