Newark Free Event: Afro Beat Fest In Military Park Will Be Family-Friendly

NEWARK, NJ — The City of Newark Department of Recreation will join with entrepreneur Linda Jumah and community coordinator Malkia King to host the inaugural, family-friendly, free festival "Afro Beat Fest" on Saturday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Military Park in downtown Newark.

According to a city news release, the festival is a celebration of African art, food, and music, is the revival of the Africa Newark Street Festival, which began in 1988 and drew thousands of attendees annually until it ended in 2006.

Jumah is the daughter of Africa Newark Street Festival Co-founder Maxwell Jumah and King is the daughter of another festival co-founder, Barbara King.

Learn more about the festival here.

The event is being organized by Newark Social, a nonprofit organization that aims to increase cultural, social and recreational activities in the city.

The festival will feature international music superstars like the Grammy-nominated French duo Lex Nubians, English-born Nigerian singer/songwriter Ayo Jay and a special appearance by Ghanaian singer Bisa Kdei. Participants can also enjoy activities hosted by the Zawadi African Dance & Drum School, Newark Print Shop and Yendor Arts.

Festival sponsors include Newark Workforce Development Board; Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC); PSEG; Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, RWJ Barnabas Health; City National Bank; Men Of Africa; Adenah Bayoh Companies; and, Whole Foods Newark.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Flickr Commons