Explore – A Taste of Africa

14th Annual · October 3, 2026 · Downtown Livermore

Welcome to the Taste of Africa® Festival

Explore the festival, test your knowledge, and connect with the community around you.

Where would you like to begin your journey today?

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The Music and Stage

Explore the sounds of the Diaspora

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The Culture and People

Discover the stories around you

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Families and Kids

The Karibu Circle and more

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Explore the Festival Map

Interactive hotspot experience

🎵 The Music and Stage

The Heartbeat of the Festival

Master artists from across Africa and the Diaspora share their traditions through live performance.

Which West African instrument are you most likely to hear at Taste of Africa today?

D) All of the above — yes!The kora is a 21-string West African harp. The djembe is a goblet drum from West Africa. The mbira is a thumb piano from Zimbabwe. Listen for them all today. Every sound you hear carries centuries of tradition.

Not quite — it's all three!The kora, djembe, and mbira are all part of the rich musical tapestry of Africa and the Diaspora. Listen for them on the main stage today. The more you know!

🎵 Moving Together Studios

Come Move With Us

Free pop-up dance classes open to all ages. No experience needed. Look for classes happening around the festival today.

Traditional West African belief holds that the djembe drum contains three spirits. Which is NOT one of them?

C) The river — correct!The djembe carries the spirit of the tree it was carved from, the animal whose skin covers it, and the craftsman who made it. Every beat you hear today carries those three living spirits.

Not quite — it's the river!The djembe carries the spirit of the tree, the animal, and the craftsman. Every beat you hear today carries those three living spirits. The more you know!

🌍 The Culture and People

The Diaspora is Here Today

The festival celebrates not one culture but many — the 54 nations of the continent and their global Diaspora.

Which country outside Africa has the largest population of people of African descent in the world?

B) Brazil — correct!Brazil has the largest population of people of African descent outside Africa, with over 55% of its population identifying as Black or mixed-race. The African Diaspora spans the entire globe — and today it is right here in this plaza with you. Look around. How many stories can you count?

Not quite — it's Brazil!Over 55% of Brazil's population identifies as Black or mixed-race. The African Diaspora is everywhere — and today it is right here with you. Look around. The more you know!

🌍 Cheza Nami Foundation

Cultural Stewardship Since 2011

Cheza Nami means "Come Play With Me" in Swahili. Founded by Ciiku Ndungu-Case in Alameda County, California.

Cheza Nami Foundation has been preserving and celebrating African and Diaspora culture for over a decade — through the Taste of Africa Festival, Moving Together Studios, the Essence Show, and cultural stewardship.

Today you are part of that story. Find our information table to learn how you can help keep this free for years to come.

Keep Culture Free

Your gift supports artists, teaching artists, and free programming for thousands of East Bay families. 100% goes to our mission.

👩🏿‍👧🏿👨🏽‍👦🏽👩🏾‍👦🏾 Karibu Circle

Welcome — All Are Welcome Here

Karibu means "welcome" in Swahili. Storytelling, books, crafts, and creative play for kids and families.

What does "Karibu" mean in Swahili?

B) Welcome — and you are always welcome here!The Karibu Circle is where the next generation of cultural stewards are learning, playing, and connecting with their heritage. Head over and explore — the joy is for everyone.

Not quite — Karibu means Welcome!And you are always welcome here. The Karibu Circle is where kids and families connect with African heritage through play. The more you know!

👩🏿‍👧🏿👨🏽‍👦🏽👩🏾‍👦🏾 Community

This Day Runs Because of You

From setup to breakdown, our volunteers and supporters make this day possible for thousands of East Bay families.

What year did the Taste of Africa Festival launch?

B) 2012 — and 14 years later, here you are!You are part of this history today. Enjoy the festival — and if the spirit moves you, find our information table to learn how to support Cheza Nami Foundation.

Not quite — the festival launched in 2012!And 14 years later, here you are. You are part of this history today. The more you know!

What would you like to explore next?

Discover · Explore · Reflect

What will you carry
with you today?

You have explored the music, the culture, the people. Now take a moment to reflect — and leave your mark on this festival's story.

Your Reflection

Share what you learned or felt today

Find the Cultural Journey column, tap +, type your name, and share your reflection. What surprised you? What moved you? What do you want to know more about? Your words become part of this festival's living story.

Add your reflection to our festival Padlet

Scan the QR code at the Reflect station, or tap below to open our shared reflection wall. Your words join those of every visitor today.

Open Full Reflection Wall →

Festival Passport

Where did you stop by today?

Look for QR codes at each festival station. Scan, find your column on the reflection wall, tap +, type your name, and share what you discovered. Your reflection is your stamp.

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Moving Together

Find this column on the wall

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Karibu Circle

Find this column on the wall

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African Marketplace

Find this column on the wall

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Main Stage

Find this column on the wall

Stay Connected

Join the Cheza Nami Community

Stay Connected with Cheza Nami

Keep Culture Free

Your gift directly supports artists, teaching artists, and free programming for thousands of East Bay families. 100% of every donation goes to our mission.