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.
