Madaraka Festival is more than just a concert; it’s a vibrant celebration of African music, culture, and community. We bring together people from all walks of life to experience the rich African artistic expression and foster a spirit of unity and understanding.
Established in 2014, Madaraka Festival has grown into one of the largest African music festivals in the state. Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed the power of music to connect people, celebrate heritage, and inspire positive change.
One Vibe Media will soon be hosting the Madaraka Festival.
We are passionate about:
- Showcasing the dynamic talent of African artists: We bring together established and emerging musicians to share their unique sounds and stories with the world.
- Creating a platform for cultural exchange: The Madaraka Festival provides a space for people to connect with their African roots, explore different cultures, and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
- Giving back to the community: We are committed to supporting organizations that empower individuals and communities in Africa and the US. A portion of our proceeds goes towards One Vibe Africa, whose work impacts over 3.5 million lives.
A Night to Remember
– Northwest Music Scene
Join the Movement:
Madaraka Festival is more than just a one-time event; it’s a movement that celebrates the richness and vibrancy of African culture. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, connection, and positive change.
Stay Connected:
- Contact Us.
- Follow us on social media: @madarakafestival
Together, let’s celebrate the power of music and create a brighter future for all.
Timeline of the Madaraka Festival:
In 2014 the Madaraka Festival was launched in order to empower diversity and inclusion in Seattle communities by deepening the relationship between African and African American communities, and fostering partnerships with other international communities to shift narrative and honor cultural dynamics.
In 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival raised seed capital for 106 women in three Kenyan slums who run small-scale businesses.
In 2022, the festival was held at Waterfront Park, Pier 62 in Seattle with over 10,000 people reached in person and over 18 million people reached digitally during the festival season.
The 2023 festival tour kicked off on May 16th in New York, followed by performances in Atlanta, Dallas, and Seattle and was totally sold out.
In 2024, come experience a decade of African music magic or miss out on history in the making.
Our hope is to make Madaraka Festival an annual pilgrimage for African-Americans and other Africans in the diaspora that have a deep desire to consistently connect with the motherland, Africa.
This year, Madaraka Festival will honor African and African American culture while elevating their voices and creating community cohesion.
For more information on the festival and the tour, visit www.madarakafestival.com
Contact: Simon Javan Okelo | 206-613-9581 | okelo@onevibeafrica.org | www.simonjavanokelo.com
Some of the International Artists who have graced Madaraka Festival are since 2014:- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis who headlined Madaraka Festival 2014; Rocky Dawuni, Sauti Sol, Aramide, Meklit Hadero, Nik West, Blitz the Ambassador, Yaddi Bojia, Owuor Arunga, Draze, Choklate, Chimurenga Renaissance, Singer Dynamq, Karun, Nazizi, Bensoul, Otieno Terry, Draze, Pato Banton, Naa Akua, Jaye Ware, Austin Dean Ashford, Simon Javan Okelo, Nairobi Horns, Khaligraph Jones, CBK, Mazzi & Soul Purpose, Musa Jakadalla, Marga Mbade, Amen Viana, The Swahili Jazz Band, Shamir, Wendy Kemunto, DioMara, Moseh the Drummist, Aisha Fukushima, Aaron English, General Mutumbo, Boutross, Philip Mbinji, Sol Afrique, Olisa Enrico AKA Spyc-E, Apesi, Rayson Gathoni, Gabiro Mtu Necessary, Dawe Dawe, REFUGE, Greg Thornton, Mitchelle Omondi, Lake Vibe Band, Lee Roy, D’Banj, Emmanuel Jal, Naomi Achu, Frank Ulweya, Odhis Jabomas, Djeliya Band, Comfort Food Band, Yirim Seck, The Ancients Robotz, Lil Champ Otamp, Rell Bee Free, Cheecky Chizzy
About One Vibe Africa:
One Vibe Africa is dedicated to creating a liberated African narrative through collaboration among Africans “at home” and in the diaspora. They generate a future for Africa through cultural events, video content, education, music, and the arts. www.onevibeafrica.org.