Waterloo Afro Festival 

Sauti za Africa was pleased to attend the Waterloo Afro Festival held at Waterloo Park Westmount Rd entrance on Jul 18, 2026.
The festival was vibrant with many participants including influential speakers from the African diaspora, dance troupes, DJ, Food vendors and other vendors of various African merchandise and artifacts.

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Being a member of the African diaspora, Sauti za Africa was elated to see festive moods and high spirits especially during the current times when there are significant economic challenges the country has to deal with. Thankfully the weather was hot but very pleasant.

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However, unlike previous years in the pre-pandemic times, the turnout this year was noticeably low. In addition, Sauti za Arica founder, who had to cab to and from the venue queried the cab drivers who were both of African descent. When asked if they were aware of the festival, they replied "no". Upon asking the organizer of the event it became clear that only a few selected social media outlets were deployed for advertisement and mainly Instagram. This would leave many folks who might not be using this social media avenue for getting news and views and happenings around the city. Included in this group would be older folks and people who are not into social media a lot. More efforts to increase advertisement is needed including deploying Sauti za Africa to spread the word.

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The population inside the Region of Waterloo has increased a lot since pandemic and many more people are being settled in the region through a variety of immigration channels such as the foreign student population who decide to make Canada their home, refugees relocated from war torn countries and skilled individuals who move to Canada.

 

The year 2027 looks to become a better turnout according to the organizers.  Sauti za Africa will initiate collaborative work to be carried out with various African diasporic event organizers. 

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