The inaugural Akple & Akpe Fest 2025 concluded over the July 4 weekend, marking a successful celebration of vibrant African culture at the Bathgate Community Garden in the Bronx. The event, which centered on the theme “Come Taste Akple with a Grateful Heart and Feel the Flavor. Hear the Rhythm of Africa’s Finest Music Live in the Heart of the Bronx,” drew a significant and engaged audience.
The inaugural Akple & Akpe Fest 2025 today celebrated the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, drawing a lively crowd to the Bathgate Community Garden in the Bronx. The festival offered attendees a unique opportunity to “Taste Akple with a Grateful Heart and Feel the Flavor,” accompanied by “the Rhythm of Africa’s Finest Music Live in the Heart of the Bronx.”
The event, held at the picturesque Bathgate Community Garden, was a resounding success, highlighting traditional West African cuisine, music, and community spirit. Akple, a staple dish from the Volta Region of Ghana, was the culinary star, delighting palates alongside other authentic flavors.
Attendees experienced an immersive cultural journey, highlighted by the culinary delights of Akple, a traditional dish from Ghana’s Volta Region, alongside other authentic African flavors. The festive atmosphere was further elevated by the dynamic musical selections curated by DJ Prekese, providing an authentic sonic backdrop to the day’s activities.
“We are incredibly pleased with the overwhelming success of the first Akple & Akpe Fest,” stated a spokesperson for the festival. “Our objective was to create a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation, bringing the rich heritage of Africa to the heart of the Bronx. The enthusiastic participation from the community and the invaluable support from our partners were pivotal in achieving this vision.”
Organizers expressed their gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the festival’s success. “We are thrilled with the turnout and the overwhelmingly positive response,” said a representative for the festival. “Our goal was to share the beauty and richness of West African culture with the Bronx community, and we believe we achieved that today. The support from Glodi Glam Designs LLC, NYRP, and DJ Prekese was instrumental in making this event a reality.”
The festival’s successful execution was made possible through the dedicated contributions of its sponsors and supporters:
- Glodi Glam Designs LLC: Provided crucial support in enhancing the festival’s aesthetic and operational elements. A key supporter, contributing to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
- New York Restoration Project (NYRP): Generously hosted the event at the picturesque Bathgate Community Garden, offering an ideal setting for community gathering. The host venue provides the beautiful and welcoming Bathgate Community Garden.
- DJ Prekese: Delivered a captivating musical performance that underscored the rhythmic essence of African culture. Kept the energy high with a captivating selection of African music, ensuring attendees experienced the true rhythm of the continent.
Akple & Akpe Fest 2025 is envisioned as an annual fixture, aiming to continue fostering cultural understanding and celebrating the diverse traditions of Africa within the New York City metropolitan area. Akple & Akpe Fest is a cultural celebration dedicated to showcasing the vibrant traditions, cuisine, and music of West Africa. The festival aims to foster community, share cultural heritage, and provide an immersive experience for all attendees.
Plans for future Akple & Akpe Fest events are already being discussed, aiming to make this a recurring celebration of West African culture in New York City.
About Akple & Akpe Fest:
Akple & Akpe Fest is an annual cultural initiative dedicated to promoting and celebrating the rich traditions, distinctive cuisine, and captivating music of Africa. The festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange, community engagement, and an authentic experience of African heritage.
