URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – Sunday marked the first-ever Ngoma African Festival at the Community Center for the Arts in downtown Urbana.
The ngoma is a musical instrument used in Africa to express feelings. Part of the festivities took place in the music school in the center. Organizer Jean Rene Balekita said the goal of the event is to show the community something different, and to showcase this art to the Champaign-Urbana area.
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“This event celebrates the African presence. So, you know, it’s important to strengthen community, bring people together and share across cultures,” he said.
The event also included a fashion show, drumming and a dance learning experience.
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