August in Africa Summer Festival 2015

Head down to Covent Garden on 1st August for the spectacular free Summer Festival organised by The Africa Centre - a fantastic organisation which promotes African culture across the world - filled with raucous performances, outrageous fashion, dance and delicious African dishes.

So if you love the rhythms and joyful sounds of African music or can't get enough of the vibrant pop of colourful African fashion - we recommend getting down to Covent Garden this summer and soaking up the rich cultural heritage on offer! With so many great highlights, we've picked the best just for you. 

Musical highlights

All the musicians featured at the Summer Festival radiate energy and fun which will have you bouncing off the walls. Starting off the day are Simo Lagnawi's fusion of sounds (12.30pm) and Alim Kamara's heartfelt and moving lyrics (1.15pm). Villy and the Xtremes have a similarly potent message at 4pm, calling for a revolution in Africa. 

We're pretty excited to try out our best dance moves at the True Ingredients set at 7.10pm and lose ourselves in Taali M's 80s pop rock, Ska and traditional African chants blend. You'll also want to catch urban talent Fuse ODG at 6.20pm with his sensational Afrobeats and Ghanian dance moves. He's collaborated with the likes of Wyclef and Sean Paul in his time and has now taken YouTube by storm with his irresistible viral hit 'Azonto'.

But the main draw of the day are of course the sultry tones of ASA, the Nigerian singer songwriter Bukola Elemide who fuels her soulful sound with messages of love and friendship. Don't miss her joyful set at 8.15pm.

The best of the art

This year's festival is all about photography, from the rising stars of Mario Macilau and Omar Victor Diop, to the established Malick Sidibé. There's also a photo contest for budding amateurs and a workshop for camera aficionados on Lomography where no two pictures ever look the same.

Across Covent Garden, take some time to explore the favourites displays. Don't miss The Story Within show which focuses on African portraiture photography from the 1960s up to the present day and some thrilling street photography in a whirlwind digital exhibition nearby.

Over at the Photo Studio, photographer of the moment Hassan Hajjaj will be snapping his favourite quirky festival goers in some London inspired backdrops, featuring the big smoke's hip-hop, club and reggae scenes. Stylish and outrageous costumes are a must if you want to get spotted. 

Fashion delights 

This year's fashion show in Covent Garden showcases some of the most talented designers from the African continent and its diaspora.

Festival goers can expect to see African designer Soboye, whose Shoreditch based boutique offers up the latest trendy, colour-heavy items of the brand, including printed bowties, beaded jewellery and both mens and womenswear.

Soboye will be showcasing alongside designer Yutee, whose Abuja-based brand offers beautifully tailored luxury clothes that regularly feature at London Fashion Week. You'll also find our favourite up-and-coming designers Yaganad and GeoD by Samantha J, whose 80s inspired brand blends African heritage and European style.