The Inaugural Roots & Rhythms Afro-Caribbean Festival presented itself as an opportunity to learn more about this growing segment of the North Bay population.
“One of the reasons to hold the festival is to acknowledge that there has been an influx of people particularly of African and Caribbean descent recently in North Bay,” explained organizer Elisa Butoyi.
“The festival brings together our diverse community to honour and appreciate the rich traditions and contributions of Afro-Caribbean culture.”
Festival goers appreciated the cultural components of the day, including singing and dancing to Afro-Caribbean music.
“We wanted to showcase our fashion, our music both Afro and Caribbean, those are part of what we bring to North Bay and region,” Butoyi added. “Something we are very well known for as African and Caribbean people is that we are very connected. And we approach life as a collective, as a community.”
That sense of community was evident as performers proudly showcased their talents, and by seeing the joyful expressions on the faces of those watching.
“We are very group-centred, which is also part of why I wanted to show that we believe in the strength of a community, and as much as some here might feel isolated, we still believe in each other and many of the principles we were raised on which is the importance of community, the importance of family in our lives.”
Faith Kalala, who is originally from Kenya, and her daughter Grace appreciated having the opportunity to share their culture with others.
Kalala has lived in North Bay for 20 years; her daughter is Canadian.
“It is amazing because most people think we’re all from the same place,” laughed Kalala.
“So, it is just nice for them to know that we have different cultures, and we are all actually different people. North Bay is very welcoming, most people are really amazing, and I know that because I’m a registered nurse and I do homecare. I actually go into my patient’s home and North Bay for the most part is lovely.”
Festivalgoers were encouraged to wear something of cultural significance of their own.
“My idea is, as much as I want people to learn about us, I also want us to learn about other people here with us.”
Butoyi’s wish was for people to take that sense of community with them after they left.
“We’re here, we’re different, but at the same time, we can learn so much from each other. There is a lot we can take from each other,” explained Butoyi.
”The difference that exists within us is actually maybe the difference that can connect us. It is the understanding that as a community, we are growing and we have to able to be part of that growth, part of that understanding, part of that acknowledgement that there’s a difference, yet there is beauty in that difference.”
