Hello Toronto,

As a proud Torontonian and a member of the African community, AFROFEST is not just another festival for me – it's a celebration of our vibrant culture, an homage to our rich heritage, and a platform that showcases the talent and creativity of African artists. For 15 glorious years, Music Africa has hosted AFROFEST at Woodbine Park, transforming it into a beacon of joy and unity for people not only from Toronto but from all walks of life. This festival is our annual escape, an event that embodies the spirit and cultural mosaic of our city.

However, this year, our beloved AFROFEST faces unprecedented challenges from the City of Toronto. We have been given mandates that threaten the very essence of this festival. In a perplexing move, the city has instructed us not to promote AFROFEST, a requirement never imposed in its more than three decades of existence. Additionally, we are being told to cap attendance at 17,000 participants per day – yet paradoxically, we're also being restricted from commencing ticket sales.

This lack of coherent guidelines is hampering our efforts to plan and execute a successful event. Every attempt to comply with the city’s erratic instructions is met with further delays and vagueness, leaving us in a state of uncertainty and jeopardizing the festival’s future. AFROFEST is more than just an event; it's a critical cultural institution for thousands who gather to connect, dance, and revel in a tapestry of Africa's rich sounds.

AFROFEST’s impact on the community is profound. It fosters multicultural understanding, draws significant tourism, and contributes economically to our city’s fabric. The barriers imposed on us undermine not only this year's festival but the invaluable cultural celebrations in future years.

We are reaching out, seeking your support, to urge the City of Toronto to reconsider the unjust barriers imposed on AFROFEST. Let the festival continue to flourish without undue hindrance, return to its full celebratory capacity, and maintain its role as a cultural pillar of Toronto.

Please sign this petition and help us ensure AFROFEST remains a proud Toronto tradition and a vibrant celebration of African heritage. Together, we can make a difference and preserve this essential cultural festivity for generations to come.

Thank you, 

Dennis M.(Music Africa Board Secretary)