February 2001
AGO Teen Council &
4Unity Productions Youth Media Association
PROJECT COMPONENTS
Workshops
Documentary Production
Music Event
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Afrofest at the AGO was a joint initiative between 4Unity Productions Youth Media Association, the AGO Teen Council and Music Africa, hosts of the annual Afrofest in the Park.
Music Africa has been promoting African music and culture since 1990. Afrofest in the Park is a free, outdoor, two-day event at Queen's Park, showcasing the richness of the African continent from coast to coast, and it consistently draws over 10,000 visitors. The performance at the AGO showcased traditional and contemporary African music, ranging from a cappella singing to acoustic sounds, with the gradual introduction of percussive and contemporary instruments. It was attended by families from a variety of backgrounds.
Workshops offered by 4UNITY Productions before and after the Afrofest presentation taught youth skills in media literacy and video production and resulted in a documentary project.
4UNITY Productions' volunteers work with other youth in Parkdale and across the GTA to develop their skills in audio, video and print media.
PARTNERS
4UNITY Productions
Music Africa
MUSICIANS
Njacko Backo
Muhtadi Thomas
Adam Solomon
Sibongile Nene
Emerita Emerencia