Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest will take place on Aug. 24–25: noon–8 p.m. at the Armory Food & Event Hall and Mural Amphitheatre. The festival is part of the Seattle Center Festál series. It is free and open to the public. More information to come.
Festival Sundiata (pronounced: Soon-jah-tah), is the longest-running African American festival celebrated in the Pacific Northwest and Seattle, holding its first festival in 1980. The festival is named in honor of the Sundiata Keita, the historic and legendary Mansa (King of Kings) of the Mali Empire in West Africa. King Sundiata rescued his people’s griot and created one of the most significant cultural and economic kingdoms in Africa.
The festival shares and celebrates African-American culture with the broader community through the talents of local artists, musicians, youth groups, vendors, historical displays, culinary delights, and more. This is the feel-good event of the year! The reunion of the community! Festival Sundiata shares the love and passion of Black folks who have been systematically sidetracked from the total expression of their heritage and history.
Highlights include:
Live music — R&B, funk, jazz, hip-hop, gospel, reggae, African, and more — from local and international recording artists including S.O.S. Band, Jeffrey Osborne, TMF Formerly of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Kalimba, Greater Seattle Area Fellowship Gospel Choir, P. Washington, Eugenie Jones, Michael Powers, and many more.
World-class art exhibit featuring local African American artists
The American History Traveling Museum: The Unspoken Truths
A variety of children’s activities
Artisans and crafts, delicious food and beverages — over 80-plus vendors
