Ottawa African Festival: A Celebration of Heritage, Unity, and Community
By Ijeoma Ukazu
For three straight days, Britannia Beach came alive with the sounds, colours, and flavours of Africa as the Ottawa African Festival celebrated its 16th edition. From September 26 to 28, the usually calm waterfront transformed into a vibrant cultural hub where Africans, Caribbeans, and Canadians gathered to celebrate heritage, unity, and joy.
The festival opened with a burst of energy as DJ Ozzie and Phoenix electrified the arena with pulsating beats that carried echoes of Lagos, Kingston, and Accra. Their mixes set the tone for a weekend that promised not only entertainment but also community connection. Holding the microphone with charisma and flair, Captain Sunshine and AmaSuccess worked as a dynamic duo, guiding the audience through the packed program and ensuring the spirit of festivity never waned.
When Festival Program Director Mr. Daniel Eji walked up to the podium, the crowd greeted him with thunderous applause. His words carried the weight of history.
“This festival began in 2009,” he reminded the audience. “Back then, it was a small gathering of Africans in Ottawa, wanting to share our culture. Today, it has become an annual tradition that continues to grow. But with growth comes responsibility. Each year, we must strive to do things better so that the experience keeps improving.”
Eji’s remarks highlighted the festival’s journey from modest beginnings to one of Ottawa’s most anticipated multicultural events. For him, the festival is more than just a weekend of fun; it is a testament to resilience, collaboration, and the enduring power of cultural pride.
Midway through his speech, Eji asked the audience to observe a minute of silence for artists and cultural leaders who once contributed to the festival but had since passed away. The moment was deeply moving. It was a reminder that the festival’s success rested on the shoulders of many unsung heroes who had devoted themselves to celebrating Africa in Canada.
One of the most stirring voices at the festival came from Jean Marie Vianney, a respected Black community leader. Standing before the crowd, he spoke not only of celebration but also of responsibility.
“Africa’s strength is in her unity,” Vianney declared. “Even here, in Canada, thousands of miles away, we must remember that what binds us is greater than what divides us. Festivals like this remind us of our shared roots and the future we can build together.”
His words resonated with many in attendance, particularly the younger generation who are seeking ways to balance their Canadian identity with their African heritage.
Beyond speeches, the festival was a feast for the senses. Each day featured live performances by local artists who showcased the diversity of African music—from Afrobeats and highlife to reggae and traditional steel pan.
Food stalls like African Grill formed another cornerstone of the festival, offering dishes that reminded many of home. The aroma of Jamaican-styled dishes from a vendor filled the air. The aroma of dishes such as jollof rice, plantains, goat suya, jerk chicken, and brown stewed oxtail saturated the air, attracting long lines of festival-goers eager to experience a taste of African and Caribbean cuisine.
For many, the Ottawa African Festival is not just about fun. It is a space where newcomers to Canada find belonging, where artists showcase their talents, and where children learn that their culture is valued.
The live performances from Eddy Alleyne, DJ Ozzie, DJ Johnny, DJ Phoenix, Jarawak, and Indigenous provided opportunities for more profound engagement. The festival also hosted an insurance booth, IA Financial Group, offering resources on different types of insurance packages, including life insurance for African and Caribbean communities in Ottawa.
Though rooted in African and Caribbean culture, the festival drew attendees from all walks of life. Many non-Africans came with curiosity and left with admiration for the richness of the continent’s traditions. This multicultural embrace reflects Ottawa’s evolving identity as a city that celebrates diversity.
In his closing remarks, Eji thanked volunteers, artists, and sponsors for making the event possible. “This festival is ours,” he said. “It belongs to the community. As we look to the future, let us continue to grow stronger, more united, and more determined to showcase the beauty of Africa here in Ottawa. We welcome any suggestions to improve the festival.”
For many attendees, those words captured the spirit of the weekend. The Ottawa African Festival was not only a celebration of music, dance, and food, but also a reaffirmation of identity, community, and belonging. Sixteen years on, it remains a shining example of how cultural heritage can build bridges, foster unity, and light up a city with joy.
