These days when you see the word “diaspora” it’s usually followed by “war”. There’s no shortage of extensive debates and bickering between the scattered population and those in its indigenous territories. However, for those seeking to bypass the discourse and connect to their heritage, Cultr Network has got you covered.
Based in Trinidad and Tobago, Cultr Network is all about “bridging the gap between the motherland and the diaspora”. A mission that appears far-fetched at a glance. But, with multiple successful afro-centric events under its belt, it’s not hard to see why Cultr Network is taking the nation by storm.
In 2019, the network launched the event series Native Cultr. The first instalment of the afrobeat and afro-fusion-focused event was hosted at Kaiso Blues Cafe on June 20. Guests donned traditional African attire and enjoyed an exciting evening of music, dance, and just all-around good vibes. The occasion’s success begat Native II on August 15 and a third instalment, Native III, on December 20. The entire series saw performances from Coutain, Kaz Fuego, Jimmy October, Zebee, Hey Choppi, and many talented artists.
Presently, Cultr Network is gearing up to launch its first festival, entitled Faaji XPerience. If you’re a lover of afrobeat, amapiano, Trinibad, and reggae, this is the festival for you. Once your ticket is secured, you’ll have an all-access pass to incredible live performances along with Northern Nigerian cuisine booths, games, and trivia stations at no additional cost.
The Faaji XPerience 2022 event lineup is jampacked. August 26 will feature performances by roots-pop singer Annalie Prime, DJ Agent B, DJ Sour Diezel, and no stranger to Cultr Network Coutain. On September 30, the experience continues with KillaBee and Isasha slated to perform. Faaji Xperience then morphs into House Faaji on October 28 as artists Neon Pantha and Rose Gold Bentley take the stage. It all takes place at the performance art theatre, The Big Black Box, in Port of Spain.
Born and raised in Northern Nigeria, Cultr Network founder Salvation Yalams saw a need for events like Native Cultr and Faaji XPerience in Trinidad and Tobago. “I’ve realized that there is a disconnect in the knowledge of Africa and how it influences the diaspora. We have so many similarities in culture that people aren’t aware of. Similarities and differences that unite us.”
Since the inception of Cultr Network, the popularity of afrobeat has grown exponentially, so there’s no better time than now for the festival. “Faaji” means to celebrate, which is the essence of this event,” Yalams tells us. Faaji XPerience is shaping to be a celebration of Africa, the diaspora, and the ages.
