AFIA FESTIVAL
Afia Festival is our biggest event of the year! One week celebration of South African culture in Sweden! – With guest appearances of other African cultures.
During 7 days in the beginning of summer in Stockholm city we gather from different cities, countries and continents to dance, talk, experience, battle, jam and club together. As the sun doesn’t set in June in Sweden, our vibe doesn’t either, we continue celebrating unity and love for South African music and dance throughout the whole week.
The main subject of the Festival is isiPantsula* and House music. Dance and Dj culture from South Africa.
At our festival we aim to make everyone feel welcome and find a good way to participate and learn. Therefore we have so many different activities: Workshops, lectures, panel discussions, movie screenings, parties and mingle and probably more to come! We wish for people to dig deeper and understand different perspectives of life, hear each other and accept each other. At Afia Festival we go deep, we go beyond the surface of trends and waves, we want to know why, how and when. Join us on this journey of learning, celebrating, enjoying, connecting and opening up!
For us, it’s important to keep it authentic, intimate and respectful so every activity at our program has been thought through and discussed before being brought to reality. Afia Festival is a platform for African cultures and African artists, meaning our artist-line up consists solely of artists with African heritage. However, everyone is welcome to join the festival as participants and audience, the more the merrier!
What is Pantsula?
The subculture Pantsula developed in Sophiatown, South Africa during the forced displacement of black people during Apartheid. Pantsula became a common expression and identity of the merging of the 11 tribes that existed in the country. The dance style (isiPantsula) developed from both traditional dances and theatrical gestures from daily life. During apartheid the regime would send out spies to the townships to keep demonstrations under control, but with isiPantsula the people could send messages without the regime knowing and together keep the spirit! Pantsula has saved many lives of young South Africans that devoted their life to the dance instead of streetlife. The dance could give a fellowship, a safety and something to do. Pantsula was a political movement to give black people a voice when they had lost all human rights. Today Pantsula is a know South African characteristic dance style.
The Festival is located in Stockholm in June every year. But be on the lookout for pop up events in other cities, connecting to the festival!
What is Pantsula?
The subculture Pantsula developed in Sophiatown, South Africa during the forced displacement of black people during Apartheid. Pantsula became a common expression and identity of the merging of the 11 tribes that existed in the country. The dance style (isiPantsula) developed from both traditional dances and theatrical gestures from daily life. During apartheid the regime would send out spies to the townships to keep demonstrations under control, but with isiPantsula the people could send messages without the regime knowing and together keep the spirit! Pantsula has saved many lives of young South Africans that devoted their life to the dance instead of streetlife. The dance could give a fellowship, a safety and something to do. Pantsula was a political movement to give black people a voice when they had lost all human rights. Today Pantsula is a know South African characteristic dance style.
YEBO YES!
Stage performance (dance) with a Swedish/South African ensemble
The subculture Pantsula developed in Sophiatown, South Africa during the forced displacement of black people during Apartheid. Pantsula became a common expression and identity of the merging of the 11 tribes that existed in the country. The dance style (isiPantsula) developed from both traditional dances and theatrical gestures from daily life. During apartheid the regime would send out spies to the townships to keep demonstrations under control, but with isiPantsula the people could send messages without the regime knowing and together keep the spirit! Pantsula has saved many lives of young South Africans that devoted their life to the dance instead of streetlife. The dance could give a fellowship, a safety and something to do. Pantsula was a political movement to give black people a voice when they had lost all human rights. Today Pantsula is a know South African characteristic dance style.
BOOK US
This piece is done for an indoor theater but can under certain circumstances be performed on other types of stages/venues. We need a minimum 2 months notice for a gig due to visa applications and travels. If you are interested in booking us, contact us via afiapresents@gmail.com