Africa in April 2023: From entertainment to vendors, here's what to expect this year

Launched in 1986 as both complement and response to the then decade-old Memphis in May International Festival, the Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival returns Friday through Sunday (April 21-23) with activities and entertainment in and around Robert R. Church Park, just east of FedExForum on Beale Street.

Here's what you need to know about what has become one of Memphis' longest-running events.

The history of Africa in April

Founded at LeMoyne-Owen College by a husband-and-wife team of educator-activists, David and Yvonne Acey, the Africa in April festival was intended to increase what the Aceys call the "diversity" of the Memphis festival scene. At the time, Memphis in May had yet to honor a sub-Saharan African nation; Africa in April, in contrast, promoted during its first years such countries as Nigeria, Gambia and Mali.

The festival has adhered to that mission, even as Memphis in May through the years has expanded its African reach, honoring such countries as Ghana and the Ivory Coast. This year, Africa in April salutes the Republic of Rwanda, a nation of close to 14 million people in the center of Africa.

"Most people can't go to all the different places we've honored," said Yvonne Acey, festival associate director. "So we bring the country to you."

Vendors, music and more

Although Africa in April hosts several beyond-Church Park events (a Wednesday luncheon salutes Shannon Brown, a longtime senior vice president and chief diversity officer at FedEx), most of the public fun occurs Friday through Sunday within the park (which will be enclosed by fencing for Africa in April).

According to Yvonne Acey, close to 150 vendors will be present, offering food, fashions and other products, including items representative of Rwanda. A main stage will host live blues, jazz, reggae and gospel (on Sunday), as well as dance performers. Some of the scheduled entertainers include the Orange Mound Energizers; Ekpe Abioto and the African Jazz Ensemble; the Shaka Zulu dance team from New Orleans; and "Michael Jackson II," a Michael Jackson tribute artist. Also in the park will be a children's activity center.

The park will be open from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday; from 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday; and from about 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 after 4 p.m. Friday and $10 Saturday and Sunday.

International Diversity Parade

An "International Diversity Parade" is set for 10 a.m. Friday, along streets near Church Park. Various student and senior groups are scheduled to participate, including marching bands and dance squads.

Community service component

Yvonne Acey pointed out that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" To that end, Africa in April offers a number of community service vendors alongside the purveyors of food and fashion in Church Park. COVID-19 vaccines will be available for free, as will various health screenings. For those more worried about their spiritual welfare, a church service will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday on the main stage.

For more infomation, visit africainapril.org.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Africa in April: What to know about Memphis festival