June 22, 2003
Section: Local

African event 'brings memories back home'
TOM SPOTH, Sun Staff

LOWELL - Downtown Lowell held some familiar sights yesterday for Femi Obateru, a native Nigerian.

The JFK Plaza was festooned with colorful African emblems and filled with people wearing traditional garb like kentes and bubus.

"It's been great to come together as an African society," said Obateru, a Haverhill resident. "It brings back memories of home."

The third annual African Festival attracted transplants from around the continent, as well as other curious onlookers who were soon delighted by ethnic food, clothing and music.

"It's great," said Laila Sakala of Nashua, as she enjoyed a barbecued beef kebab. "We've seen different crafts and stuff. I like the Zambian stand best."

That booth proudly flew the Zambian flag, and displayed intricate carvings imported from the south-central African country.

Mwaka Twagirayesu of Lawrence said she represented the Zambian Association of New England, a fledgling Lowell-based group that so far has about 50 members. "But there are many more (Zambians) in the area," she said.

Tawgirayesu grew up in Zambia and Kenya, has lived in England, and recently earned a master's degree in sociology from Northeastern University.

"It's awesome," she said of the festival. "It brings people together, creates awareness of African culture. Each country is very different. It's a very, very rich continent."

Small stands lined the edges of the plaza, most run by native Africans. Clothing was the most prevalent commodity long, flowing dresses and tunics that matched the attire of many attendees.

Esther Kankam of Lowell, owner of the Africa Central Market on Middlesex Street, sold African wigs, clothing, movies, and food.

Richard Badeboga, a Cameroon-born Lowell resident, offered shirts bearing traditional African patterns. He said they were from Yoruba, a region of Nigeria.

Revelers feasted on chicken, jallof rice, peanut butter soup, kalaa (African donuts), and of course, that traditional African staple, Domino's Pizza.

A small group of dancers became a teeming mass as the afternoon progressed. JMN Music of Lowell supplied tunes like "Vuli Ndlela" by South African artist Brenda Fassie.

"It seems to be better every year," JMN owner Julius Mokoro, originally from Cameroon, said of the festival.

"I like the music," agreed Jerry Stephenson of Lowell. "I like all of it! It's very festive."

Tom Spoth's e-mail address is tspoth@lowellsun.com.

(c) 2003 The Sun (Lowell, MA). All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Media NewsGroup, Inc. by NewsBank, Inc.