SPECIAL EVENTS

SPECIAL EVENTS REVIEWS

JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL, JOSHUA TREE (CA), OCTOBER 8TH-11TH 2015

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The 2015 Joshua Tree Music Festival located near the Joshua Tree National Park was a colossal triumph, with the desert campground of less dense forests, bare rocks, lake with fauna as a backdrop. This was a weekend for dancing, conscious consumption, broadening, purging and enjoyment. This Music Festival celebrated the diversity and energy of art, crafts, bass, genres, sampled loops, echo-percussions and interactive stretching. Its vibrational frequency injected fire and sentiment into every soul vigorously holding attention until the very last serenade. The Festival presented Yoga, Chakra cleansing with essential oils, tuneful lyrists, soul catching rhythms and art work. Timbuktu State Art by Aly Kourouma (Senegal) displayed creations and illustrated dips of Afrocentric allegory. Timbuktu State’s oeuvre canvas paintings welded texture and bold mix of empowering abstracts. The music line-up was chockfull of musicians, one of the top liners being Daby Toure also from Senegal.

imageSuch a celestial voice, masterful guitar work and catchy melodies. From the first time hearing Daby Touré- the heart lud dubs along, head nodding to guitar and souls entrenched by the melodic hooks. Selections traveled to relationships, family, freedom, peace heaven, continents and cultures. Daby’s lyrics showcased sincerity, such an universal vibe. Easygoing pop fusion style!! He pinned ears back in the crowd. Great festival jam-packed of melodious vibrations skyrocketing the ethers.

Aminah Tolbert is a worldwide reporter and photographer, for Wolof Times.

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JOSHUA TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL, JOSHUA TREE (CA), OCTOBER 8TH-11TH 2015

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The 10th  Annual Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival (JTMF) is happening October 8-11, in Joshua Tree, CA.
Merging its funky desert style with an internationally acclaimed lineup of musical artists, this three day (and four night) family-friendly festival is truly a global music experience. The festival melds the overwhelming spirit of desert freedom, with powerful music from around the world, to create a lighthearted oasis for music lovers. Magically magnificent art installations, a robust Kidsville schedule, the heavily shaded Music Bowl, a full spectrum of yoga classes from sunrise to sunset, 27 different music playshops and didjeridu classes, late night Astronomy theatre, and a World Market further inspire, intrigue and invite festival goers. Discover your new favorite band and dozens of new friends in the shadows of the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park.  The fall line-up features the hip swaying positive sounds of Xavier Rudd & the United Nations (AUS), the Brooklynbased, horn-filled freight train of a funkestra that is Turkuaz, the rollicking ‘Ozark Stomp’ of the Ben Miller Band, Daby Toure’s (Senegal) soulful global sonic mixture, the raw funk of Ronkat Spearman’s Katdelic, steamy tropical beats by Boogat (Argentina), the soul-tastic stylings of Chali 2na (J5) and the Funk Hunters (Canada), global superstar DJs Marques Wyatt and Adam Freeland (UK), and the belting rock and roll anthems of Lee Gallagher & the Hallelujah.  Twenty eight artists representing more than 10 countries, with just one band live at a time so you don’t miss a beat. An eclectic line-up, artfully sequenced throughout the weekend for maximum impact.  For the full line-up and festival info, log onto:  http://www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com
The Joshua Tree Music Festivals (there are two each year, with the 14th Annual Spring JTMF happening May 12-15, 2016) are intimate, community-centric, artistically infused and highly participatory affairs. They capture the DIY funkiness of the high desert, turning rusted junk into striking art, old trailers into stages, and a shaded stretch of campground on the outskirts of the infamous national park into a family friendly global music experience. Focusing on up-and-coming artists, the festiva lhas a penchant for picking about-to-break names, from Deer Tick to Trombone Shorty, Edward Sharpe to Brett Dennen, the Avett Brothers to Toubab Krewe, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Elle King, Chicano Batman, Trampled by Turtles, Greensky Bluegrass, Valerie June and more.
JTMF is produced by a family of friends and funsters convinced that music is the soul of life, and that art enriches and saves lives. The festival is constructed around one Music bowl, with two alternating stages. “It’s the combination of the magical setting, the music and the people that leads to epiphanic moments. We’ve created a space that enables folks to spend more time together with the ability to not miss any of the music.” Those ‘shared experiences’ are where you find the magic. Kidsville is action packed, and people rate JTMF as one of the few festivals that truly caters to the entire family. There are no ‘nosebleed’ sections, white tents, long lines or yellow-jacketed security details. Instead find instant community with nonstop interaction, as folks gather under the billowing shade cloth (over 30,000 square feet of shade flying over the stages and audience), while soaking up the sonic celebrations of the inspired artists. This intimate affair is splashed with ‘conversation stopping’ golden sunsets and star-filled desert night skies.
The desert is freedom, music is power, and community is crucial. Tap into this magical trifecta and get your JTMF tickets now! http://www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com/tickets.html
Full festival line up, schedule, and more information at the following sites: Website  |   Facebook  |  Instagram   |  Pinterest   |  Graphics   |   Hi Res Images

BHAKTI FEST, JOSHUA TREE (CA), SEPTEMBER 9TH-12TH 2015

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Bhakti Fest reached its peak attendance since its inception in 2009 though there weren’t powerhouse World music bands such as Salif Keita’s in the line-up this year, mainly local acts as opposed to international. The festival took place in its usual desertic setting in the Yucca Mountains, in the Joshua Tree desert to be more specific. Thousands of Yoga adepts and Hindi culture enthusiasts traveled from all over the globe to camp and enjoy Yoga classes (slow or fast-paced, all levels) and workshops from world-class trained experts. Traditional Kirtan music or fused with modern music (Hip hop, Reggae, Dance) was played by various bands and DJs. There were healthy vegan food and artistic craft from local state vendors. Musical performances lasted until 3AM and some food and craft vendors also remained open until then. The festival was a definite success and will feature more eclectic and dynamic acts as well as a stronger line-up in the future, per its new production management.

Wolof Times was in attendance and our lovely reporter Sunny Moore graced the cover of the festival’s program.image

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DELL-P, VOLTAGE LOUNGE, PHILADELPHIA (PA), SEPTEMBER 11TH 2015

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Who is Dell-P??? I was recently at Voltage Lounge in Center City Philadelphia, where I had the great privilege to come across one of the Dopest and Livest Hip Hop Artists called Dell-P. His song delivery leaves the audience no choice other than feeling the passion, anger, love and rawness of his lyrics. As he performed, I glanced around at the crowd, and all were doing the classic Hip Hop Head Bob in unison, which was awesome.

Dell-P is the true definition of Hip Hop. A West Philadelphia native who isn’t afraid to create his own lane and refuses to conform to the new waves of the industry . Dell-P has a lot of great things currently happening for him as well as on the horizon.

Dell-P has performed at many premier locations in the Philadelphia area including the TLA and the Wells Fargo Center. His musical talents have granted him the opportunity to open up for hip-hop acts such as DMX, Slum Village, Rich Boy, Fabolous, and State Property. With this resume, there is no question as to why XXL Magazine and This Is 50.Com have named Dell-P one of the best kept secrets of Hip Hop…

Dell-P dropped his new project this summer on the WHOMAG/SONY Distribution imprint, and from the comments on iTunes his project “A New Beginning” is exactly what he’s got in store for Hip-Hop as he sees it. There are some like minds out there hungry and “A New Beginning” feeds them properly. Once you take a listen to the music, you will understand why Dell-P has been called “the best kept secret of Hip Hop” by XXL Magazine… Feel free to follow Dell-P on IG & TWITTER @DELLP215

I firmly believe that Dell-P is an artist that every true Hip Hop lover should definitely support by purchasing his albums and attending his shows, given the current state of Hip hop.  If you thought this art form was dead, Dell-P is here to let you know its a New Beginning…

Khadijah Yayefall Ndiaye is a Worldwide reporter and photographer, based in Philadelphia, for Wolof Times.

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ANKARA FESTIVAL LOS ANGELES (AFLA), LOS ANGELES (CA), SEPTEMBER 11TH-12TH 2015

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Ankara Festival Los Angeles (AFLA) organization is hosting its 6th annual
event to promote African culture and modern arts in Hollywood, CA. The
event showcases various aspects of African culture through fashion, music
and entertainment. It features both local and international participants
which include: fashion designers, musicians, dancers, comedians and actors.
You can get more information and purchase tickets here: http://www.ankarafestla.com

THE WEST COAST LOVES SEAN PRICE-A TRIBUTE, LOS ANGELES (CA), AUGUST 28TH 2015

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This event was organized to pay tribute to one of the best Hip Hop Lyricists ever Sean Price aka Sean P, half of Heltah Skeltah and member of the Boot Camp Clik…Rest in Peace! The event featured a DJ who played classic Sean P and East Coast tracks throughout  the night (9pm-4am) and various local MCs also performed. There was a food caterer, vendors with Sean P apparel and CDs as well as an outdoor projector displaying the Brooklyn/Brownsville rapper videos. The Hip Hop venue, located in Chinatown, was punctuated with graffitis and offered a Basement-like/Underground atmosphere with an East Coast flavor enhanced by the DJ’s tracks. All proceeds from the event will go to the deceased MC’s family. Sean Price was an enigmatic real MC with lyrical skills who never compromised his music and was never afraid to speak his mind. Hip hop has suffered a great loss and he will most surely be missed.

Donations can be made to Sean Price’s family via this Duck Down Music sponsored link: http://www.crowdrise.com/seanp

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JE SUIS SOUL, HARLEM (NY), DECEMBER 5TH 2015

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FEATURING MANU DIBANGO, BEN L’ONCLE SOUL AND MONOPHONICS, AND LES NUBIANS
In  interconnected global village, the soul of today’s musical soupcon is rooted in the multiple strands of the African diaspora. This weekend celebrates Africa’s gift of soul and its musical manifestations throughout the Americas and France.

This weekend of events celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the Jazz Á Vienne Festival. Founded in 1980, Jazz à Vienne is one of the world’s premiere music festivals. This annual, three week festival stretches from mid June to July and features a mix of gospel, soul,
funk, blues, groove and, of course, jazz. In July 2014, the Festival celebrated the Apollo Theater’s 80th anniversary in its 7,500 seat Roman amphitheater.

Featured artists include:
Legendary Cameroon saxophonist, Manu Dibango, best known for his hit “Soul Makossa;” French soul superstar Ben l’Oncle Soul performing with San Francisco’s foremost retro soul group, Monophonics and Les Nubians, the Grammy nominated duo whose unique mix of neo soul, hip- hop and African music is epitomized in their most recent hit, Nü Revolution.

Location: Apollo Mainstage
Tickets: $28.50, $43.50, $53.50, $68.50
In person at the Apollo Theater Box Office
By phone call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000
Online at http://www.Ticketmaster.com
For Groups Call (212) 531-5355

REGGAE NIGHT: BOB MARLEY’S ROOTS, ROCK, REGGAE – A 70TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, HOLLYWOOD BOWL (CA) – AUGUST 16TH 2015

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Bob Marley’s 70th Birthday Celebration at the historical Hollywood Bowl was sold out, which shows how influential and relevant this cultural icon still is with older and newer generations. Bob’s children Ziggy and Stephen, who were trained with their off and on stage appearances by their legendary father, can be held as responsible for keeping their father’s legacy alive with the newer generation. This through their music and mentoring of younger stars Damian, Julian and Kymani. Ziggy and Stephen strictly performed their father’s classic songs such as Redemption Song, Iron Lion, Crazy Balhead, One Love just to name a few, much to the crowd’s delight that knew all of the words. The legacy of Bob will also be kept alive with future generations with grandsons Jomersa (Stephen’s son) and Skip (Cedella’s son) Marley who also performed briefly. This was clearly a celebration as the place was jam-packed and live with great crowd participation. Ziggy and Stephen were seemingly very excited and proud to represent their father. The Skatalites and Inner Circle were great choices in opening the event as they also represented the Ska to Reggae transition from the 60s to the 70s which Bob Marley was a part of.

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LA MARATHON, LOS ANGELES (CA), MARCH 15TH 2015

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The 2015 LA Marathon was as usual dominated by East Africans as Kenyans won both first and second places in the Men’s category (Daniel Limo, Lani Rutto) and first place in the Women’s (Ogla Kimaiyo). American Jared Ward and Blake Russell did manage to both slip in third places to the delight of the home crowd. Respectable times (Men: 2hr10min, Women: 2hr34min) were set despite the scorching temperature of 96 F and there was great crowd participation throughout the city as this is a charitable event that spans from Dodgers Stadium to Santa Monica.

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2015 LA MARATHON, LOS ANGELES (CA), MARCH 15TH 2015

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The LA Marathon is a great opportunity for amateur athletes such as myself to challenge ourselves, enjoy the ambiance of the event, sightsee the city of Los Angeles, meet the winners such as Ogla Kimaiyo (Kenya) here with Wolof Times reporter Sunny Moore from Wolof Times, and more importantly contribute donations to organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Students Run LA, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society etc… via our registration fees. I trained for 5 weeks by running a weekly half-marathon on top of my regular training. I managed to achieve my goal of running 26.2 miles non-stop with a time of 5h11min at an average pace of 11 min per mile, despite a scorching temperature of 96 F. I learnt on my first marathon that running 26.2 miles from Dodgers Stadium to Santa Monica is only achievable for amateur athletes via nutrition and hydration, and also that after 22 miles your overall body muscles are so stressed that there is a high potential for injury. It was a great experience nonetheless and I will forever wear my 2015 LA Marathon Finisher with pride.

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2015 PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS – LOS ANGELES (CA) – FEB 5TH-FEB 16TH 2015

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The Panafrican film festival featured at least 150 films from Africa and The Diaspora. Attendees were presented with a great opportunity to learn of social and political issues that affect folks of African descent worldwide and learn about our cultural similarities and differences.

Here is the list of the 2015 Panafrican Film & Arts Festival Winners:

Best Feature Narrative:
Difret (Ethiopia), Director: Zeresenay Berhane Mehari

Special Jury Recognition-Feature Narrative:
Imperial Dreams (US), Director: Malik Vitthal

Best Director-First Feature Narrative:
Unsound (US), Director: Darious Britt

Special Jury Recognition-Director – First Feature Narrative:
Christmas Wedding Baby (US), Director: Kiara C Jones

Best Documentary:
The Case of the Three Sided Dream (US), Director: Adam Kahan

Special Jury Recognition-Documentary:
Tales of the Grim Sleeper (US), Director: Nick Broomfield

Best Narrative Short:
The Bravest, The Boldest (US), Director: Moon Molson

Special Jury Recognition-Short Narrative:
Love Thyself (US), Director: Chris Bailey

Festival Programmers’ Award-Narrative Feature:
October 1 (Nigeria), Director: Kunle Afolayan

Festival Programmers’ Award-Documentary:
Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band (US), Director: Carol Bash

Festival Founders’ Award- Narrative:
Triangle-Going to America (Sost Maezen) (Ethiopia), Director: Theodros Teshome Kebede

Festival Founders’ Award-Documentary:
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution (US), Director: Stanley Nelson

CAPRI Capital Partners Award:
The Man in 3B (US), Director: Trey Haley

Audience Award—Documentary
Bound: Africans vs African Americans (US), Director: Peres Owino

Audience Award—Narrative Feature (tie):
The Two of Us (Thina Sobabili) (South Africa), Director: Ernest Nkosi and Imperial Dreams (US), Director: Malik Vitthal

BAFTA LA PRIZE (Pan African Film Festival-British Academy of Film and Television Arts/LA Prize):
Gone Too Far!, (UK) Director: Destiny Ekaragha

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“NAS: STILL ILLMATIC” – 2015 PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL – LOS ANGELES (CA) – FEB 5TH-16TH 2015

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This documentary is released 20 years after Nas’ first album release “Illmatic” considered one of the best Hip Hop albums of all-time. It focuses on Nasir Jones’ upbringing in the Queensbrige housing projects and how his childhood environment and parents’ background influenced his mind state at the time and thereby the lyrics of this classic album. Nas relates how his successful aims were to paint a vivid picture of NYC street life and put Queens “back on the Map” after one of its pioneering MCs “MC Shan” was “defeated” by “KRS ONE” from the South Bronx. The documentary also emphasizes his success as he’s considered one of the greatest of all-time. Nas, a high-school dropout, is not only enjoying commercial success but has also been embraced as a writer and poet by his contemporaries and by renowned academic institutions such as Harvard. This documentary is a must-see for any avid or moderate Hip Hop fan.

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“BOUND: AFRICANS VS AFRICAN-AMERICANS” – 2015 PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL – LOS ANGELES (CA) – FEB 5TH-16TH 2015

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Bound explores the relations between Africans and African-Americans. Counterparts from America and Africa including actors Isaiah Washington and Bambadjan Bamba are interviewed in group settings and individually to discuss issues ranging from cultural differences to dating, in an attempt to bridge the gap and improve relations and mutual understanding. This documentary is directed by Kenyan-born Peres Owino and has won Women In Film, Lena Sharpe and Seattle International Film Festival awards.

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“FREEWAY CRACK IN THE SYSTEM” – 2015 PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL – LOS ANGELES (CA) – FEB 5TH-16TH 2015

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This documentary reveals how “Freeway Rick Ross” (Not to be confused with Rapper Rick Ross who utilizes his name as a moniker), a South Central teenager with humble beginnings and aspirations to become a tennis player, made his start as a drug dealer and introduced crack cocaine to the streets of Los Angeles and consequently America during the 80s Reaganomics era. His cocaine deals with Nicaraguans, seeking to use these funds to finance the Contras revolution in that country, allow Rick Ross with the help of childhood friends Cornell Ward and Norman Tillman to name a few, to rise to the rank of almost Billionaire King Pin. The latter two along with Film Director Marc Levin and Rick Ross’ mother Anne attended the event for support and Q&A since he did not participate in it. Ex Corrupt Narcotics officer Roberto Juarez also attended the event to further expose the CIA corrupt tactics and participation in the drug trade. Check Afrocentric Shirt Designs: https://woloftimes.wordpress.com/baby-f-dada-custom-clothing-www-babyfdada-com/

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“CITY OF GOD – 10 YEARS LATER” – 2015 PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL – LOS ANGELES (CA) – FEB 5TH-16TH 2015

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image   The “City of God – 10 years later” documentary produced by Carla Osorio focuses on the post-movie lives of the actors in the classic Brazilian movie “City of God” directed by Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund. The documentary is somewhat similar to the movie as it takes place in the slums called favelas where most of the actors still reside. Though the movie is critically-acclaimed worldwide with numerous awards and oscar nominations, the main actors such as Leandro Firmino (Li’l Ze) and Alexandre Rodrigues (Rocket) still live in the favelas and are still confronted to the struggle, poverty and crime of these areas. Now adults, some of the actors such as Douglas Silva (Li’l Ze as a child) are now living their lives as parents who must fend for their families but luckily starring in the subsequent TV series “City of Men”. Meanwhile, Alice Braga (Angelica) has starred in blockbusters such as “I am Legend” with Will Smith and Elysium with Matt Damon while Seu Jorge (Mane Galinha) a talented singer/rapper is enjoying local as well as international success. Therefore, the movie served as a stepping stone to some but also as a new burden to others who suffer being typecasted or not being able to find regular employment as they’re now associated with acting due to the popularity of the movie, considering most of them were amateurs shooting their first movie. The documentary gives us a glimpse of the harsh realities brazilian actors endure daily not only because of their profession but also because of their race, it also triggers mixed emotions linked to humor, hope, sadness, despair and success.

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2015 PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, LOS ANGELES (CA), FEB 5TH 2015.

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Gala Night took place after the showing of the festival’s introductory documentary “Black Panthers – Vanguard of The Revolution” at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. A live band performed older and newer R&B tunes (Isleys, Stylistics, Cameo, Janet Jackson etc…) and Chicken Masala, Tilapia, green beans and pasta were served on the menu, not to mention the cocktail bar. In attendance were Stanley Nelson executive producer of the documentary, original Black Panthers Mohammed Mubarak and Michael McCarthy, singer Sandra Izsadore (Fela) and Jimmy Jean-Louis (Actor, Toussaint Louverture) just to name a few as there were several Hollywood personalities that came out to show support to the African-American film community. In attendance were also local and international filmmakers and actors involved in the festival.

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2015 PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL (OPENING NIGHT) – LOS ANGELES (CA) – FEB 5TH-16TH 2015

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PAFF opening night was star-studded and featured the Black Panther – Vanguard of The Revolution cast including its executive producer Stanley Nelson and original Black Panthers Mohammed Mubarak and Michael McCarthy. In attendance were also Black celebrity actors Isaiah Washington, Loretta Divine and Jimmy Jean-Louis who attend every year. The lovely Seraya McNeil of the new popular Fox show “Empire” was also in attendance. The documentary relates the impact the Black Power movement had on American Society since its inception in the late 60s, its history and struggles. The documentary provides much valuable information about its most pivotal members Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Eldridge Cleaver and Fred Hampton to name a few and their stand-offs on the streets with the police, the CIA and armed protests at Congress halls. The Black Panther Movement’s history is rather impressive especially because of its members’ relative young ages (17-25), their political awareness and level of education, as well as their roles in protecting (Vigilante) and feeding the community of Oakland.

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2015 PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, LOS ANGELES (CA), FEB 5TH-FEB 16TH 2015

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The Panafrican film festival will feature at least 150 films from Africa and its diaspora. This is a great opportunity to learn of social and political issues that affect folks of African descent worldwide as well as learn about our cultural similarities and differences. Tickets and more info can be obtained here: http://www.paff.org

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SENEGALESE WRESTLING (LAMB) – STADE IBA MAR DIOP, DAKAR (SENEGAL) – DEC 21ST 2014

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Senegalese season wrestling usually starts around April so this event happening in December allowed Wolof Times to cover the country’s National Sport called Lamb. Wrestling events are very popular and this particular one happened in Dakar’s well-renowned neighborhood called Medina. The country’s best-selling singer of all-time born and raised in the neighborhood and who completed a short bid as minister of culture even graced the event with his presence. This to the delight of the local crowd as wrestlers of Medina were battling outsiders from suburban regions. One can get a feel of the culture through the folkloric attires of the Sabar drummers and wrestlers who dance and perform various spiritual rituals prior to the fights. The crowd definitely gets into it and wrestlers off this day add to the excitement by defying each other in the stands to hype up upcoming events.

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22ND PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, LOS ANGELES (CA), FEBRUARY 6TH-17TH 2014

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panaf Toussaint Louverture

The classic Toussaint Louverture brilliantly played by Haitian actor Jimmy Jean-Louis and directed by my fellow Countryman Phillipe Niang was featured in the festival. This movie is historical and pivotal as it relates the life of ex-slave turned revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture and the Haitian Revolution considered the most important and successful Black Slave uprising since the 16th century.

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22ND PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, LOS ANGELES (CA), FEBRUARY 6TH-17TH 2014

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panaf blue caprice

Blue Caprice is based on the story of the DC Sniper and his young acolyte. Isaiah Washington (above left) and Tequan Richmond (above right)brilliantly play the respective roles of John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo in their chemistry on and off screen judging by the post-screening discussion. This film somewhat served as a great psychological analysis of the events that led to the serial killings and gives us insight on the murderers’ lives during the events.

 

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22ND PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, LOS ANGELES (CA), FEBRUARY 6TH-17TH 2014

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panaf of good report

The introductory movie to the Festival was the controversial South African “Of Good Report” directed by South African Jahmil X.T. Qubeka and featured upcoming actress Petronella Tshuma (See picture above). The movie is controversial worldwide due to the nature of its script where a high-school teacher is having a sexual affair with one of his minor female students. The movie is well-done and its scenes are modern and captivating, flirting with the Noire genre reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s. It changes from the common subject matter most African movies deal with, generally revolving around European occupation and its ramifications. However, audience members may feel that this movie glorifies pedophilia and crime against women due to its gruesome and tragic ending as well as strong sexual content featuring a  minor and an adult.

22ND PANAFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, LOS ANGELES (CA), FEBRUARY 6TH-17TH 2014

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panaf intro

The 22nd Panafrican Film Festival took place in Baldwin-Hills Crenshaw Plaza (Los Angeles) during Black History Month and featured a plethora of movies and documentaries from Africa and its Diaspora. The featured movies and documentaries touched most issues concerning the Black Experience ranging from Black History awareness, pre and post slavery political issues, Music, cultural similarities and exchanges between Africa and its Diaspora as well as modern issues related to crime, poverty and lifestyles such as Homosexuality. Movies and documentaries were played from morning until late evening. There were post discussions after every screening where movie-goers could interact with the film directors and actors. There were also after-parties featuring diverse music and Soul Food where movie-goers could interact and mingle with the stars. The Festival was a success and is much needed to educate old and new generations of people.

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TASTE OF SOUL, LOS ANGELES (CA) – OCTOBER 19TH, 2013

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TASTE OF SOUL, LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19TH, 2013

The Taste of Soul was definitely a success and had the longest succession of vendors (food, art, clothing etc…) and music stages I’ve encountered in Los Angeles so far. The festival as the name speaks for itself focuses on Soul food from the states and the Diaspora but also features R&B, Jazz and Hip Hop. I mainly spent time at the KJLH radio station’s stage which is owned by Stevie Wonder. Ran into Ne-Yo backstage who did not perform but was mainly taking pictures with fans. R&B singers Kenny Lattimore and Johnny Gill did a great job mcing the show and also performed, clearly demonstrating why they’re considered legendary R&B singers. Glenn Lewis rocked the crowd with some of his 90s hits. Mindless Behavior, the new hot teenage band rocked the teenage crowd which went crazy during their dance and singing performance. Marques Houston also performed new and classic material as well classic Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson hits to the delight of the younger and older crowd. Stevie Wonder came onstage with Johnny Gill at the end of Marques Houston’s performance to close out the show, unbelievable trio of legends performing at the same time.

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J ANTHONY BROWN’S COMEDY CLUB THE J SPOT – MAY 18TH, 2013

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J ANTHONY BROWN'S COMEDY CLUB THE J SPOT - MAY 18TH, 2013

Audience members (Top picture) were very much involved in the comedy acts and asked to dance to celebrate their birthdays in the beginning of the show. The audience was also highly-entertained by both comedians and Live DJ who played a lot of old school Hip Hop and R&B as well as new hits in these music genres. Featured comedians were just HILARIOUS and experienced in their craft. Nice venue to CHILL and get some BIG LAUGHS as you can see with featured Wolof Times reporters Bunaama Diagne (Left bottom picture) and Sunny Moore (Right bottom picture) 🙂

NYC DJ BOBBITO GARCIA, DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK (BASKETBALL DOCUMENTARY SCREENING) – LAEMMLE MUSIC HALL – MAY 18TH, 2013

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DOIN' IT IN THE PARK - LAEMMLE MUSIC HALL - MAY 18TH, 2013

Great screening which Bobbito Garcia (Left, here featured with Sunny Moore (Right), Wolof Times reporter), one of the documentary producers and also one of my fav old school underground hip hop DJs, hosted. This documentary clearly showed the playground basketball culture of NYC and its worldwide influence. It also featured all of the NYC Playground greats and legends including Julius Erving. Bobbito can HOOP too 🙂

DANNY GLOVER – THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED (KPFK EVENT) – LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN INDEPENDENT THEATER – MAY 5TH, 2013

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DANNY GLOVER - THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED (KPFK EVENT) - DOWNTOWN INDEPENDENT THEATER - MAY 5TH, 2013

Great documentary viewing on the historical date of Cinco de Mayo. The documentary featured the life, political times and accomplishments of Controversial Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. Very informative and unbiased showing. Danny Glover (Center) eloquently spoke about his relationship with the now deceased leader and world experiences as a political activist.

FELA! BROADWAY SHOW (MICHELLE WILLIAMS, ADESOLA OSAKALUMI) – AHMANSON THEATRE – MAY 4TH, 2013

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FELA! BROADWAY SHOW - AHMANSON THEATRE - MAY 4TH 2013

This show is just a future classic, so much musical education due to the diversity of African music utilized from the Continent and the Diaspora. A beautiful musical and dance mix of African cultural elements WORLDWIDE. Both Adesola Osakalumi (Right Column, Right) and Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child, Right Column, Right), who play the main characters of Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Sandra Izsadore respectively, delivered beyond great performances as well as all other members of the troop from the dancers to the musicians to the singers. A TRUE LEGENDARY CLASSIC PERFORMANCE!

FELA CAST PARTY – ZANZIBAR, SANTA MONICA (CA) – FEBRUARY 28TH, 2013

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FELA CAST PARTY - ZANZIBAR - FEBRUARY 28TH 2012

The Zanzibar venue in Santa Monica hosted a party in honor of the Fela Broadway Cast and Sandra Izsadore (Fela Kuti’s ex-wife, top right). The Fela Broadway Cast was not scheduled to perform, local African dancers and drummers were (See pictures). There was also great live DJ African music. Only one of the dancers (Kouyate) from the Fela Cast made a brief appearance on stage to customarily pay hommage and show appreciation for the performance since the featuring local artists were very talented and  experienced. Great night!

BROTHER J (X-CLAN) – MESSAGE MEDIA ED, LOS ANGELES (CA) – JULY 22ND 2011

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Brother J (Right), one of the leaders of the East Coast Hip Hop Afrocentric movement in the early 90s and also one of my favorite rappers of all-time, has now relocated to Los Angeles where he is a Board member of Message Media Ed. This Learning Center provides digital education and professional development to African-Americans of all ages to bridge the divide/gap in this area between races/classes in Modern American society.