Music, Dance, and Culinary Delights: Folklorama’s Africa-Caribbean Pavilion

By Donovan Martin, Sr. Editor in Chief

The Africa-Caribbean Pavilion at Folklorama 2025 once again stole the spotlight, presenting a breathtaking celebration of culture, music, and community that left audiences buzzing with excitement. Always a crowd favorite, the pavilion offered a rich mosaic of dances and songs from across Africa and the Caribbean, enveloping visitors in a sensory journey that felt both joyous and deeply rooted in tradition.

One of the evening’s standout attractions was the world-class limbo performance. Dancers from Toronto brought their high-energy show to Winnipeg, defying gravity and delighting the crowd with every bend and twist under the limbo bar. True to the pavilion’s spirit, audience participation was at the heart of the experience. Cheers, laughter, and playful competition filled the air as attendees took turns testing their own limbo skills, creating moments of connection that transcended age, background, or experience.

Hosting the pavilion this year was the dynamic musician and actor Bubba B., whose charisma and natural stage presence ensured the evening flowed seamlessly. Adding to the auditory splendor, the legendary Paradise Band, led by Clyde Heerah, delivered rhythms that resonated from the Caribbean to Africa and back, keeping the crowd engaged with every drumbeat, guitar riff, and soulful melody.

Pavilion coordinator Donna Taylor spoke passionately about the event’s purpose: “Our goal has always been to create a space where people feel connected to our heritage, where the music, dance, and food tell the story of our people. Seeing the audience so engaged—it’s a reminder that culture thrives when it is shared.”

Adult Ambassador Diandre Douglas, a long-time advocate for the Africa-Caribbean community, reflected on the pride of representing the pavilion: “Being part of this pavilion is about honoring our roots, celebrating our people, and passing on traditions that have shaped us. Every song, every dance, every smile in this pavilion carries our history and our joy.”

The pavilion’s ongoing commitment to cultural preservation is championed by founding member Jim Ogunnoiki, whose steadfast dedication since the beginning ensures that the Africa-Caribbean Pavilion remains a cornerstone of Folklorama. His presence reinforces the continuity of tradition and the responsibility to share these stories with new generations.

Adding to the pavilion’s richness, Bibi Chabikuli of BintChem Products & Services offered a vibrant cultural display, showcasing her all-natural products. Her booth became a hub for visitors eager to explore traditional remedies, natural skincare, and wellness items that highlight the fusion of heritage and innovation. Bibi’s display not only brought color and energy to the pavilion but also underscored the entrepreneurial spirit thriving within the Africa-Caribbean community.

No celebration of culture would be complete without food, and the pavilion delivered in spades. From savory patties and jerk chicken to refreshing ice creams and traditional Caribbean drinks, each offering provided a taste of Africa and the Caribbean that was as authentic as it was indulgent. The culinary journey mirrored the pavilion’s musical and dance performances—vibrant, bold, and alive with flavour.

But it wasn’t just the music, dance, or food that left an impression. The pavilion thrummed with the heartbeat of the community, a celebration of identity and shared experience. Families, friends, and newcomers alike moved through the space with wonder and delight, discovering the richness of a culture that has traveled across continents and generations. Children tried the limbo, elders shared stories, and the crowd cheered, laughed, and danced together, forging a collective memory that extended far beyond the evening.

The Africa-Caribbean Pavilion at Folklorama 2025 offered more than entertainment—it was a vivid affirmation of culture, pride, and connection. Between the world-class performances, interactive experiences, culinary delights, and engaging cultural displays like Bibi Chabikuli’s, the pavilion provided an immersive journey across Africa and the Caribbean. For attendees, it was a reminder that culture is living, dynamic, and best celebrated together, a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of the communities it represents.

Folklorama continues to shine through experiences like the Africa-Caribbean Pavilion, where tradition meets innovation, and joy knows no boundaries. Each year, this pavilion reminds Winnipeg why celebrating culture, heritage, and community is not just an event—but a shared experience that leaves an imprint on every heart in attendance.

Beyond the performances and culinary delights, the pavilion offered a profound sense of community. Visitors were invited to explore traditional crafts, vibrant textiles, and intricate beadwork, each piece telling a story of generations past and present. The pavilion’s atmosphere was one of learning and connection, where young and old could engage with the culture, ask questions, and participate in hands-on activities that made history tangible. For many, it was a rare opportunity to witness and interact with traditions that have traveled across oceans yet remain alive and thriving in Winnipeg.

As the evening drew to a close, the energy in the pavilion lingered long after the final notes of the Paradise Band faded. Families walked away with full hearts and new memories, children practiced their limbo moves on the sidewalks outside, and the vibrant spirit of the Africa-Caribbean community remained palpable in the air. For Folklorama visitors, this pavilion was not just a showcase of music, dance, and cuisine—it was a celebration of life itself, a joyful reminder of the power of culture to unite, inspire, and leave an enduring mark on everyone fortunate enough to experience it.