Celebrating African Culture. Empowering African Youth.
The story of Madaraka Festival is the story of liberation, unity, and possibility.
Where We Began
In 2014, a vision took root in Seattle: create a platform that celebrates African music and culture while building bridges between African and African American communities. We named it Madaraka, a Swahili word meaning “power” or “self-governance,” honoring Kenya’s 1963 day of liberation.
What started as a single concert has grown into one of the world’s largest African music festivals, reaching 13 cities and touching millions of lives.
Why We Exist
For too long, African narratives have been told by others. African youth have been defined by challenges rather than celebrated for their brilliance. African culture has been consumed without being valued.
Madaraka Festival flips that script.
We create spaces where African music isn’t just performed, it’s revered. Where African youth aren’t just audiences, they’re artists, leaders, and visionaries. Where community isn’t just an audience, it’s the heartbeat of everything we do.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
To galvanize African youth through arts and music.
Vision
A world where African youth rise up, claim their future, and transform the world—empowered by the music, culture, and community that reflect their limitless potential.
Our Promise
Through music, we inspire and empower African youth to rise up, claim their future, and transform the world.
How We Create Change
We use the shared experience of music to help African youth create vibrant futures. Through cultural events, education, music, and art, we:
Give voice to the African narrative
Authentic storytelling that centers African perspectives and experiences
Connect our communities
Building bridges between African, African American, and global audiences
Inspire positive change
Creating pathways to opportunity, leadership, and success
Who We Serve
Primary Community
Extended Community
Universal Welcome
Since 2014, Madaraka Festival has:
Trained emerging artists through our development programs
Our impact areas
Write a clear and relevant header to keep your visitors engaged
Cultural Preservation & Celebration
We showcase African artistic excellence, from traditional to contemporary, ensuring cultural heritage thrives for generations to come.
Youth Development
Through mentorship, workshops, and performance opportunities, we equip young people with skills, confidence, and connections to succeed.
Economic Empowerment
We create income opportunities for artists, vendors, and community entrepreneurs while investing proceeds back into African communities.
Community Building
We foster connection, understanding, and unity—bridging divides and building movements.
Meet Our Founder
Our Values
Partnership Approach
Building the Movement Together
Madaraka Festival is powered by partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals who believe in our mission.
From global brands like Amazon and Microsoft to grassroots community organizations, our partners share our commitment to celebrating African culture and empowering African youth.
Join Us in Making History
Support Our Mission
For over a decade, Madaraka Festival has been rewriting the narrative about African music, culture, and potential. But we’re just getting started.
With your support, we can reach more youth, create more opportunities, and build more vibrant futures.
