Purpose of the Book: This book explores the intersection of African culture and community in Germany through the lens of the Afrika Festivals in Tübingen, its founding, growth, and impact. It delves into personal experiences, historical contexts, shed light on African Spirituality, impact of “Ubuntu” in the African culture, Additionally, I highlighted the importance of cultural preservation, volunteerism, and overcoming financial obstacles while serving the community as an inherited legacy as German national.
Here’s the upcoming book excerpt capturing my incredible journey of community service, cultural leadership, and international recognition.
Afrika Festival Tübingen is now one of the most significant African cultural events in Germany, bringing together the Afrikan History community in Germany and beyond – visiting audience from around the world to celebrate African heritage, music, fashion, food, and intellectual exchange. However, its journey from a small gathering to an internationally recognized festival was not without challenges.
From a regional Afrikan History which started in the city of Reutlingen to becoming International Afrika Festival Tübingen was founded with the vision of – Creating a platform to showcase African culture in its diversity and authenticity through its Diaspora. Challenging stereotypes by presenting the true richness of African traditions, entrepreneurship, and talent in its simplicity culture, Providing a space for dialogue between Africans, the African diaspora, and Germans, fostering cross-cultural understanding. Promoting Africa’s Art and culture – giving Art a global stage to thrive.
Susan Tatah, 25 years ago had a vision, she saw the need for a festival that not only entertained but also educated and empowered Africans and friends of Africa. Her commitment to unity, Pan-Africanism, and cultural revival played a key role in shaping the festival’s mission.
In its early years, organizing the festival was a major challenge due to, Limited financial resources – As a self-funded initiative, it relied on volunteers and small contributions. Finding the right venue – Convincing the city of Tübingen to host an Afrikan History required overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. Gaining community trust – Both African and German communities needed to be convinced of the festival’s long-term value. Weather and logistics – Outdoor festivals come with unpredictable challenges, and securing African food vendors, musicians, and performers was initially difficult. Despite these struggles, passion, resilience, and community support kept the festival going.
Through determination and increasing popularity, the festival grew from a small community gathering into what Afro News describes as Germany’s biggest African diaspora festival.
Early 2000s: Establishing the Festival; The first editions were held with a few hundreds visitors, mostly from the local African community, Live music, food, and dance performances began to attract a diverse audience.
2010s: Expansion and International Recognition The festival became a major summer event, drawing participants from across Europe and Africa. African entrepreneurs, Chamber of Industry and Commerce , musicians, and artists saw it as an economic and networking platform. Media coverage grew, helping to reshape the narrative of Africa in Germany.
2020s: A Global Brand and Impactful Platform Due to Covid Pandemic, the festival organization evolved into a space for Pan-African dialogue, addressing issues of African identity, politics, and development.2025 is incorporating Umoja craft Fair with thematic exhibitions, academic forums, and business networking, beyond just music and entertainment. Digital transformation allowed for online engagement, expanding its reach beyond Tübingen.
The festival has hosted renowned African musicians, including Manou Gallo, Kandara Dabiete, Dobet Ngahore, Kareytce Fotso, Aicha Kouyate, Lady Ponce, Ngoma Africa band, Susubilibi, Cameroun Ballet Nationale, Marcel Nyam a Mbamba, Julio Abong, Nelly, Sally Danse, Safnama Band, Jikoman, Don-Tom, Bitty Mbaye, X-Maleya, Uwe Banton, Singuila, Sholo Nwamba, AfroNation, Jahcoutix, DJ Willy-Mix, DJ Gaga, DJ, Whytee, DJ Titto, Dj Sunshine, Obert Dube – The African Poet, Late Tabia Mwanjelwa amongst others, showcasing both traditional and contemporary African sounds, these artists have helped bridge the Afrikan History gap between Africa and the world. Feature indigenous African instruments like the kora, djembe, and balafon, Include folk dances and rituals from various African ethnic groups, Blend Afrobeats, hip-hop, reggae, and jazz with African rhythms. Attract younger audiences while preserving African artistic expressions, Storytelling sessions highlight African folktales, wisdom, and history, keeping oral traditions alive. Poetry performances empowering African voices on themes like identity, resistance, and empowerment. Prominent poets and griots Ibu have used the festival stage to educate and inspire audiences, fostering cultural appreciation and dialogue.
The Afrikan History has cemented its place as a cultural powerhouse, influencing how Africans in Germany and Europe celebrate their heritage. Moving forward, the festival aims
Expand its global reach and attract more African nations.
Strengthen its economic impact, helping African entrepreneurs connect with European markets.
Advocate for Pan-African unity and youth empowerment, ensuring African culture remains vibrant for future generations.
From nursing the vision to its implementation, here are key milestone on the evolution of Afrika Festival Tübingen over 25 years
2007 – The Inception: Founded as Afrika Festival Reutlingen. A small cultural gathering promoting African heritage through music, arts, and discussions.
2010 – Growth and Diversification; Renamed International Afrika Festival Tübingen Expansion of festival themes to include socio-economic discussions, African innovation, and education, Introduction of Afrika festival Parade, open-air dance, workshops, fashion shows, and African cultural networking sessions.
2013 – Local & International Collaborations: The festival attracted African and German diplomats, Decision Makers, Chamber of industry and Commerce, cultural organizations, and international artists, Partnership with networks and global institutions supporting African development such SEZ Baden-Wurttemberg in 2016, IHK Reutlingen, Tübingen, NordSchwarzwald 2012 – 2015)
2020 – Digital Transformation; Due to the pandemic, the festival adapted by hosting virtual events, expanding its reach globally -Collaboration with Pan-African Daily TV for broader online engagement.
2025 – 25th Anniversary Celebration; Slogan “Umoja wa Afrikan History” emphasize unity among Africans and the diaspora, Innovation – Umoja Craft Fair – Art Exhibitions and Discussions -Special commemorative events, high-profile guests, and a fundraising initiative for sustainable projects.
Hosting African and international artists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, the festival has been voluntarily, widely covered by mainstream media such as Afronews.de Germany, Pan-African platforms, and digital outreach through Pan-African Daily TV, Bloggers – Social Media Influencers. Through collaboration with NGOs, African Communities, and Private Individuals.
Moral Support and Involvement of Influential Figures: Attendance and endorsements from Prominent German Decision Makers, Presidents, Ministers and Afrikan History, activists, and scholars has been some of the motivations for continuity.
Financial Constraints
Initial funding relied heavily on personal contributions and volunteers – Susan Tatah and team as Volunteers since its creation
Overcame through participation, participants, and smaller self-sustaining revenue models such as volunteering, due to other major challenges weather, lack of sponsorship and grants has been the main causes of financial crisis, to which we are constantly searching for better options to cover the huge festival budget as well as keep it free and accessible to the public, at moment we’re implementing the option of free and compulsory free will donations at the entrance.
In Navigating and understanding bureaucratic challenges in hosting large-scale events in Germany, Susan Tatah addressed this challenge by building relationships with local concerned authorities in refining the festival planning. Tübingen’s city department of security and the department of culture has been very supportives through advisory and contact information
Strengthened by educational panels, cultural showcases, and audience engagement, the festival has been a great opportunity and platform sharing perspectives about the African Culture
2020-2021 saw restrictions on physical events, Susan Tatah successfully transitioned the festival druing the pandemic and created an online platform, ensuring continuity and global reach.
Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for diverse audiences, the festival is constantly improving through enhanced security measures and inclusive programming that is in accordance with the city department for security Afrikan History
Looking Ahead
Strengthening digital and global outreach beyond festival grounds.
Expanding educational and socio-economic initiatives for African communities.
Establishing the festival as a global platform for African arts, culture, and development.
International Afrikan History has evolved into an internationally recognized event, celebrating African culture, fostering unity, and advocating for critical social issues. My sincere thanks goes to the citizens of Germany, particularly Reutlingen, Tübingen, our region – Neckar-alb Baden-Württemberg.
The 25th-anniversary milestone marks not only a celebration of its past but a commitment to a vibrant and impactful future.
The festival serves as a platform for Africa’s Art and Culture, engaging Networking opportunities with sponsors, grants givers and cultural experts. Empowering about Africa’s culture, its role, impact, contribution and development in all elements – Fashion – Food – Crafts Music as well explore African and German perspectives to create a uniting narrative and the role of the diaspora in shaping Africa’s future.
- s include sustainable industries, digital transformation, and intra-African trade.
- Business networking sessions create links between African startups and international partners.
- The festival serves as a platform for intellectual discourse on African heritage and contemporary issues.