Rhythms, Smiles, and Sunshine: Afri-Vibe Celebrates Alberta Culture Days in Stony Plain

A song you know sounds entirely different on a marimba. Add a steel pan, African drums, and traditional instruments, and it changes everything into a musical experience like no other.

If you happened to be walking near Red Brick Common last weekend, a space that has spent more than 50 years sharing the history and culture of our area, you probably caught a drift of something beautiful in the last few days of summer air. It wasn’t just the smell of changing leaves; it was the rich, unmistakable warmth of Caribbean steel pans, the grounding thump of djembe drums, melodic music, and the sound of pure community joy.

On September 19th, the small but growing town of Stony Plain hosted the very first Melanin Melody Arts Collective: Afri-Vibe Festival as part of Alberta Culture Days. For a few beautiful hours, the world got a little smaller, and Stony Plain grew a whole lot closer.

A Musical Passport at Our Doorstep

Africentric Arts and Red Brick Common invited neighbours to spend an afternoon with African and Caribbean artists. Some visitors knew the music well. For others, it was a chance to hear these instruments and traditions in person for the first time.

The festival was a vibrant reminder of how much culture can teach us when we listen with an open heart. As the energetic rhythms of West African djembe drumming filled the air, by Tomitope, Africentric Arts’ drummer and trainer, the crowd was soon tapping their toes to the deep, woody resonance of Marimba Power. This Zimbabwean troupe mastered music on giant wooden marimbas, conga and bongo drums, and chimes, making the audience think twice with unique covers of familiar songs like Bob Marley’s “Jamming” and Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba”.

Echo & Flow then journeyed the audience to the Caribbean with the smooth, sweet, and tropical sounds of the steel pan. Jalimadi, an international artist from The Gambia who performs across Canada, shared the storytelling magic of Afro-Mandinka music.

Before long, Red Brick Common felt like a global block party. Watching young Canadian youth from UCAS/ADPA showcase their traditional Ugandan cultural dance alongside trending Afrobeat moves showed everyone just how powerful art is at keeping heritage alive.

The Dance That Stole the Show

But the absolute best part of any community gathering isn’t just what happens on the stage, it’s what happens in the crowd.

The performances struck a deep chord with one local resident who moved to Canada from South Africa exactly 50 years ago. Stirred by the familiar sounds of home, she couldn’t help but step right up onto the stage to dance alongside the performers, and she was quickly joined by others.

Beaming, she told the crowd that the music moved her so deeply, it truly felt like Africa. In that single, beautiful moment, decades of history and thousands of miles evaporated into a shared smile. That is exactly what the sharing of culture can create: a space where people feel welcome, seen, and connected.

It Takes a Village

An afternoon this special doesn’t just happen on its own. It takes a wonderful community of people to bring it to life.

From community leaders standing side-by-side with residents to support grassroots visions, to local youth serving their town with their time and talents, to artists sharing their work and the people coming out in support of it all; what a beautiful way to embody Alberta Culture Days.

To everyone who helped plan and run the festival, contributed your time, skills and genuine love, or came out to clap along and dance, thank you. You helped make our first Afri-Vibe Festival a success.

Here’s to the first of many more rhythms to come!

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Want to see the smiles for yourself? Cozy up and browse through our Photo & Video Gallery or read the New Release‍ .

‍This beautiful community day was proudly supported by the Government of Alberta through Alberta Culture Days, the Town of Stony Plain, and Green Bloom Media.

• Photographer: Shotbyabdl

• Music: DJ Yomexx

Three Simple Ways to Introduce Culture to Your Child

Our identity is a blend of what shapes us and the choices we make. Central to this identity are the cultures and traditions we inherit and embrace. Culture isn't just rituals or practices—it's a connection to a community, a foundation that enriches our mental, physical, and social lives.

Modern times often see global influences challenging traditional norms. For instance, second-generation children might struggle to grasp their parents' native language or traditions. Parents, especially those balancing work and home, might find it a task to bridge this gap. However, with recent changes like the COVID-19 pandemic leading to more family time, it's an opportunity to weave culture into daily routines

Language

Language is more than words—it's a connection. If you're a parent whose primary language differs from your child's, introducing your native tongue can be a bonding experience. Start with daily phrases and encourage your child to respond in kind. It might feel unfamiliar initially, but repetition and context, like games or daily tasks, can make learning fun and relatable. Displaying idioms or family names and their meanings can serve as daily reminders.Food

Food

Dishes tell tales of their own. They carry histories, traditions, and memories. Cooking traditional meals not only offers a taste of home but also becomes a sensory experience for children. Platforms like YouTube offer tutorials for even the most intricate recipes. Involve your child in the cooking process, and while you're at it, introduce them to the names of ingredients in your native language. Sharing these dishes can also be an opportunity to discuss the cultural significance of communal eating.

Storytelling

Stories, whether in books, songs, or dances, are bridges to the past. They carry with them lessons, histories, and values. Dive into tales from your culture—be it legends, religious stories, or folktales. Engage your child with performances, art projects, or even simple activities like face painting. For instance, stories like those of Anansi offer lessons wrapped in entertainment.

Introducing culture to children isn't just about teaching—it's about sharing, bonding, and creating lasting memories.

Subscribe to Africentric arts email list to learn about our projects and activities and enroll your child in one of our many cultural programs.