by Wilfred Okiche

Nigerian gospel/dance music sensation, Kefeee, will get the biggest gig of her career so far when she opens for multiple Grammy Award winning singer, Indie Arie at the African festival of the Arts (AFA) in Chicago today. The ‘Kokoroko’ singer, who is listed as an official performer on the festival’s website, revealed her excitement to be performing on a stage earlier graced by only African music greats including Angelique Kidjo and Hugh Masakela.

“If I ever liked African music, this experience has made me like it more now than I ever did,” the Sapele born singer affirms. “I am very proud of what I do. The reception for my kind of music has been overwhelming and even though some of my audiences do not understand my language, they respond enthusiastically.”

Currently on a six-city tour of the United States, Kefee will be performing for about 30,000 viewers on the festival’s main stage, Dee Parmer Woodtor, named after the co-founder of the festival. Gospel duo, Mary Mary, and Bootsy Collins are also scheduled to perform. In the past, AFA has played host to superstars like the late James Brown, Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Bobby Womack and Jill Scott among others.

The AFA is regarded as the largest neighborhood festival in America. Currently in its 22nd anniversary, the festival is a yearly spectacular celebration of arts and culture from across the African diaspora parading African cuisine, fabrics and visual arts.

Oluwapelumi