The Twin Cities performing art scene will receive a dose of African cultural brilliance through music, dance, and storytelling on Dec. 20, when three trailblazing performers take the stage at The Cedar Cultural Center.
The three, Carolyne Naomi, DiaToti, and Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer of Afrocontigbo, will be participating in Festive Beats of Afrika an event that organizers hope will become an annual celebration showcasing the diversity, storytelling and joy of African music and dance.
The showcase was the idea of Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer, the founder of Afrocontigbo, a West African dance and wellness company known for its dedication to promote African heritage, intergenerational wellness, and community empowerment through dance and storytelling.
After collaborating with fellow artists Naomi, and DiaToti, Aguh-Stuckmayer said she felt the timing was right for such a festival.
“I thought, ‘Let’s get something going before the end of the year,’” she said. “We’re talented African women artists and we have enough talent to entertain you.”
Naomi, a singer-songwriter, guitarist and performer based in the Twin Cities since 2017, performs a blend of Afrobeats music, with influences from soul, R&B, reggae, and gospel. Naomi said she hoped the audience feels the holiday warmth she remembers from Lagos, Nigeria.
“Growing up in Nigeria, Christmas wasn’t snow and winter,” Naomi said. “It was dance, music, food, and celebration. We’d take Christmas songs and put a fusion of African rhythm and beats to give them an Afro-festive vibe. That’s the experience I want people to have. Like going back home again to the motherland.”
For Congolese singer-songwriter, and dancer DiaToti, Festive Beats of Afrika is about inclusion.
“We are trying to include everybody in this show,” DiaToti said. “There will be people from Uganda, Ivory Coast, Kenya, South Africa, Gambia. Come, even though your country is not represented.”
DiaToti transitioned from modeling to performing in 2019, she has gained recognition for blending Afro-fusion, Congolese rumba, R&B, and other contemporary music styles. Her goal was to make every audience member feel connected, regardless of cultural background, she said.
“Music is a universal language,” she said. “Music is its own culture and language. It heals, and unites. Even if you don’t understand the words you feel it. Music is basically a healer, it’s a medicine.”
The artists share a mutual belief in the importance of showcasing African arts in Minnesota, especially during the long winter months.
“When we engage with our culture, community, food, we experience joy we can’t measure,” Aguh-Stuckmayer said. “Winter when it’s cold outside, a lot of times people fall into depression and are looking for ways to stay connected. This gives people a chance to come out and connect.”
The artists said they hoped the event will strengthen the African diaspora by creating a space for people to connect with one another.
“I’ve met people who are from certain parts of Africa who are like, ‘I don’t even know if I have a community here’,” Naomi said. “Events like this help people find belonging. It makes Minnesota’s diversity visible, not just by color but in the arts and music representation.”
The trio gave credit to a wide network of other artists, including choreographers, drummers, cultural organizers, and DJs, who they said were shaping the show’s sound and movement from behind the scenes. Featured partners include Tamu Grill, Papa Joe from Kenya, DJ Boziah, and choreographer Peacenwar. The artists’ hope is to fill the venue with people ready to dance, and celebrate.
“Bring your dancing shoes, because you gotta get ready to boogie,” Aguh-Stuckmayer said with a laugh.
DiaToti said the community does not have to wait until some big name entertainer comes to town to buy tickets to shows.
“Support us the local artists,” DiaToti said “We are very good at what we do.”
The evening event will be a two-hour live concert, featuring drumming, storytelling, and traditional and contemporary dances, with performances spanning from all regions of Africa.
“We open the doors for other people to come in and discover who we are and what we do,” DiaToti said.
Tickets are availale online for $20 or may be purchased at the door for $25.
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About Lizzy Nyoike - Mshale Contributing Reporter
Lizzy Nyoike is a Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication student.
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