Written by David Ugbabe
The Yam Carnival is a newly launched event organized by the creators of Afro Nation. The organizers of the event have the mission to make the Yam Carnival an avenue for the celebration of the African diaspora, including Caribbean and Latin American culture, with music and food from across the world.
Initially planned to launch in 2020, the COVID 19 pandemic forced the team to postpone the event and in March 2021, they confirmed that the YAM Carnival would kick off as a-one-day event on 28 August 2021. Attendees of the YAM Carnival have the rare opportunity to experience the unique masquerade culture including the traditional homage to ancestral spirits, featuring rich costumes, structures, masks and complex dance rituals from regions around the globe.
The event held on August 28 headlined top music acts such as Davido, Khelani, Yemi Alade, Beenie Man, Omah Lay etc.
THE FOOD
What is YAM Carnival without foods? Chefs from around London with unrivalled skills prepare intercontinental dishes while guests are thrilled with unrestricted music. Attendees of the YAM Carnival get to enjoy African-influenced food trucks as well as Caribbean cuisine, Latin American staples and delicious American-inspired options from New Orleans Creole and Cajun cooking to Southern soul food.
THE MUSIC
Fans and attendees have the opportunity to see some of their favourite super stars who will provide live music from the Afrobeat, reggaeton, R&B, hip hop, Afro-swing and dancehall music genres across three stages. The recently held YAM Carnival headlined top acts including, Afrobeats pioneer Davido alongside artists like Kehlani, NSG, Koffee, Ari Lennox, Yemi Alade, Pa Salieu, Darkoo, Nao, Princess Nokia, Ms Banks, IAMDDB, Midas The Jagaban, Femi Kuti, Honey Dijon and many more.
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The organizers have stated that the carnival is used as a medium for the celebration of Afrobeats, R&B and rap on Clapham Common.
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