Fests present African divide

Last update: August 7, 2008 - 4:49 PM

For better or worse, some of the co-organizers of last year's inaugural Afrifest have split up to create two competing events. The results are double the activities, but also a smidgen of confusion. Here's a rundown of what's what.

TWIN CITIES PAN AFRICAN FESTIVAL

When: Kicked off Wednesday, lasts through Monday.

Who's behind it: DEMO (Diverse Emerging Music Organization), run by former First Avenue manager Steve McClellan and KFAI DJ Rachel Joyce, longtime African music promoters who helped launch Afrifest.

Who's performing: Besides K'Naan's concert Monday at First Ave, DJs Xpect, Hustla and more play a dance party tonight at La Bodega, 3005 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. (9 p.m., $10). Ghanian rapper M.anifest, Togolese bandleader Yawo, Liberian R&B singer Munnah Myer and other Twin Cities immigrants perform at a free fest Saturday outside the Nomad Pub, 519 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. (3-9:30 p.m.) 3 Kings join other reggae/dancehall DJs Sunday at the Lounge, 411 2nd Av. N., Mpls. (10 p.m., $5).

Other activities: Documentary film fest Sunday at the Parkway Theater including "Fela Kuti: Music Is a Weapon" (7 p.m.) and "Hip-Hop Colony" (5:45 p.m., 4814 Chicago Av. S., Mpls.)

Web: www.demomn.org.

AFRIFEST

When: Thursday-Aug. 17.

Who's behind it: Nextainment, a promotion company headed by Liberia native Nathan White, who was inspired by Chicago's Pan African Festival of the Arts.

Who's performing: Congolese Afrobeat/pop singer Awilo Longomba headlines the Aug. 15 gala with local hip-hop star Blade Brown (from Liberia) and spoken-word artist e.g. bailey ($25-$30). Comedian Michael K. Blackson performs Aug. 17 ($10-$15). Both shows at Epic, 110 N. 5th St., Mpls.

Other activities: Business expo Thursday at Pan African Mall in Crystal and soccer tournament with kids' activities and history exhibit Aug. 17 at Minneapolis' Powderhorn Park (all free).

Web: www.afrifest.org.