It's fair to say that most Australians don't know as much about Africa as we should. Even saying the word 'Africa' does a disservice to this sprawling, fascinating continent that is home to 1.2 billion of our fellow earthlings. Well, the annual Africultures Festival is here to help. A celebration of the enormous, diverse African community living right here in Sydney, Africultures will have nearly 40 of Africa's 53 independent nations represented through art, music and food. There will be two stages packed with artists, dancers and drummers, a food court with over 20 stalls, a marketplace selling clothing, fabrics, homewares, jewellery and accessories, book readings, and even a six-a-side soccer tournament — a little something for everyone. Short of travelling there, you won't get a better taste of Africa than at Africultures. And as festival director Fatma Moha points out, a trip to Western Sydney is a lot closer than a trip to Africa.
