AFRICA AND BRAZIL: A CHEQUERED HISTORY
The International Gospel & Roots festival through its various editions had appeared as the major vector for the dissemination of the cardinal principles which were retained during the International Leaders Conference for Reconciliation and Development which was held in Cotonou (BENIN) in December 1999.
The International Gospel & Roots Festival provided an exceptional opportunity for brotherly reunions in Benin between Africa, Europe, America and the Caribbean, it has contributed to rekindling along the three past editions, (2002, 2003, 2004) meetings intercultural dialogues, economic, artistic and human exchanges between Africa and its Diaspora.
Two major events will particularly mark the fourth edition of the festival of July 31 to August 7, 2005:
* The organization of the first economic Benin Alabama Forum (USA) where we expect a large turnout of American businessmen will be held. As a result of the cooperation between the State of Alabama and Benin, this business forum aims essentially at promoting economic, commercial, and cultural relations between the two sides and constitutes a material consolidation of the development side of the reconciliation process.
* In the sweltering and sweet heat of the Amazon, an economic giant, a great sporting and cultural nation is born; Brazil
The fourth edition of the International Gospel & Roots Festival is opening up to the great wonders of the Samba land and the country of birth of the football legend King Pele (Godfather of the Festival), immortal glory of world soccer, through the organization of an economic and cultural salon and a football exhibition match of formers Brazilian footballers ‘’the masters†and a great Brazilian night with the Honorable Gilberto Gil, Minister of culture and the musicians of the PORTELLA Samba School.
The Godmother of the Festival is the Diva of African Gospel music, Rebecca Malope who pulls together large crowds wherever she comes on stage in the world.
Several personalities have equally accepted to lend their support to the events marking the fourth edition of the International Festival Gospel & Roots Festival. We have notably the Deputy Director General of UNESCO, the Mayor of the city of Liverpool, Reverend Cheryl Jackson who will be at the head of an important delegation of African -Americans living in Japan, the British sculptor Stephen Broadbend and many other men of science, culture and politics coming from all the corners of the world.
Come and spend unforgettable moments which will change positively your life forever. Come join us for the black people pilgrimage on the land of their fathers, from July 31 to August 7, in Benin (West Africa).
For more information please visit:
www.beninreconciliation.org
www.beninembassy
