Afromonde festival: music, food and culture in Montreal

What was billed as a four-day unifying festival of good music, food and even better vibes lived up to expectation.

The 15th edition of the Afromonde festival – a combination of music, food, art, conferences and activities for all ages – brought Montrealers to the Old Port clocktower from Thursday to Sunday.

The festival combined African and Caribbean cultures.

Vendor stall at the Afromonde Festival 2023. (Photo credit: Diona Macalinga/CityNews)

“It’s all about enjoying. Especially having music with some great artists coming from all places and countries,” said Simba, the spokesperson of Afromonde.

This year, the festival included some of the biggest names in Afrobeats to inspire young artists in Montreal.

“This festival was made for us to have a platform and to be free and have a place to express ourselves,” said Simba, a young artist himself.

Afro-pop singer Salatiel, from Cameroon, performed Saturday.

“Representing that African culture,” he told CityNews. “It’s Afromonde, so it’s Africa’s world out here. And it’s a pride and honour to be one of those flagbearers.”

Charly Black, singer of the 2016 hit “Gyal You A Party Animal,” performed for the second time in Montreal since 2010.

“It’s always a vibe, man,” said Black. “Always a great vibe with the people, singing for the people, performing for the people and representing my culture Jamaica.”

Food stall at the Afromonde Festival 2023. (Photo credit: Diona Macalinga/CityNews)

The festival featured dance, drumming, and cooking workshops. On Sunday, people wore traditional costumes to celebrate and display their heritage as part of the carnival portion of the festival.

Also throughout Afromonde there were conferences examining the cultural heritage of Montreal’s Afro-descendant communities, systemic racism, and women in leadership roles.