Rose Royce ascended to the top of the Soul music world with a string of hits and a tight, full sound that rivaled many of the best self-contained soul and funk groups of the era.  Formed by trumpeter-vocalist Kenny Copeland; drummer Henry Garner; trumpeter Freddie Dunn; and keyboardist Michael Nash in the mid 70s, the group first served as a backup band for Edwin Starr, who introduced them to his War producer, Norman Whitfield.

 

With his silky smooth, straight-from-the-heart soulful style, Howard Hewett is gifted with one of the most instantly recognizable voices in contemporary music. A writer for Rolling Stone magazine once described him as "the premier vocalist in the post-Marvin Gaye era of romantic pop." He began his career as a pre-teen singing gospel music in Akron, Ohiowith his older sisters as the lead singer of The Hewett Singers. Hewett was doing session work around LA when he got a phone call and was offered an opportunity to join a group called Shalamar. Shalamar went on to enjoy success with hits like "Second Time Around", "Make That Move"; "A Night to Remember"; "Dead Giveaway"; and the now-classic, "This Is For the Lover in You."

In 1986, Hewett launched his solo career, scoring an immediate R&B hit with "I'm For Real" (which was co-written by Stanley Clarke, and featured such stellar musicians as George Duke and Wilton Felder of the Jazz Crusaders); followed by "Stay", "I Commit to Love" and the contemporary gospel classic, "Say Amen.  He has recorded duets with legendary leading ladies of music such as, Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Brenda Russell and Stacey Lattisaw. He's collaborated with artists like George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Kenny Loggins, Gerald Albright and the list goes on. With 16 albums recorded, countless collaborations and over 15 million records sold throughout the world, Hewett remains a viable and legendary force in the music business. He continues to enjoy his first love, performing and entertaining for his countless fans and "Followers of the Music" domestically and worldwide.

 

The theme of this year's festival is Ruwadzano,which means 'togetherness' in the East African language of Shona in Zimbabwe. During this year's event, AIH will recognize the impact togetherness has in relationships, in business, and in service to community by recognizing those who embody the concept. This year's Grand BaBa isWGN's Robert Jordan and the Grand YeYe is Diane Dinkins-Carr. 

 

Additionally, Africa International House will host a gala on August 20 ^th at the Gabriela, 4315 S. Cottage Grove, where they will recognize the Grand Yeye and Grand Baba.  For information on tickets, call 773-955-ARTS.

 

Known for its themed entertainment featured on two stages each day of its four-day run, this year, Friday night will be Chicago Dance Night featuring tunes chosen especially for Chicago steppers; Saturday night is Juju Night with Nigerian musician Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey.  He will be joined by Angel 'd Cubaand the EPA! AfroColombian Band; Sunday will feature singer/composer Dee Alexander and the Evolution Ensemble, part of Chicago's Best Night, a line-up of area talent.

The African Festival of the Arts is one of the largest, and longest running festivals in the Midwest focused on African art and culture, and each year draws tens of thousands of people to Washington Park.  The AFA is a four-day immersion into African culture and heritage asChicago's historic Washington Park is transformed into an authentic African village.  Over 300 vendors and artisans will present artifacts, textiles, traditional crafts, and museum-quality art.  Enjoy the African-influenced food, music, and dance traditions during an entertainment rich, family-focused celebration unlike any other in the Midwest. 

 

There will be pavilions highlighting South African wines, health & wellness and fine arts. Pavilions include: Spiritual Pavilion Quilting Pavilion; David Durojaiye Olupitan African Heritage Pavilion; Author & Book Pavilion; Drum Village; Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo Health & Wellness Pavilion; and the Bernice Gardner Children's & Family Pavilion.

Founded by Liberian-born business leader Patrick S. K. Woodtor, the African Festival of the Artshas become a national destination point for those seeking to immerse themselves in the African culture.  Each year, tens of thousands attend the four-day event from across the U.S.

Sponsors of the 2016 African Festival of the Arts include: Chicago Park District, University of Chicago Medicine, ComEd, Next Level Health, Community Currency Exchange, Jewel/Osco, ISF Bank, the Chicago White Sox, Moneygram, and the Illinois Lottery. Media partners include: Comcast, NBCUniversal, WVON, Bronzecomm, the Chicago Citizen and the Chicago Crusader newspapers. 

 

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