Yam Carnival, the brand-new London festival celebrating African culture from across the world, has unveiled its first wave lineup announcement for the inaugural edition. Taking place at Clapham Common on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August, some of the biggest names from the world of Afrobeats, such as Mr Eazi, Davido, Tekno, Timaya and Yemi Alade, have all been announced as headliners with many more still to be added.
Afro B, the icon behind hits ‘Joanna’ and ‘Drogba’, has also been announced, as have local favourite Yxng Bane, Hackney-born star Not3s and dancehall don Kranium. Completing the first phase of artists are Alicai Harley, Flavour, Kuami Eugene, Lady Donli, Reekado Banks, Saweetie, Shenseea, Small Doctor, Sona and Wavy the Creator.
Set to be an immersive weekend of culture, food and music from the USA, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and more, Yam 2020 also promises to be a foodie paradise, with African-influenced food trucks and chefs from across London and beyond.
Honing in on the essence of African culture, the festival will also place an emphasis on The Masquerade, one of the continent’s strongest bonds of cultural commonality. Masquerades or ‘masked plays’ celebrate the practice of ancestral reverence and worship, representing the ancestral spirit’s return to bless the present with the divine presence of the past, in the positive influence of the future. Several masquerade communities from across Africa will be present.
Yam Carnival is set to be an exciting new addition to the London festival circuit.
