Canada-based Rwandan musician Safi Madiba is among artistes who will grace the stage at the African Descent Festival 2025, one of Canada’s most iconic celebrations of African heritage and culture. The festival will take place from August 9-10, on the scenic shores of English Bay Beach in Vancouver, British Columbia. The annual festival, now in its 11th edition, brings together artistes and communities from across the African continent and the diaspora. It aims to honor the contribution of people of African descent, promote cultural exchange, and unity among various communities living in Vancouver and beyond. The 2025 festival will be held under the theme: Celebrating the Legacy of Joe Fortes. Joe Fortes, one of Vancouver’s first Black residents, is remembered as a local hero who dedicated his life to teaching children how to swim and rescuing those in danger at English Bay. By celebrating his legacy, the festival seeks to highlight not only African heritage but also the service of Black Canadians throughout history. Safi, who kept doing music since going solo after quitting Urban Boys in 2017, said that making it to the festival lineup means a lot to him, describing it as a symbol that speaks volumes for Rwandan music. “That’s a big festival and among the most celebrated ones in Canada. I’m honoured to represent my country and ready to deliver my best,” Safi told The New Times. “I don’t have something unique than waving my country’s flag.” The “Kontwari” singer added that music lovers in Canada should expect energy and hype from his performance, as he aims to get Rwandan music recognized at the global arena. On the festival lineup is also Congelese music legend Awilo Longomba, renowned reggae band Mostly Marley and several other performers from various music backgrounds. With such a lineup, Safi hopes to have a ‘great experience’ of his music career. ALSO READ: Safi Madiba on music after Urban Boys Beyond music, the festival will present quite a number of programmes, including traditional African dance performances, craft exhibitions, culinary experiences, and educational sessions that spotlight the history and impact of African communities in Canada. Safi Madiba first rose to fame as a founding member of Urban Boys, a popular yet disbanded Rwandan R&B group. It was not until 2017 when he decided to leave the group to pursue his solo career. He signed with The Mane Record Label where he dropped a number of hit releases like “Got It” (ft Meddy), “My Hero,” “She Says Yes” ft Fizzo, Igifungo, Remember Me and I love you, among many more. In 2018, he took his ambitions further by launching his own music label, Nukuri Music, through which he signed Rwandan hip-hop and RnB artiste Darcy Muhoza. He is currently doing music in Canada where he is living since 2021. Organizers of the African Descent Festival have already begun encouraging attendees to prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable cultural experience in the summer of 2025.
