A Theatrical Turn for African Fair

In the old days, the entire African Marketplace & Cultural Fair fit in an alley off Adams Boulevard. Ngoma and Karinu Ali were there from the start, selling imported Afrocentric merchandise from one of a dozen booths.

The event has grown a lot since then, offering food and entertainment in a cultural extravaganza that fills Rancho Cienega Park and draws about 350,000 people over three weekends. The Ali family has grown too, and four of them will be among the more than 100 vendors at the 14th annual fair, which begins Saturday.

Ngoma Ali no longer imports the Kwanzaa candles and other wood products. In fact, he gave up his computer supply company eight years ago so that he could devote his time to manufacturing his own line of Afrocentric merchandise and marketing the products he and his family create. Karinu designs and makes apparel from mud cloth imported from Bali and Kente cloth from Ghana. Son Shaka, 17, and daughter Imani, 13, have created their own line of jewelry.

The family members call their company Harambee, which means “let’s all pull together” in Swahili, Ngoma Ali said.

That could also be the theme for the marketplace.

“There’s a lot of anticipation for this event,” Ngoma Ali said. “It’s like a family reunion.”

“Our kids have grown up there,” Karinu Ali added. “It’s wonderful for us because everyone contributes. As a cultural experience it’s wonderful because there are all these different stages--Caribbean, Asian, Native American--all blending into this great melting pot. It would be nice if the world was like the African Marketplace.”

Children are the focus of this year’s fair. New this year is the Children’s Village, co-produced by Bobbee Zeno and Nina Womack, presenting a roster of talented child and adult entertainers. Opening-weekend performances spotlight members of Brandy (“Moesha”) Norwood’s Norwood Kids Foundation, the Amazing Grace Conservatory, Universal Dance Theater and a stunt show coordinated by Hollywood stuntman Billy Washington. Other main-stage acts feature the Lula Washington Dance Center, Francis Awe Dance Troupe and Aztec dancers.

“In the past it’s been about the moon bounce and snow cones,” Womack said. “This year it’s expanded; the Children’s Village is like one big theatrical production.”

Among the ongoing entertainment throughout the marketplace is a theatrical presentation of the Village Shule King and Queen, similar to the royal pageantry at the Renaissance Festival. The roving band will include warriors, drummers and a court jester.

“It’s designed to expose all children to the beauty of African culture,” said Zeno, who added that more than 70 Pan-African cultures will be represented at the event.

Each weekend will offer arts and crafts, games and rides, six stages of entertainment, the Literary Village, fine arts exhibits, a Trade and Travel Expo, the Children’s Village and lots of food.

Some of the cultural highlights include a Ghanaian Festival and a powwow on Saturday, an R&B; concert Aug. 28, the Gospel Jubilee 2000 on Aug. 29, and Reggae and Brazilian Independence festivals on Sept. 5.

“The marketplace helps perpetuate our [African American] culture,” Ali said. “All cultures come now because I think people feel a little more comfortable. It’s just like Cinco de Mayo or the Japanese celebration: We’re all part of the culture of L.A.--you just go and learn.”

BE THERE

African Marketplace & Cultural Fair, 5001 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles. $3; seniors, $1.50; ages 10 and younger, free. On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 and 29 and Sept. 4-6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (323) 734-1164.