Through music, dance and theatre, Abju: to Dream brings a powerful story of tradition and ambition to life.
Afrofest, an annual event and celebration hosted by MacAfricans, will return on Mar. 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., at The Zoetic Company. This year’s production, Abju to Dream, showcases the vibrant and diverse culture throughout Africa and aims to captivate audiences with its rich narrative and creative performance.
Mitchel Ezan and Eniola Olawale-Yusuf, the co-president and communications associate of MacAfricans, respectively, shared how Afrofest is more than a cultural showcase; it is a deeply creative, community-driven experience.
"Afrofest has four major parts," explained Olawale-Yusuf. "We have the acting to tell stories, the modelling that showcases African culture through clothing and fashion. We have the music and we have the dance team that uses cultural references across [from] the diaspora."
One of the central elements of the show is its storyline, which tackles the theme of following one's dreams in the face of societal and familial pressure. Abju to Dream follows a character who defies traditional expectations within African culture.
"It touches on people's stories who try to break from the norm. It goes back and forth with the characters exploring their own dreams and future for themselves," said Olawale-Yusuf.
It touches on people's stories who try to break from the norm. It goes back and forth with the characters exploring their own dreams and future for themselves.
Eniola Olawale-Yusuf, Communications Associate
MacAfricans
"I feel like Abju is just very nostalgic. I think the audience is able to explore certain things that occur within African cultures that is not spoken about enough," added Ezan.
As an extension of community spirit, the event will conclude with an after-party at 10:00 p.m. "It's just a way to continue the celebration into the night and just have fun,” said Ezan. "You're still enjoying African and Caribbean music, still listening to dancehall, all that sort of thing . . . bonding and forming connections overall.”
The event is open to everyone, regardless of background.
"If you just want to embrace the culture, if you just enjoy stories and performance—everyone is welcome." shared Ezan.
If you just want to embrace the culture, if you just enjoy stories and performance—everyone is welcome.
Mitchel Ezan, Co-president
MacAfricans
Despite challenges, such as raising awareness about the event after having to cancel last year's showcase, the team is excited to see growing enthusiasm for this year's event.
"We've been trying our best to show that [Afrofest] is more than a regular talent show. There is so much more to it. And it makes me so happy knowing more people are so interested now," said Olawale-Yusuf.
For the broader community of the African diaspora at McMaster, Afrofest serves as a powerful celebration and reminder of African culture.
"We are here to represent you and teach the community about our culture," expressed Olawale-Yusuf.
Whether you are a McMaster student, a faculty member or visitor looking to immerse yourself in African art, music and storytelling, Afrofest offers something for everyone. Tickets and information on Afrofest can be found on MacAfricans' social media.
This Canadian singer making waves in the music industry will be performing in Hamilton this weekend at the Zoetic Theatre
Amanda Keeles, an Ontario native, is a country singer-songwriter. She will be performing her album Can't Stop Me Now on Apr. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Zoetic Theatre. There will also be a special guest performance by Paige Rutledge and their show will focus on country classic rock originals from the album.
Keeles has been singing and writing songs her whole life, though she initially pursued a career in finance. She returned to music though after the end of her marriage when Keeles felt that there was nothing now standing in her way, so she returned to the studio, recorded an album and is now on tour.
The country singer explained that every song she's written has been inspired by a moment in her life.
"It's funny because I always say to people that songwriting is like therapy. Because sometimes when you get all those feelings and everything and you put them down on paper, that not only is good for you, but it also kind of puts the whole picture into perspective when you put it down on paper," said Keeles.
Keeles believed her album is unique due to all the music sounding completely different. With her various musical influences, from classic country to rock and pop, each song is a bit different and with a mix of instrumental and upbeat songs Can't Stop Me Now should include something for everyone.
The reception for her album has been overwhelmingly positive. Three weeks after the release of Can't Stop Me Now the title track was the sixth most downloaded Canadian song and the seventh most active indie song, according to Billboard Canada.
Keeles has consistently been greeted by excited crowds while performing this song and others on her tour. She has also enjoyed seeing people stay after shows for a meet-and-greet, a signature or the chance to buy some concert merchandise.
Keeles hoped that listeners take something positive and meaningful from her album.
"We've all been through different experiences where sometimes you feel like you're the only one that's going through them. But then you'll hear a song and you'll go "That's my song." So I hope that as people hear the album, they'll come across the song [they find] relatable," explained Keeles.
We've all been through different experiences where sometimes you feel like you're the only one that's going through them. But then you'll hear a song and you'll go "That's my song." So I hope that as people hear the album, they'll come across the song [they find] relatable.
Amanda Keeles, singer-songwriter
Keeles encouraged students to follow their heart and their dreams and not to let other people tell them they shouldn't pursue something they're passionate about. There is always the element of wondering what could have happened, so instead of wondering, Keeles suggested just following the path.
Tickets to Keeles' show can be found here. The promo code for McMaster students for a discounted rate, $10, is ALBUM24.
