Urban Culture = African Renaissance

The crowd at Culture Urbaine performance at Biscuiterie

The central theme of The World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures held in Dakar, Senegal Dec 10 - 31 (2010) was African Renaissance.  The goal of the third edition of the World Festival was to convey a "new vision of Africa as free, proud, creative and optimistic."  At the forefront of those shaping this "new vision" of Africa are it's youth, the young people who are using music, art and fashion to re-define the continent in the eyes of the world.

The Culture Urbaine performances held at Biscuiterie during the World Festival of Black Arts & Cultures showcased young African artists from through out Africa and the diaspora.  The free nightly performances brought out thousands of young Senegalese to celebrate their local artists and African hip hop in general.

from left to right: Dancer, Hawawax, Princess Daba and MC, Sister Coumbis

DJ Alla

Photos:  Delphine Fawundu

Words: Ngozi Odita