Emancipation 2012 celebrations kick off

Emancipation 2012 celebrations in Dominica kicked off on Tuesday evening with an African showcase at the Old Mill Cultural Center.

Organizers say the celebrations this year will have a strong African theme and Tuesday’s show began with an introduction to Africa and its territories, the varied languages and culture. The native Africans present also provided answers to questions about Africa, even the ‘silly’  ones which Africans get asked on a regular basis such as ‘is there any electricity in Africa?’

On display was African wear by African children with attire from various countries across the African continent including Nigeria, Cameroon, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia, Comoros (an island off the eastern coast of the continent), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Mali, Benin and the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire.

One of the performances was the rendition of  reggae singer Jah Cure’s “The Jailer” by medical student at All Saints University, Marie Pascale from Cameroon.

Pascale was accompanied by dancers during her performance and musical accompaniment was provided by a Nigerian on keyboard and Dominican Kyle Gordon, on guitar.

The evening ended with the public being invited to sample African cuisine and view art work on display.

Emancipation activities continue with the Golden Drum Awards this evening at the Arawak House of Culture.

See photos below of the African Showcase.

Photos by Abigail H. Antoine

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