He has been to the festival nearly every year — both as a performer and a spectator.
“It’s a family affair. I think it sets this festival apart from many of the others I have performed at across Canada,” said Ed Matwawana of the group Afro Musica.
“My kids are 16 and 18 now, but I remember watching a video tape of the festival from 1998 and my son was five or six on the tape.”
His band will again be among the performers at the 24th annual Nova Scotia Multicultural Festival, which takes place today through Sunday at Alderney Landing.
Festival spokesperson Deirdre Lee said the three-day event is full of dancing, music and food, with 30 cultures exhibiting. Highlights will include the debut of the Maritime Marionettes and a performance by Andru Branch & Halfway Tree.
“It’s the determination to have a festival of this kind in Nova Scotia. Besides Montreal, there really isn’t a festival of this kind that exists in the region,” said Lee.
She said it’s a chance for different cultures to show-off their traditions.
“I like that it is a celebration of cultures, and what we do is complimentary to the festival and what it does,” said Matwawana. “Because even though we just play African music, we do it what the idea and vision that we are sharing ourselves and our culture.”
For a full list of events at this year’s Multicultural Festival, and information on tickets and weekend passes, visit www.multifest.ca.
