Kijiji Night – One Vibe Africa

The first Kijiji Night was on September 3, 2015, and since then it has grown to include performances by artists such as BlackStax, Yirim Seck, Sharon Williams, Nichelle Alderson, Adilia Scott, Infinite & Yesod, Leija Farr, Nana Kibibi Mone, Kouyaté Arts, Yaddi Bojia, Simon Okelo, and Thione Diop.

We hope to strengthen Kijiji Night as an annual event as well as a platform for transforming communities through storytelling, poetry, music, and art. We also hope that it will continue to be a special event for Africans and African Americans in Seattle who have primarily supported it as a part of Black History Month.

KIJIJI NIGHT 2020

SEATTLE – One Vibe Africa and SAM are proud to present Kijiji Night at Seattle Art Museum. Kijiji Night 2020 is funded in part by a Neighborhood Matching Fund award from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. Kijiji means village in Swahili. The fifth annual Kijiji Night is on Thursday, February 6th from 6-9 pm. The evening will bring the spirit of an African village to SAM through the presentation of the first African Achievement Award being launched at Kijiji Night by Channel A TV. The evening will feature special musical performances headlined by Jemere Morgan and affordable authentic street Kenyan food from sambusa to bajia. One Vibe Africa merchandise will be on sale and an exclusive exhibit of original paintings by renowned Nairobi based Iddi Bashir will be open for the public to view from February 1st to February 29th. Don’t miss the fashion show portion of the evening curated by KOELES, which is a premium clothing label that highlights the best in contemporary African expression.

Host – King Khazm

King Khazm is a multifaceted artist and community organizer who advocates for community empowerment through Hip-Hop. King Khazm has been an important fixture in Seattle hip-hop for decades. An emcee, visual artist, cultivator of culture, mentor and organizer, Khazm, who uses a wheelchair, is one of the most visible people in the Emerald City’s South End creative community.

DJ TOPSPIN aka BLENDIANA JONES

DJ Topspin has solidified himself as a musical pillar in the Northwest and increasingly across the world. He easily delivers a complex blend of nostalgic hits from past eras, well integrated [or woven rather] with today’s popular favorites. He is particularly renowned for his harmonic ear, showcased by his signature blends / remixes, selection & timing, as evidenced by the “a.k.a. BLENDIANA JONES” added to his moniker. The nickname says it all as he’s left his sonic imprint on nearly every club Seattle for the span of his just under 25 year long career & has plans to continue taking his talents far & wide globally. Born from a Jamaican father & Panamanian mother, an island rhythmic bend [in the form of dancehall / reggae / soca / afrobeat] is always present in his musical displays. He recently showcased them in The Kingdom of Bahrain for the 2nd time in as many years, & has produced a weekly countdown show broadcasted throughout Tanzania [where he’s spun 3x so far] & to other African nations. ‘Harmony-heavy flavor for those that love to dance’ is the envelope he pushes via the records [he pushes & pulls]. You need it from the TOP!!!”

Live Musical performances

Jemere Morgan

Charming, Soulful, and Full of Life! Heir to the throne, the first to fill the 3rd generation of the legendary Royal Family of Reggae MORGAN HERITAGE, is the son of Gramps Morgan. His first released record, “First Kiss” launched his career in 2011, and the following year “Sunshine Glow” was released along with a music video he shot on his favorite island of Anguilla. Jemere’s growth continued as his first hit single “Neighborhood Girl”, released in 2013, proved his sweet tone belonged amongst the best of current young reggae stars landing #1 on the iHeart radio charts. From that moment, Jemere continued constant touring as his family’s opening act and gaining loyal fans worldwide where he released dynamic records and covers along the way with notable collaborations with the likes of Jo Mersa Marley, J Boog, and Stonebwoy. Rightfully so, his most rewarding collaboration was on the single “So Amazing” of Morgan Heritage’s Strictly Roots Album in 2015. Jemere can now say he is a Grammy Award Winning Artist for his feature on the Best Reggae Album.

Kamau Ngigi (Kalamashaka)

Kama (real name Kamau Ngigi) is one third of the group Kalamashaka (aka K-Shaka) a hip-hop group based in the Dandora ghettos of Nairobi, Kenya. Kalamashaka experienced music’s universal force when they started touring internationally in countries like South Africa, Sweden and Norway among others that didn’t share the Swahili language but still rocked their songs. The group formed the Ukoo fulani movement so as to create a nurturing environment for up and coming MC’s who could be grounded with social consciousness. Kama released his first solo album in 2009 titled Amka. He is currently touring the American colleges where he gives talks about Africa. He was also featured in the soon to be released book ‘Boomerang’ by Msia K Clark whose an assistant Professor in the African Studies department at the University of Howard.

Alana Belle

Because the world could use a little more romance, seduction, and mystery…

Alana Belle is a singer, songwriter, and filmmaker from rainy Seattle, WA. Alana began writing and singing songs at the age of six, but can recall hearing her first song at the age of three. Along her musical journey, Alana has recorded and performed music in the duo, The Loops for Lovers Collective, produced her own live shows, and has collaborated with a diverse mix of musicians. Most recently, Alana wrote, produced, starred in, and acted as creative director for the short film, The New Romantic: A Mood Film, which is the visual embodiment of her soon to be released debut EP, The New Romantic.

The Ancient Robotz

The Ancient Robotz are a collective group of talented musicians from different backgrounds who work toward unity in the community and around the world. Formed in Seattle, 2009, The Ancient Robotz have performed with many national and international artists. T.A.R.z has performed in venues such as Neumo’s, The Hard Rock Cafe, The Nectar Lounge, The Seattle HempFest, and The ShowBox Sodo just to name a few of the hot spots Seattle has to offer. This band is comprised of top notch musicians highly regarded among Seattle’s rich musical backdrop.

Etienne Cakpo

Originally from Benin, Etienne is the Artistic Director and lead choreographer/dancer of Gansango Music and Dance. Etienne has been building his repertoire of traditional and modern dance for over thirty years. As director of Gansango Music & Dance, Etienne leads the company’s work with dozens of public libraries, schools and independent arts agencies locally and nationally to make performance of dance and music from Africa available to a wide range of audiences, including young children.

Nje

Nje is a Hip Hop Radio Host at KBCS 91.3 in Bellevue, WA. Nje’s show is Hip-Hop Knuckles hosted every Saturday from 3:00 am to 5:00 am. Nje is originally from Mombasa, Kenya where he founded Ufuoni Records in 2003. Nje has worked with local Kenyan artists as well as international artists. Nje has also led campaigns against hunger and drug abuse where he worked with institutions such as Red Cross Society and Alliance Francaise.

ABOUT ONE VIBE AFRICA

One Vibe Africa serves the local African communities by architecting innovative events and content which showcase African culture, empower African leaders and artists, and instigate cross-cultural exchange between Seattle and Africa. Highlights include Kijiji Night at Seattle Art Museum and Madaraka Festival at Kisumu Beach Resort in Kenya. We have produced these events annually since 2008 reaching nearly 25,000 attendees and receiving over 12 million digital impressions.

To learn more, visit http://www.onevibeafrica.org/

DATE:

Thursday, February 6th, 2019

TIME:

6-9pm (doors 5:00pm)

VENUE: South Hall at Seattle Art Museum

ADDRESS:

1300 FIRST AVE SEATTLE, WA 98101

TICKETS:

Free – All ages (21+ bar with valid ID)

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kijiji-night-2020-tickets-87411565345

SOCIAL MEDIA