The sixth annual West African Celebration Festival is coming to Richland County Sept. 6, 7 and 8. The sounds and steps of west African culture will be brought alive by Sogbety Diomande and his troop of about 14 drum and dance teachers in an outdoor festival at Templed Hills Camp located at 5734 Durbin Road in Bellville.
“I want people to come and see it, it is a good family experience,”said Diomande. “I love to see the kids smile and have fun.”
Diomande’s music and dance festival is inspired by his native home of Toufinga, a small farming community located in the Northwest region of the Ivory Coast near the border of Guinea in Africa.
Every beat of the drum and every step of dance expresses some part of African culture explained Diomande.
“I want people to see how the music (drums) and the dance go together and listen to the message,” said Diomande.
This is the fourth year the festival has taken place at the camp, Diomande said he loves nature and being outside inspires his performances. Diomande encourages people of all ages to come and experience the music and culture of West Africa.
The festival kicks off on Friday night to kick off the weekend with a free performance on Main St. in Downtown Mansfield for First Friday from 5-6:30 pm. Then they’re back at Templed Hills at 8 p.m. with local favorites, S’yVelt, playing their funky music until around 9 p.m. Later that night will be a Hip Hop Class with Stacy Letrice of Chicago and a Guinean Dance class with Hamidou Koivogui. Live drumming is performed for the classes. Also, drum circle and campfire jam following the classes all for $10 adult/$5 (kids 12-17, under 12 free).
Saturday there will be two classes running at the same time starting at 8:30 a.m. and running to 5:30 p.m. In addition to the classes, there will be vendors, children’s classes and activities all day, and closing with a big West African performance with over 15 master dancers and drummers at 8 p.m. followed by late night campfires. Special price all Sat. classes $60, or $20 each class, and 8 p.m. performance for $10 adult/kids free.
Sunday will include an Ivorian dance class and a finale with all the teachers.
For more information on the festival at Templed Hills or future events please visit Sogbety Diomonde.
“I want people to see how the music (drums) and the dance go together and listen to the message,” said Sogbety Diomande.
