“The Festival Is Born: Tents, Drums, and a Dream”
“What began as a whisper, can one day become a mighty song. In the heart of Tübingen, far from the soil of Africa, a seed was planted—not in the earth, but in spirit. That seed was culture, identity, memory… and hope.”
“In 2007, a bold idea took form. Under a few tents, with borrowed chairs and beating drums, the very first Afrika Festival Tübingen came to life, it started in Reutlingen city nearby Tübingen. It was small, unpolished, but full of heart. For many Africans in Germany, it felt like coming home.”
EXPANSION & PARTNERSHIPS
“From 2012, the festival matured. No longer just music and food—it became a stage for dialogue. Together with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Reutlingen and Tübingen, the Africa Business Forums were born. Business met culture. And culture met opportunity.”
“This wasn’t just a party only. It was a summit of visions—connecting German industry with African potential.”
2015: CAMEROON IN FOCUS
“Then came 2015. The year Cameroon was in the spotlight. A powerful homecoming. A celebration of roots. It became the festival’s largest and most vibrant edition—proof that our culture, when embraced, could bring thousands together in unity and pride.”
“The founding organization, AfrikAktiv, teetered on the edge of collapse. Critics grew loud. Yet, the drumbeat never truly stopped.”
“With no funding but abundant purpose, this new chapter carried forward the legacy—stronger, wiser, undeterred.”
“What began as a gathering of tents and hearts has become a cultural institution. For the African community in Germany and friends of the continent, the Afrika Festival Tübingen remains a symbol. Of resilience. Of memory. Of what is possible—when vision meets community.”
“Food vendors from across the continent offered more than just taste. They served belonging. Artists didn’t just perform — they told stories. And volunteers didn’t just help — they carried a vision forward.”
2013: DIPLOMATIC MILESTONE
“In 2013, a historic moment. The festival welcomed Ambassadors from across the African continent, bringing the diplomatic world to the people. Africa wasn’t only being represented in embassies—it was being celebrated on the streets.”
2017: CHALLENGES, CRITICISM & HIJACK
“But no vision walks a path without shadows. In 2016 and 2017, the festival faced its greatest storms. Not just in the skies—but within. Bad weather brought financial losses. Internal divisions gave rise to new organizations. And sadly, the very dream that united many, began to splinter.”
Struggles and Storms
“But no great vision grows without storms. In 2011, 2017, 2018, the skies darkened. Literally. Torrential rains soaked the tents. The crowds thinned. And within the community, rivalry began to form. 2017 the festival was Hijacked…”A beautiful dream, once shared, began to split. New organizations branched off. What had united a continent abroad now struggled under the weight of egos and exhaustion.”
*”We built a family… but even families fight. And sometimes, some choose
2019: REBIRTH – THE AFRICA WE WANT e.V.
“In 2019, out of the ashes, a new vessel for the vision was born: The Africa We Want e.V. — a name, a commitment, a dream rekindled. The purpose never changed: to unite, to educate, to celebrate, to connect.”
