Africa Day 2026 Celebrates Five Years of Culture and Community at Wynyard Quarter
Published: Wednesday 13 May 2026
The sights and sounds of the African continent are set to take over Wynyard Quarter on Saturday, 23 May 2026. Celebrating a milestone fifth anniversary, Africa Day New Zealand returns to Silo Park and The Base Spaces for a free, family-friendly festival showcasing the rich diversity of Africa’s 54 nations.
Africa Day New Zealand is proudly presented by ORIKoL Productions with support from Auckland Live, Auckland Council Events, African Communities Forum Incorporated (ACOFI) and Interesting Things Aotearoa.
Africa Day, celebrated internationally on 25 May, marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU). It is a day dedicated to celebrating Pan-Africanism, shared heritage, and the strength found in unity across the continent and its global diaspora.
"Africa Day 2026 is a day to honour our past, celebrate our present, and envision our future together," says Adekemi Àjàyí, President of ACOFI. "Through music, art and community, we hope to share the richness of African culture with Aotearoa New Zealand and support African unity."
“Africa Day creates an opportunity for Aucklanders to come together through music, food, art and storytelling, while celebrating the richness and diversity of African cultures against the stunning waterfront backdrop of Wynyard Quarter,” says Daniel Clarke, Director of Auckland Live. "We are proud to support events that help make Tāmaki Makaurau a vibrant, welcoming and globally connected city.”
For the first time in its five-year history, the festivities will expand to include an exclusive multi-media exhibition at Silo 6. Titled ‘The Sum of Our African Parts,' the exhibition runs from 16–23 May and features:
- An Afro-futuristic short film directed by Jennifer Onyeiwu
- African garments and designs by Rosemary Bennett (Masafinyas)
- Works by African artists including Jane Benney, Ianna Johnson, Janina Nana Yaa, and Mary Adeosun
- Interactive workshops, including West African beading, hand-drawn printmaking and Paint and Sip sessions.
The festival's live performance programme features a powerhouse of local and international talent:
- Tusekah: The South African-born rising star brings her signature RnB, neo-soul and pop sounds to the stage following tours across New Zealand and Australia
- Nesu: A Zimbabwean-born artist performs in his mother tongue, Shona, blending traditional mbira-inspired textures with modern production
- Thabani Gapara: Saxophonist Thabani Gapara and a stellar ensemble of Afro-Kiwi musicians will perform a soulful tribute to the legendary South African musician Hugh Masekela
- Community showcase: Traditional youth performances from Eritrea, South Sudan, and Burundi, alongside modern African dance and a "Best Dressed" competition celebrating African fashion attire.
The event will be hosted by MC Carine Umutoniwase (Africandaughta), a Rwandan-born scholar, artist and activist known for her storytelling and work reclaiming African narratives.
Event details: Africa Day New Zealand 2026
- When: Saturday, 23 May 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Where: Silo Park and The Base Spaces, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland CBD
- Cost: Free entry
- Exhibition: "The Sum of Our African Parts" at Silo 6 (16–23 May, 11 AM – 4 PM).
