Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
This past weekend Bantu Entertainment graced the south side Chicago Hyde Park neighborhood with their second annual Bantu Fest. The past couple years, the festival took place at the K.L.E.O. Community Center, but this year founder Silvain Songo had the "go hard or go home" goal by having it at the historic Midway Plaisance right by the University of Chicago.
The Bantu Festival's purpose is to bridge the gap between continental Africans, African Americans, Caribbeans through the spirit of Pan-Africanism, group economics, and promoting peace and positivity. Chicago doesn't have an African and Caribbean community as large as in cities such as New York and Miami, however it's very significant and festivals like this are important because when everyone shows up, they show out. Besides celebrating Pan-African unity, this event also aims to transform the views of the south side and Black Chicago destroying negative and harmful stereotypes of violence and anti-Blackness.
The turn out this year was truly amazing. The whole place was packed, there were numerous food vendors, entertainment, and much much more. Everyone was rocking their different African printed fashion pieces, waving their different flags, I'm telling you, this was Pan-African realness everywhere. People representing Haiti, Jamaica, Gambia, Cameroon, South Africa, Belize, Panama, Trinidad, and many more countries from the African continent and around the diaspora.
Vendors like Jerk Taco Man, Shea of Life, Love, Dia Couture Fashion, Author L. McGregor and Little Pampu, Sumptuous South to name a few. There were also performances by the Issac Sisters, ILLA ILLS, Kelly Morgan, Lil June, Indinka Reggae Band, Stacy Letrice and more.
Take a look at some of the footage taken by Warren Alexander Photography:
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
Photo: Warren Alexander Photography |
One of my favorite things about the summer is enjoying African-centered events such as the Bantu Fest and African Festival of the Arts. The turn out for this year's Bantu Fest was truly amazing. It was super packed and about three times as big. Silvain and Bantu Entertainment, y'all did that! We're so proud of your accomplishments and elevating this festival. I'm super excited for the 2018 Bantu Fest because I'm sure it will be even bigger and better.
Did you check out the Bantu Fest this past weekend? Share your experience!
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