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A splash of African culture

Stunning acrobatic performances, a mighty African statue and creative artworks await you at the Afro Festival in Delhi. So, wave a Jambo- that is hello in swahili- and get onto this bandwagon.A breathtaking beautiful show of juggling arts, dramatic street entertainment and an exhibition of sculptures and paintings have been put together to celebrate the vibrant culture of Africa in the capital. The Afro Festival will open on 3 July with creative artworks and cultural display and go on to entertain the Delhites till 7 July.

The festival brings to life the experience of its people as a living and dynamic tradition that continues to evolve at the turn of the 21st century. To increase public understanding and appreciation of African art and culture, the festival is devoted exclusively to African way of life. This stunning exhibition integrates everyday life of the people, related objects with paintings and performances and interaction with the artists.

This major festival presents exquisite examples of eclectic art and sculptures from Africa. Featuring works of Thomas Ongon'ga, Michael Soi, Edward Orato, Dennis Muragiri and James Oluoch, each creation showcases the artist’s mood, aesthetics and personal journey of creating their pieces of art.

Themes explored in this exhibit are inspired by everyday activities of people in Africa, warrior-clans and wildlife. The artists’ interpretation of their work is grounded in the belief that 'The people of Africa have created an extraordinary cultural heritage, deeply embedded in a beautiful yet fragile physical environment'. The colors in the art work are bright and bold in shades of red, ochre-yellow and ebony black.

To celebrate the fun spirit, feast upon the acrobatic experience that blends circus arts with the surreal to create a world where physical strength rubs shoulders with the dare devil acts.

The Jambo acrobats are backed by foot thumping Afro Caribbean music. Two acrobats each holding on to large rings that suddenly make them airborne, with a third one reaching out for them to add drama. They toss their spinning props across the stage to one another. And just when you think this is over the top, they amaze you with a finale that is probably, for anyone else on earth, impossible to perform. Look out for choreographed entertainment as you watch jugglers performing tricks and catching tossing balls in seconds. The multimedia displays are magnificent, followed by acts of bottle balancing. The magnificent and daring act is performed effortlessly under the limbo pole- the height of a beer bottle.

While Capital drowns in an African cultural fiesta, dig in for your share of fun and frolic.
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