Fest Afrika festival goes Metso

Fest Afrika Festival welcomes everyone—from kids to adults—to enjoy storytelling with music on Friday, 31 July at 17:00 at the Main Library Metso. Gambian artist Yahya Sonko will share traditional African stories, passed on in his family over generations. He will be accompanied by kora, a 21-string harp-lute, which is central to griot music, and functions as both a musical and narrative instrument. Stories are told in English and in Finnish.

Yahya Sonko is a Gambian musician, cultural ambassador and peacebuilder currently based in Finland. His musical journey is deeply rooted in tradition, identity, and storytelling, shaped by both formal training and a rich inherited cultural heritage. He comes from a griot family with strong traditions linked with preserving oral traditions, cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems. Since generations griots have been recognized as peacebuilders and custodians of collective memory. Yahya feels strong commitment to continue preserving these traditions, using music as a bridge between cultures and as a tool for dialogue and mutual understanding.

The principles of a safer library space are used in the event. 

Principles for safer library space | www.tampere.fi

This year Fest Afrika festival celebrates its 25^th anniversary presenting African cultures, music and communities on 28.7.-2.8.2026 in Tampere. Festival program includes concerts, workshops, African market for various activities for the whole family and a movie screening.

More info: www.festafrika.net