When you think of Africa, you will no-doubtably think about the poverty, civil wars, and the AIDS epidemic.  Although that is not what the heart of Africa is all about, it is the reality in many regions (although sometimes hyper-sensitized and convoluted by the media).  To me Africa means a lot of things.  I come from a community of displaced African people, but still we carry forward a culture rich and strong, just like the vibrancy of all my brothers and sisters from the various parts of the continent.

Last weekend was dedicated to the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities in Toronto. The 5th Annual Selam Festival was a celebration of music, culture and film, as well as platform to address the growth of HIV and AIDS amongst the African and Carribean communities in Canada.

Friday played host to Grammy-nominated Wayna at Trane Studio.  Wayna’s accolades are incredible, boasting compliments from Stevie Wonder and a line of publications, her music has even been compared as a contender to Lauryn Hill’s.  This Ethiopian singer from DC has gone from beauty queen to political writer for the Clinton administration, and back to an up an coming music career.  Wayna played alongside one of T-dots most soulful DJs, Sean Sax of Soul on Ice and Main Ingredient.

Young People Runnin Tings

Saturday at the Estonian was something I totally didn’t expect. Hundreds of people came through to celebrate, vibe out and yam some delicious ingera. A full out show showcasing the talents of youth in the community was run by the Sound the Horn crew with their young leaders presenting hilarious, yet serious anecdotes about issues affecting the community such as cultural identity and HIV/AIDS.  

Sunday was the screening of Guzo at U of T, a youth run reality doc showcasing the rural side of Ethiopia.  The film confronts the stereotypes cultural gaps that exist even between members of the same ethnic communities.  Think Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie with a lot less bad behavior and a lot more understanding (and obviously a lot more Africans!!).  The film was the winner of the 2009 Addis International Film Festival and the first ever film shown on Ethiopian airlines.  The screening was hosted by the Young Diplomats, a local Toronto organization aimed at empowering Ethiopian youth.

Big ups to the Ethiopian/Eritrean Communities for putting on some dope entertainment with a lot of light shining on the beauty of Africa in Toronto!