IFOL Most Anticipated Multicultural Festival Promises to Bring the Best of World Music Ithis July 4th ndependence Weekend
(Chicago, June 24, 2022) After being affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic - 2020, one of its most anticipated reggae and world music cultural events, the 29th Annual African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL) returns Independence week, Saturday, July 2nd - Monday, July 4th, 2022 from 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Washington Park, 55th Street and South Cottage Grove, Chicago.
The family-friendly celebration will feature more than fifty Reggae, Afrobeat, R&B, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Hip Hop, Steppin’, House, Latin, Rock, Reggaetonand other musical acts. Patrons will also enjoy, food, arts, crafts, and games, along with more than one hundred vendors/exhibitors at hand, selling and branding their products/items from around the world.
Ephraim Martin, D.B.A., President of Martin’s International producer of the festival, said, “While we will be happy to be out celebrating our lifestyle, music, and culture, I urge us all to be cautious, as we are not 100% free from the COVID-19. We want to encourage everyone to wear their masks, while on the festival ground, as we must abide by and adhere to all COVID-19 Pandemic protocols outlined by the city and the State tenure of the 29th IFOL. This year’s jamboree is dedicated to Health Awareness and Chicago’s Founding Father DuSable,” Martin stated.
Kicking off the opening day, July 2nd will be Ghana and Africa's top dancehall entertainer and IRAWMA winner, Shatta Wale. Performers representing various parts of the Caribbean, Latin/South America, and America’s music genre on two stages will be Official Reggae Band, Doc Payne & the Payne Relief Blues Band, Concrossiss, Bola Jay, Smokey DaBandit, Big EZ – Latin, Lizzie G – Haitian Hip Hop, Boi Floyd- R&B/Hip Hop, Primo Green- Reggae/Hip Hop.
July 3rd, the legendary R&B hitmakers Al Hudson and One Way Band; Tony Wilson- Young James Brown and the Godfather of Soul Band; IRAWMA winning and Reggae first GRAMMY Award winner, Mykal Rose, formerly of Black Uhuru; BASS Odyssey, D Mitch Da Messiah and several other acts representing the gospel, jazz and other music genres will grace the two ILOF stages. July 4th can be best described as diaspora world music day with one of Haiti’s most outstanding acts, Roody Roodboy performing in celebration of Haiti’s major achievements in Chicago, America, and the world, as well as the victory that renamed the iconic LSD as DuSable Lake Shore Drive, led by Martin’s International President, Ephraim Martin and Alderman David Moore. Also, performing will be Mr. Killa, soca newest superstar out of Grenada, IRAWMA nominated and reggae Star I-Octane, LOVA Boy representing Belize Punta, the dancehall sound of multi-IRAWMA winner, Stone Love, plus Indika Reggae Band- featuring -Josephus "Yosefus" Harris, Dainjah Rus, and others.
Among the DJs for the weekend are DJ Maurice Cul Pepper, DJ Ringo, and DJ. Tyman, DJ Papa G, DJ. Fyre, DJ. Star Child, and others.
Under the banner of “Bringing Nations Together Through Music and Culture”, the IFOL celebration is powered by the Chicago Park District, and Bronzeville Academy Charter School, WVON/Midway Broadcasting, AAA Insurance Agency- Jacqueline Short, Northwestern University- Disco, Rogers Park Fruit Market, Old World Market, LaFruteria, Inc, O>P>J Records and others.
