Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace
Register for Africa International House Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace HERE
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSE
KUNA KARAMU - LET'S CELEBRATE KWANZAA
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KUNA KARAMU - LET'S CELEBRATE KWANZAA -
LEARN ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Ken Bedford
Ken Bedford is an Emmy Award winning photojournalist for ABC-TV7 and has worked for over fifty years!
When he is not covering the news, he spends his down time promoting “Stepping!” events in and around the Chicago area! He produces one of the biggest Steppin’ Cook Outs annually in the country in the Green Lake Forest Preserve!
He also brought Steppin' to the Africa Festival of the Arts on Fridays for several years. After his late wife, Anaia, lost her battle to breast cancer, he formed an awareness foundation in her loving memory to help other women of color become better educated about the disease!
Alice Smith Jones
Educator, Artist, Entrepreneur, Activists, World Traveler, Community Leader. A Dedicated teacher for 34 Years. Lifetime Visual Artist with a background in a variety of artistic mediums. Currently, Co-chairman/ Director of Programs for the Woodlawn Botanical Garden and Nature Center. She is an active board member in several organizations and is working in many communities to help organize important concerns to create positive social change.
Mo Gwala
Mo Gwala is a Ghanaian-American artist who resides in Chicago. He grew listening to all types of genres and fell in love with songwriting at the age of 11. You could usually find him writing raps and lyrics in class. He recorded his first song in 2008 and soon fell in love with the art. He then opened up for Hip Hop legend Skyzoo at a show at his school (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) in 2009. It wasn’t until 2017 that he decided that he wanted to take his music career more seriously and he hasn’t looked back since. He also throws events with his company, The District Chi, and wants to use that platform to build his connections. For now, he’s focused on perfecting his craft and won’t let any distractions get in the way of that. B.A.D.A!
Precious
Precious is a multi-medium artist that uses a multitude of ways to convey his artistry. Through storytelling, spoken word, photography, and videography, Precious’ goal is to share perspective from various angles in order to create a more consciously connected community.
Currently operating as the CEO of PreciousGodz Enterprises, a multimedia production and publishing company based in Chicago Illinois, Precious also curates The Beverly Hills Art Gallery at 2133 W. 95th St. with his business partner Kristen and is the co-host of a Spoken word Podcast with his Brother Boogie Ogun called Bonding with Boogie and A Precious Perspective.
Dayo Laoye,
Visual Artist
A native of Nigeria, Dayo Laoye held a number of jobs in his homeland that enlisted his artistic talents before coming to America.; cartoonist illustrator, and graphic artist. Today Dayo Laoye makes his home in Chicago where he is an acclaimed studio artist. Much of Dayo’s work is characterized by the celebration of the spirituality of the Yoruba people. Over his career Dayo has worked in various media marking a turn in his creative focus and inspiration. Thus in the “llekun Orisa,” a series of oil paintings on old discarded doors inspired people and nature. The “Negritude” series depicts the unique beauty, diversity and power in women through the study of live models. Dayo’s presentation will revolve around “Symbolism in Art.”
Graham & Company
Line Dancing
Jim Graham is a line dance instructor at Harris Park in Chicago. Jim became interested in dance while attending Dunbar High School in 1960. Inspired by watching people line dance at numerous parties, Jim fell in love with this form of dance. In 2006 Jim began taking line dancing classes. Throughput his years of dancing , Jim developed a passion, for not only dancing but also teaching line dance. Thus in August 2013, Jim formed his own dance group known as “Graham & Company.” In 2015 Graham & Company competed in a line dance competition with other groups at the Dolton Park District in Dolton, Illinois. Jim is also a smooth stepper but he does not teach stepping.
AZIZZ
Born in Chicago but raised in Lagos, AZIZZ is a creative looking to take on the world with his music. AZIZZ is a smooth and sultry singer, songwriter & creative. You can describe his sound as Afrobeats with nice blend of RNB and other components as well. AZIZZ started his musical journey in 2009 with a small group of childhood friends. He has since made a mark on throughout neighborhoods in Chicago and also amongst the African youth and social media.
He draws inspiration from all of life's colorful experiences. From love, sex, loss, heart break, life's tough moments and any other topic that can spark inspiration. His recent release is a 2 pack titled GAZA & WAY2GOOD, both songs have had a great reception in the diaspora and in Nigeria.
Simba Tayari,
Kwanzaa Ceremony
Simba Tayari Founder and Executive Director of the Swahili Institute of Chicago (SWITCH) promoting and preserving African language and culture through Instruction, publications, performances and presentations and language services.
DJ K.O.
DJ K.O. is a Nigerian American DJ who was born and raised in Chicago while frequently visiting Nigeria. He is an open format DJ who seamlessly blends Afrobeats, top 40 hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, reggae, and more to create a unique sound. DJ K.O. uses music to unify people all over the world, drawing on his multicultural background to bring people together through the power of music. His performances are a testament to the importance of cultural exchange and the endless possibilities that arise when we embrace diversity.
Olu (Eric Johnson),
Lead Drummer
Eric Johnson (a/k/a Olu Abdul Shakoor; a/k/a the “Drum Doctor” is master drummer raised in Chicago’ s Bronzeville, Olu is proficient in West African drums and contemporary drum styles Olu founded the Nubian Cultural Dance Theater (1972-1984) also the founder/creator of OSA Production, producing African centered programs throughout the city and neighboring suburbs. As one of the Visionary/Founders of the African Festival of the Arts (AFOA) he was the Entertainment Coordinator (1989-1991) and creator of AFOA Drum Village Pavilion (1991-2019).
Baba Nubian Malik, MC
Former Co-director of Shule Ya Watoto
Lead instructor for Maywood Youth Mentoring
Enstooled Elder:
A.N.R.O.P.U.K.
Bolozi Wazee
Owner of Aban Advantage Consulting
Lonrico (Rico) Baker
I am a singer songwriter that has been in the music business ever since I was nine years old. I started out directing and singing in the choir, and I learned how to play the drums around the same time. Shortly after that, I started training, vocals, and playing the piano and organ for the church! Immediately after that, I began writing songs and gathering voices together. I practiced singing on the L’s on the way to school and on the bus walking down the street! My life was always pertaining to music! Even when I got to high school the first thing, I was looking for was the music classroom! During high school, I started my first group ever, "Voices of Victory" which consisted of a few friends, my godmother, God brothers and sisters. Even before high school during my younger years, I was a proud member of Walter Whitman's "Soul Children of Chicago", my first recording group. Then I sang with the Thompson Community Singers, Craig Purchase in Blessed Ministries, Tony Tidwell, Montage Pheloan, Sir The Baptist, and Donald Lawrence. I’ve even done some R&B with Kanye West, and Twista; just to name a few. As of today, I am working on my own project. So, stay tuned! There’s more to come from this musician, singer, songwriter, performer, and composer!
Africa International House would like to thank all performers who performed for the 2-day Kwanzaa Celebration as well as our vendors and those who participated in the production of this program
Register for CHI-VILLAGE Kwanzaa HERE
Billed as an “Intergenerational" program, Africa International House along with its partner Chi-Village will continue reveling in the cultural experience of this holiday season through education, family fun and excitement. Join our partner Chi-Village, December 26 & 27 at the Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center. Take advantage of Children workshops, dance, games and much more Kwanzaa excitement. Register for Chi-Village 2023 Kwanzaa now.
Africa International House would like to thank all performers who performed for the 2-day Kwanzaa Celebration as well as our vendors and those who participated in the production of this program.
“2023 KWANZAA FEST INITIATIVES”
