ABOVE: An African dance item and (BELOW) large crowds at the Katara African Festival.
DOHA: The Katara African Festival would continue in the future, said Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti at the conclusion of the inaugural festival yesterday at Katara.
“This will not be the last time for this festival. Katara African Festival will continue in the future,” said Dr Al Sulaiti.
He said the festival was held in line with Katara’s strategy to promote creativity and the diverse cultures of various countries around the world.
“It has been a very successful festival with thousands of people from various communities enjoying the events. I appreciate the embassies of various African countries here for playing a big role in making the festival a resounding success,” he said.
Fifteen embassies took part in the festival including Kenya, Chad, Sudan, Liberia, Somalia, Gambia, Swaziland, Egypt, Mauritania, Djibouti, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, South Africa and Benin.
The seven-day festival showcased the best of African art, dance, music, film and cuisine. It featured African arts fair and art workshops, circus, Cine Zone, African Parade Caravanes des Rhythmes and Kids Zone among others.
Well-known musicians from Africa staged well-attended concerts at the festival including Johnny Clegg, Manu Dibango and Cheikh Tidiane Seck.
Congo Brazzaville’s Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Jean Claude Gakosso came to the festival. He presented a lecture on ‘African Music – Vector of Authenticity and Factor of Emergence’.
The Peninsula
