Time to party with the African community

A COMMUNITY celebration of African cultures will liven the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council’s Welcome Centre next month.

Ballarat African Association member Ras Ato, in partnership with BRMC, is hosting the Ballarat African Music and Food Party on Saturday 9 December.

After publishing African cookbooks, the chef said putting on public events is a way for him to share his recipes with people across the region.

“Once a year, I like to do a party and share the knowledge of Africa, within food and music, with people,” Mr Ato said.

“It’s not just about sharing the recipes, but also the traditional African musical instruments.

“The party is going to be an exciting afternoon of African traditional music, followed by yummy African cuisine.”

Mr Ato said everyone is invited to get introduced to African cuisine, like jollof rice, and adults and children are welcome to not only watch live music being performed, but to have a go.

“We’ll have people coming to do African drumming, and play other African instruments as well, but families will be able to take part in a drumming class and get their hands on a drum.

“Come along and enjoy some African music. It changes your mood, every time the drums play.”

Mr Ato said he values his relationship with BRMC staff who are helping him stage the event and get the word out to people.

“I want the communities that we live in to know about the party, and BRMC have the networks to help me do that,” he said.

The party will run from 12pm to 6pm at 25 to 39 Barkly Street in Ballarat East and visit bit.ly/46bstYQ for tickets.