Black Arts Fest Launches Inaugural Concert Series at West End Cultural Centre

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From left: Thomas Mapfumo, Guerrillas of Soul, Ismaila Alfa

Winnipeg will have a new way to celebrate and experience arts, culture, and music when Black Arts Fest Canada launches its inaugural concert series on February 2. Taking the stage at the West End Cultural Centre, the BAF Concert Series kicks off with award-winning African pop icon Thomas Mapfumo together with his band, The Blacks Unlimited.

One of Africa’s greatest and most important composers and bandleaders, Mapfumo – aka “The Lion of Zimbabwe” -- is known for merging ancient African traditions with modern styles. Several local guests will also perform including artist and CBC Up To Speed host Ismaila Alfa and genre-bending outfit Guerrillas of Soul. Audiences will also have a chance to connect with Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited at an intimate pre-show meet and greet.

Black Arts Fest Canada showcases African and Black diaspora art and creatives who are re-imagining, revolutionizing and producing brilliant work in music, film, theatre, literary, culinary, and visual arts by hosting artistic and educational events throughout the year. The BAF Concert Series features musical artists of the African and Black diaspora. 

“A strong desire for me was to provide a space where the African and Black diaspora can see themselves and celebrate the traditions of their creative expressions while also promoting art and culture as vehicles for bringing diverse communities together,” says BAF Canada founder Noma Sibanda of the inspiration behind the festival.

Learn more about the performers and get ticket info at www.manitobamusic.com/livemusic/display,event/91975.

This is event is an MB Live partnered event. For more info about MB Live, visit www.manitobamusic.com/mblive. For more info about partnership, please visit www.manitobamusic.com/partnerships.

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