Renowned violinist Shaun Ward Xperience headlines the city’s 1st Pan African Festival

Kemetyu Global Economic Development Corporation (KGEDC), a Texas nonprofit corporation, is proud to announce the 1st Annual KANZI Fest to be held at Southdown Park, and other venues, in and around Pearland, TX

KANZI Fest will bring live music, dancers, drummers, authors, Trap Yoga, African Martial Arts, folklore, arts and crafts, DJs, food, products, services and much more to celebrate the diversity of art, culture and entertainment throughout the African Diaspora.

KANZI Fest will run from May 18-19, 2018. The festival is free and open to the public with some paid activities.

KANZI Fest is filling a void in Pearland’s arts and culture scene, while creating an atmosphere that brings all people together to learn about the African world; live the African world; and love the African world, past, present, and future.

KANZI will kick off with the Akwaaba Networking Mixer at the Marriott Courtyard Houston Pearland (Pearland Town Center) followed by Movie Under The Stars: Do’s And Don’ts of Dating by local filmmaker, Jonathan Milton (see www.kanzifest.com for location).

Entertainer Lineup

The inaugural event boasts Shaun Ward Xperience as the headliner. A jazz violinist prodigy, Shaun has earned the admiration and affection of critics and fans alike. His universal appeal has allowed him to travel both domestically and internationally on Jazz, Blues, and R&B Tours, opening for artists such as R.Kelly, Anthony Hamilton, Carl Thomas, K.Michelle, and Tyrese. Shuan brings a modern spin to the classical violin; some calling him a hip hop violinist.

Sharing the stage with Shaun will be an array of artists and musicians that represent the African Diaspora. Nigeria artist Myoa (pictured) “ oozes passion, drive and voice for the music craft and art. She wittily describes her sound as “SoPoJa” an acronym she derived from “Soul Pop Jazz” which embodies the type of music.”

Bringing the beautiful and energetic sounds of the Afro-Latin Diaspora, Grupo Batachà will take KANZI Fest
attendees through a musical journey with Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Bolero. And Galaxy Band is a dynamic group that will entertain with music styles such as Reggae, Soca, and Dancehall…truly bringing the
Caribbean vibes.

The Samy Jo Band will remind us of the African American roots of Country, Blues, and Rock & Roll. Antonie Eye will bring the funk with his Prince like guitar riffs. Genesis Blu and Akilah Nehanda will refresh us with Conscious Hip Hop and newcomer Hope Autumn will fascinate us with the sounds of Neo Soul.

On the other side of the park attendees will have a choice of six DJs and genres at the Quiet Party (headphone rental required). From 4-10 p.m. DJ Tony Motley (House), DJ Omu (Afrobeats), DJ Silent Killa (Afro-Latin), DJ ThrillSeekah (R&B/Hip-Hop), DJ David Joice (Chicago Steppin’) and DJ Norro (Caribbean) will throw a party like no other.

Children’s Activities

KANZI Fest is a family event and we will have Wakandaland for the children! Little ones, ages 3-8, will join Princess Shuri for her “Princess Shuri Tea Party.” Screenwriter Adetola Abatan will narrate her African Folklore shorts, starting off with “The King And The Ring.” Sehah Youth & Fitness will lead the children in African Martial Arts demonstrations. Other Wakandaland activities includes arts & crafts, jewelry making, face painting, history games, and more!

For those who still have energy, the Black Panther themed Casino Night After Party at Daiqritas
Express will top the night off!

While general festival admission is free, events such as the Akwaaba Networking Mixer, KANZI Concert VIP Lounge, Quiet Party @ Village Square and the Black Panther Casino Night After Party require paid admission.

All proceeds will benefit this and other initiatives of Kemetyu Global Economic Development Corporation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. In the coming year we will be launching unique youth programs and activities and of course, KANZI will be back in 2019!

Click here for a complete schedule of activities.  Get tickets on Eventbrite or go to www.kanzifest.com.