The Bantu Market is proudly promoting African culture and its diversity through a shared love of music, dance, market stalls, visual arts and food.
In recent years, the Geelong region has become a market hub of sorts. While we have plenty of top-notch shopping centres, arcades and well-known brands, none of them quite measure up to our fabulous array of thriving local markets.
Following a successful first run back in March, Geelong’s very first African Market – Bantu Market – is returning for its second run.
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Returning this weekend, Bantu Market will take over the Barwon Valley Activity Centre in Belmont on Saturday, June 25 from 12pm to 5pm, bringing along a wide range of Africa’s finest tastes, style and homewares, exceptional talent, music and more.
Dubbed ‘the quintessential African experience’, at a glance, you’ll find some beautifully African-inspired bomber jackets from The Bomber Plug; all-natural bath and body products from Zaarm; skincare, African dresses and human hair wigs from Ada Beauty; traditional Ghanaian clothing from African Uniques; quality African print pieces from Noire Belle to brighten up any wardrobe; as well as canvas prints, cushion covers and jewellery from Safari Boutique Australia. You’ll also find Choklit Dolls, representing diversity, empowerment, and self-love, perfect for nurturing the confidence in young girls; African cookbooks; works from African-Australian artist Tyrone Gietzmann; plus heaps more.
You’ll also find drum and dancing performances, delicious food trucks, market stalls, games and a whole lot of fantastic kid’s entertainment.
Alongside the vibrant community made up of small businesses and creative artists who are passionate about their craft, the market will also be celebrating the sounds of Africa with vibrant live music from Ras Jahknow. The Cape Verdean Reggae singer, songwriter and founder of iconic Melbourne reggae ensemble Ras Jahknow Band will be bringing dynamic, high-energy, positive music to the people with a stage show guaranteed to uplift and inspire with powerful messages. Blazing new soul and fresh rhythms into what is described best as culturally rich, roots reggae music, Ras Jahknow sings with passionate vocals in English and Creole, weaving through the diverse native sounds from the African island nation of Cape Verde, Brazil, Tanzania and Mauritius to Australia. The band embodies a vision of unity, respect and peace, built on the foundation of irresistible, reggae rhythms. Don’t miss the chance to experience some island vibes.
The Afro market’s aim is to bring together the wider community together by creating opportunities for community participation and engagement through celebrating Africa and cultural diversity – and what’s not to love about that.
The market is located at Barwon Valley Activity Centre (Wadawurrung Country, 1 Barwon heads road, Belmont) on Saturday, June 25 from 12pm to 5pm. Register your interest here and don’t stress about the logistics as there’s heaps of free parking.
Find out more here.
