About Us

Welcome to the Afro Heritage Festival!

The Afro Heritage Festival is a non-profit organization committed to celebrating and promoting the cultural richness of the African and Caribbean diasporas in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Through a vibrant, community-centered annual festival, we bring people together to experience the music, art, food, and traditions that make these cultures so unique.

Our mission is to provide a platform for people to showcase their talents in music, visual arts, dance, fashion, and the culinary arts while fostering Afro-Caribbean cultural pride, unity, and education. We aim to create an inclusive space where the community can come together to honour our heritage, support local businesses, and encourage intercultural dialogue. 

Our vision is to become the leading cultural festival in the region, connecting people through the shared celebration of African and Caribbean heritage.

Our Board Members

JP

JP has over a decade of experience facilitating concerts and events with international African artists. He first brought Davido, a pivotal figure in Afrobeats, to Canada, setting the stage for his influential role in promoting the genre globally. JP has established strong relationships with various artists, including Johnny Drille and Kenny Black, by ensuring their comfort and hospitality during their visits. His recent collaboration with the renowned artist 2Baba, who has agreed to headline an event next year, has generated significant excitement within the Ottawa community.
Inspired by the support for these events, JP aims to make this an annual occurrence, expanding the platform for African artists and fostering cultural exchange within the broader community. His vision is to create a larger-scale celebration that showcases diverse talents and encourages community growth.

Chancelle Mulela

Chancelle is a dedicated member of Local 634 IATSE, where she works as a professional TV and film makeup artist. She serves as a board member for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and is the Chair of the Youth Committee within the union. Chancelle is passionate about advocating for BIPOC representation in the film industry. As a guest speaker for Reel Canada, a Toronto-based non-profit, she inspires students to explore careers in film by presenting Canadian films in schools.
Her commitment to change has led her to establish mandatory hair and makeup training in Northern Ontario, and she has recently been appointed as the training coordinator for Northern Ontario IATSE. Additionally, as the organizer for the Afro Heritage Festival, Chancelle is devoted to fostering cultural unity and community engagement while highlighting the contributions of the African and Caribbean diasporas. Her experience in organizing social events, combined with her strong connections in West Africa, enhances her ability to connect diverse communities.

Karlyne Felix

Karlyne is an experienced educator, event organiser, and cultural ambassador. With a decade of experience hosting educational festivals and corporate events in countries like Spain, China, the United States, Costa Rica, and France, Karlyne is now focused on celebrating the diversity of African and Caribbean cultures in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. In addition to her work in event management, Karlyne is producing a documentary highlighting the five major art forms of African influence within the Canadian diaspora, further emphasising her dedication to showcasing and preserving cultural heritage.