A Marketplace Drums Up Interest in All Things Africa

As dancer Aline Mukantabana gracefully motioned with her arms, stomped her feet and shook her bell-wrapped ankles, the crowd burst into loud applause. All eyes were on Mukantabana and five other dancers dressed in electric blue Rwandan dresses and long white scarves. The women smiled playfully to the crowd and danced across the stage, moving to the beat of the drums.

Dancers, musicians and singers from the National Ballet of Rwanda had taken the audience to Africa, if only for a moment, at the opening-night gala for the 16th Annual African Marketplace & Cultural Faire.

About 500 guests, wearing a colorful mix of traditional African dashikis and dresses, Western suits and the latest urban wear, filled the California African-American Museum for the fair’s kickoff event last Thursday.

The fusion of music, culture and food continues at the African Marketplace & Cultural Faire, which will be held the next two weekends (through Labor Day) at Rancho Cienega Park.

Arthur Terry , 66, and his wife Polly , 67, of Los Angeles came to the party to take in the museum’s art, music and cultural performances. The jambalaya, salad and rice weren’t bad either, they said.

Dressed in traditional African clothing--Arthur in a gold dashiki and pants, and Polly in a green one embellished with gold-metallic trim--the couple completed Ghana-inspired looks with matching hats.

Ambassadors and dignitaries from the Bahamas, Senegal, Rwanda--some in their native dress--as well as L.A.’s political bigwigs were on hand to celebrate. “Los Angeles is one of the most diverse places in America,” said Mayor James Hahn, dressed in a suit and tie. “African Americans are very proud of their heritage and have a lot to say to the city. Every community should have the opportunity to shine, and I think festivals like these are wonderful ways to bring people in the city together.”

Although cultural fashion was a theme during the gala, participants were reminded of the fair’s mission. “Our objective is to create relationships throughout the world by looking at cultural similarities,” said James Burks, founder and executive director of the African Marketplace.

Burks hopes the weekend events will create interest in African culture and travel. His goal is to eventually establish a year-round entertainment, culture and trade center for L.A.’s diverse African American population.

This year’s offerings include a range of events--hip-hop, blues and tap festivals; fashion shows, reggae bands and the National Ballet of Rwanda, which will perform Sunday.

“The dancers were fantastic, but we need more,” said Greg Turner ,53, of Detroit who is visiting family here. “I didn’t get my beat on!”

The African Marketplace & Cultural Faire continues Saturday and Sunday and Sept. 1-3 at Rancho Cienega Park, 5001 Rodeo Road, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call (323) 734-1164.