Zimbabwean visual artist and book publisher Samantha Roumbidzal Vazhure said “increasing representation in art would help to amplify unheard voices”. She was a speaker in the Senedd at an event celebrating the Wales and Africa Community. The event was a celebration of African culture and heritage; particularly with an emphasis on integration into Welsh life. 

Charities, caterers, singers, dancers, politicians and speakers all contributed to the events – creating global links and connections. Special guests included speeches from the Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt and performances by the Newport-based Zimbabwean Ladies’ Choir, ZimVoices, and N’famady Kouyaté, with the Successors of the Mandingue group.

It was also an opportunity to showcase the diverse and important work of the sector, network with colleagues, funders and policy makers, and sample some African food including salt fish and sweet potato cakes, Ghanian devilled eggs and jollof rice balls. There was also a number of stalls and displays from across the Wales and Africa community.