HARLEM, MEET THIS YEARS PROGRAM
THE 3RD ANNUAL HARLEM MEET AFRICA FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026 | 1:30–6:30 PM
MARCUS GARVEY PARK · HARLEM, NEW YORK
FREE COMMUNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Come for the music. Stay for the joy. Be part of HMA.
Welcome to Harlem MEET Africa! Created by Guinean singer-songwriter Natu Camara, this festival brings Harlem, African artists and the wider diaspora together through live music, dance and community. Today, we celebrate the sounds, stories and shared spirit that connect us.
TODAY'S FESTIVAL LINE-UP
1:30 PM — MEET DJ QUANGA
DJ Quanga opens the afternoon with music to bring the community together.
2:00 PM — MEET YOUR HOST MC: SISTA ZOCK
Our host welcomes everyone to Harlem MEET Africa and guides us through an afternoon of music, dance and connection.
2:05 PM — MEET LORRY FRANÇOIS & YOUTH HARLEM DANCE
A vibrant youth drum and dance performance celebrating young talent, rhythm and community. Artswithlorry@gmail.com
2:20 PM — MEET MAPUTI
Rooted in Zimbabwe’s soulful Shona mbira traditions, Maputi brings ancient melodies into the present. Blending hypnotic mbira with West African flute, violin, percussion and rich vocal harmonies, they create a rhythmically infectious sound where African tradition meets New York iinnovation. https://www.maputi.org/
2:55 PM — MEET CASA MANTEQUILLA
A cross-cultural musical experience born in Harlem blending African, Caribbean, Latin and American influences. Truly a cross-cultural musical affair. https://www.casamantequilla.com/
3:25 PM — CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY
A special recognition of the people and cultural partners who help bring our communities together.
3:35 PM — MEET FULANI
A Harlem–West African collective bringing together African rhythms and melodies with the expressive spirit of jazz and blues. Contact Sori: Skoite2012@gmail.com
4:10 PM — MEET LINDSEY WILSON
Singer-songwriter Lindsey Wilson blends the spirit of 1970s urban folk-rock with thoughtful, powerful world conscious lyrics. lindseywilsonmusicnow.com
4:35 PM — MEET MANDINGO AMBASSADORS
Led by legendary Guinean guitarist Mamady Kouyaté, the Madingo Ambassadors weave together two interlocking guitars, driving West African rhythms, percussion and a powerful horn section. The result is an irresistible groove that will have you dancing from the first note to the last!
https://www.mandingoambassadors.com/
5:10 PM — MEET NATU CAMARA · CLOSING PERFORMANCE
Guinean singer-songwriter, cultural ambassador and founder of Harlem MEET Africa, Natu Camara brings her electrifying, high-octane Afro-Rock to the stage. Expect a powerful performance full of energy, emotion and the irresistible spirit of West Africa. https://www.natucamara.com
6:10–6:30 PM — CELEBRATING HARLEM
A final celebration of our artists, community, partners and everyone who made today's festival possible.
The programme may run a little longer depending on available daylight.
MEET YOUR HOST
SISTA ZOCK — MC
Sista Zock is a dynamic cultural voice and performer whose work celebrates Black expression, creativity and community. Bringing warmth, personality and a powerful stage presence, she guides us through an afternoon of music, dance and connection.
MUSIC BRINGS US TOGETHER
Harlem MEET Africa is about more than music. It's about discovering one another, celebrating African cultures and creating a space where neighbours, artists and communities can meet.
Meet great music. Meet community. Meet joy.
Thank you for being part of Harlem MEET Africa!
HARLEM, PLEASED TO MEET YOU.
