Mama Afrika Festival to strengthen cultural connection through food and dance

UNITY, pride and cultural exchange will come alive in Lismore at the Mama Afrika Festival.

It will be held at the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion at Oakes Oval on Saturday 6 June and features an African entertainment program designed for all ages.

Supported by the African Community in the Northern Rivers, the event celebrates heritage while strengthening cultural connections across the region.

It is a free community event open to all, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience African culture through food, music and shared connection.

Crowds can look forward to authentic African cuisine, live performances and interactive cultural experiences, including a drum workshop led by Ghanaian musician Gabriel Otu.

Organisers said the festival is about more than entertainment, highlighting its role in fostering inclusion and cultural pride within the Northern Rivers community.

“Come celebrate community, culture and connection,” an event spokesperson said.

“It fosters community unity, pride and cultural exchange by bringing together community to celebrate African heritage through music, food and dance.

Entertainment will include an eight-piece Congolese band, Wazee Waki JiJi, delivering high-energy live music, alongside DJs IKÁPA and DJ Mex’Shika, who will bring Afro-inspired sounds to the festival atmosphere.

Families are encouraged to attend, with children’s activities, community stalls and an on-the-day raffle offering additional attractions throughout the afternoon.

The event is supported by local community partners including Women Up North Housing and Lismore City Council.