Jersey's African community celebrated with food and music events

Thursday, 23 May 2024 at 08:00

The contributions Jersey's African-Caribbean community make to the island are being showcased today at the Royal Square.

Pop-up stalls serving traditional African food and live music performances are taking place this lunchtime (23 May) in the Royal Square.

Islanders are being invited to join in the celebrations, taking place from 11am - 3pm on 23 - 24 May.

Live cultural performances are expected, including a show from Zimbabwean singer-songwriter Vusa Mkhahya and his band.

Today's events form part of Jersey's Africa Awareness Week celebrations.

It's the eighth year of this special week taking place in the island and charity Friends of Africa have been running events all week to celebrate.

School workshops have been taking place, alongside painting sessions where students have been getting immersed in African culture.

Friends of Africa painting workshop

Washington Gwatidzo, Chair of Friends of Africa, says this week is all about diversity and inclusion:

"I think sometimes when people aren't sure about different cultures, it can create suspicion when people don't know what other communities bring to the island.

"So this is an opportunity to celebrate all the different people who are on the island, who are contributing to the island and who have made Jersey their home.

"We're celebrating diversity and inclusion, celebrating the communities that contribute to island life.

"We have a growing African community on the island and I think for islanders who may not have the opportunity to travel abroad, it's a great time to try the African and Caribbean cuisine, and experience the music as well."

To wrap up the week of music and culture, an Africa Day Dinner is taking place at the Pomme D'or Hotel on 25 May, where guests will celebrate inclusion and diversity, alongside eating traditional food.