Jemere Morgan has been announced headline act for this year’s event.
One Vibe Africa and SAM are proud to present Kijiji Night at Seattle Art Museum.
Kijiji Night 2020 is funded in part by a Neighborhood Matching Fund award from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. Kijiji means village in Swahili. The fifth annual Kijiji Night is on Thursday, February 6th from 6-9 pm. The evening will bring the spirit of an African village to SAM.
The evening will feature special musical performances headlined by Jemere Morgan and affordable authentic street Kenyan food from sambusa to bajia. One Vibe Africa merchandise will be on sale and an exclusive exhibit of original paintings by renowned Nairobi based Iddi Bashir will be open for the public to view from February 1st to February 29th.
Don’t miss the fashion show portion of the evening curated by KOELES, which is a premium clothing label that highlights the best in contemporary African expression.
Performing Artiste – Jemere Morgan
Charming, Soulful, and Full of Life! Heir to the throne, the first to fill the 3rd generation of the legendary Royal Family of Reggae MORGAN HERITAGE, is the son of Gramps Morgan. His first released record, “First Kiss” launched his career in 2011, and the following year “Sunshine Glow” was released along with a music video he shot on his favorite island of Anguilla.
Jemere’s growth continued as his first hit single “Neighborhood Girl”, released in 2013, proved his sweet tone belonged amongst the best of current young reggae stars landing #1 on the iHeart radio charts. From that moment, Jemere continued constant touring as his family’s opening act and gaining loyal fans worldwide where he released dynamic records and covers along the way with notable collaborations with the likes of Jo Mersa Marley, J Boog, and Stonebwoy.
Rightfully so, his most rewarding collaboration was on the single “So Amazing” of Morgan Heritage’s Strictly Roots Album in 2015. Jemere can now say he is a Grammy Award Winning Artist for his feature on the Best Reggae Album.
Performing Artiste – Alana Belle
Because the world could use a little more romance, seduction, and mystery…is a singer, songwriter, and filmmaker from rainy Seattle, WA. Alana began writing and singing songs at the age of six, but can recall hearing her first song at the age of three.
Along her musical journey, Alana has recorded and performed music in the duo, The Loops for Lovers Collective, produced her own live shows, and has collaborated with a diverse mix of musicians.
Most recently, Alana wrote, produced, starred in, and acted as creative director for the short film, The New Romantic: A Mood Film, which is the visual embodiment of her soon to be released debut EP, The New Romantic.
Host – King Khazm
King Khazm is a multifaceted artist and community organizer who advocates for community empowerment through Hip-Hop. King Khazm has been an important fixture in Seattle hip-hop for decades.
An emcee, visual artist, cultivator of culture, mentor and organizer, Khazm, who uses a wheelchair, is one of the most visible people in the Emerald City’s South End creative community.
Performing Artiste – Kalamashaka
Kama (real name Kamau Ngigi) is one third of the group Kalamashaka (aka K-Shaka) a hip-hop group based in the Dandora ghettos of Nairobi, Kenya. Kalamashaka experienced music’s universal force when they started touring internationally in countries like South Africa, Sweden and Norway among others that didn’t share the Swahili language but still rocked their songs.
The group formed the Ukoo fulani movement so as to create a nurturing environment for up and coming MC’s who could be grounded with social consciousness. Kama released his first solo album in 2009 titled Amka. He is currently touring the American colleges where he gives talks about Africa. He was also featured in the soon to be released book ‘Boomerang’ by Msia K Clark whose an assistant Professor in the African Studies department at the University of Howard.
The festival has also listed other performers.