The 15th Annual Kuumba Fest

The Kuumba Fest is San Diego’s longest running and premiere celebration of African-American expression, culture, and heritage. This year’s event, entitled Black to the Beginning: It’s Not a Game, includes traditional African art and pageantry, drama, educational workshops, community leadership awards, an African marketplace, a Hip-Hop Showcase, a tribute to the famed Apollo Theatre “Late Night Live at the Lyceum,” a Gospel Concert and powerful guest speakers and artists.

Friday, February 23
A family night of positive images, awards & pageantry celebrating our creativity.

Time
Event
Price

6:00pm
Opening Exhibit by the African American Museum of Fine Art, featuring a traditional African Fashion show, and V.I.P. reception with live music.
$20.00

7:30pm
Royal Court Processional and Community Resource Honoree Ceremony

Parade of History: The Great Pharaohs, Warrior Kings and Queens of Africa

Teye Sa’Thiosanne dance troupe, stiltwalker Niancho Eniyaley

Award Ceremony, honoring the achievements of hard-working community organizations and individuals that embody the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba; including a posthumous salute to former SD City Councilman George Stevens.

9:10pm
Black In Time, written by Dajahn Blevins, directed by Charles Patmon, Jr. This original production aims to send a message about family, community and responsibility.

Saturday, February 24
A full day of positive challenges showcasing cultural pride, the opening of the African American Market Place and the boldest talent in the San Diego African American community.

Time
Event
Price

10:00am
Educational Workshops
Free

10:30am
Health & Culture Market Place

The opening of the African American Market Place, featuring live music, African drum and dance; Health Village with health information & screenings; and information about Kuumba Fest and other community resources. The event is held on the street level plaza in front of the theater.
NA

1:00pm
Act Like You Know by Dajahn Blevins
Featuring 42 young local actors in a play in which teens realize, through dialogue and interaction, their ability to change their own lives.
$5.00

2:30pm
Essay competition, sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho and featuring the best and brightest orators in the San Diego school system.
NA

3:00pm
Show Me Whatcha Got Hip-Hop Dance & Step Competition

Hosted by Z90’s D-Rock, 22 top local dance groups from all genres – from hiphop to ballet – and step teams (a style originally derived from South African traditions) showcase and battle in four categories for the crown of best crew in the Southland, and give tribute to the contribution and influence of black dance.
$12.00

5:00pm
Taste of San Diego Soul: A sampling of the best of San Diego’s African American food & restaurants
$5.00

6:00pm
Poetry Slam: Black to the Beginning … WORD!

A celebration of Hip-Hop and Spoken Word that pays tribute to the heritage and legacy of music and words as a voice of the community, with Dr. Haki Madhubuti.
$12.00

9:00pm
Late Night Live at the Lyceum: A Tribute to Harlem’s Famous Apollo Theatre, hosted by renaissance hip-hopper Pook Diesel

The event features a tribute to legendary music icon James Brown and the West Coast unveiling of the new Ella Fitzgerald postage stamp. You decide what’s hot and what’s not as San Diego’s best and boldest artists compete for grand prizes for adults and kids. Always a sell-out.
$15.00

Sunday, February 25
A day of positive celebration featuring black drama and gospel inspiration.

Time
Event
Price

1:00pm
African American Market Place opens
NA

2:00pm
Keys to the Kingdom, written and directed by Debi Mason

Dramatic testimonies that can inspire you to unlock the doors of your destiny.
$10.00

4:00pm
Soul of a Desert Traveler, written and directed by Simone Edwards

They say life, like an airplane, has a way of falling down in mid-flight. An engaging, challenging and life-changing play about one woman’s journey from a place of broken-ness to a state of wholeness.
$10.00

6:00pm
Fashion Show
Free

6:30pm
Finale Gospel Celebration

One of the year’s most anticipated events, featuring Tonex, “Young Voices” of New Creation Church, saxophone/recording artist Erisa Johnson, Bayview Baptist Church Dance Ensemble, and Mandate Records artist Archie Robinson & New Birth Praise Singers. San Diego’s finest ministries ignite the stage with song and dance in praise.
$15.00

Times and Events are subject to change