Once again, the world is coming to Mission as the 28th annual Mission Folk Music Festival is set to run July 24-26 at Fraser River Heritage Park.
Groups from around the world will converge in Mission to present their own musical stylings and heritage.
This year, there are two special African groups set to perform.
Bongeziwe Mabandla (South Africa)
Regarded as a “gem of musical ingenuity,” the soulful urban-African folk stylings of Bongeziwe Mabandla resonate from his own personal experiences and observations in post-apartheid South Africa.
His heartfelt lyrics and matchless Afro-folk sound have him primed to become one of the hottest new acts in the world.
Inspired by the sounds of Tracy Chapman and Simphiwe Dana, Mabandla has a rhythmically grass-roots vibe, but also mixes in elements of traditional Xhosa music, Mbaganga, soul, hip-hop and dub. Singing in Xhosa and English, Mabandla proves he is just as diverse vocally as he is musically and lyrically.
Black Umfolosi (Zimbabwe)
Black Umfolosi is one of Africa’s great musical exports. Their performance blends a capella singing with traditional dances and costumes. Black Umfolosi has entertained audiences around the world, including the Mission Folk Music Festival in 2008 where they received an enthusiastic standing ovation.
Energetic and always engaging, they mix gentleness of spirit and song with exuberance in dance. Beautiful harmonies mix with intricate rhythms, clicking, clapping, and brilliantly choreographed shows. Their famous Gumboot Dance showcases the traditional styles and rituals of the South African mining regions and has become a trademark feature of their performance.
Notice of Cancellation:
King Sunny Ade and his African Beats have been forced to cancel their North American Tour because of a computer failure in the US Visa system. No artists from anywhere in the world are being granted visas to perform in the United States at this time.
The festival is working to replace the hole left by the cancellation and will make an announcement as soon as possible.
Come join the fun of the festival running July 24 to 26 at the Fraser River Heritage Park as it welcomes the world to Mission
Tickets are available online at missionfolkmusicfestival.ca or in Mission at Shoppers Drugs (32530 Lougheed Highway) or by phone at 1-866-943-8849.
