“Who knew we had so many Africans in Auckland?”

This seemed to be the sentiment floating around at Silo Park during the Africa Day celebrations. As I walked past strangers mid-conversation or caught up with friends and family throughout the day, one thing was clear: people were stunned—completely and utterly amazed—by the sheer turnout. Who knew the African community in Auckland was this big?

Now, you might be wondering why this was such a surprise. Maybe it was your first time attending Africa Day, or maybe you’re new to Auckland and assumed we gather like this all the time. But here’s the thing—this is just as new to many of us as it is to you. Okay, maybe not entirely new, but celebrating Africa Day—and even more so, Africa Month—on this scale is definitely a recent development for our community in Auckland. And without a doubt, it’s been one of the most exciting and affirming developments we’ve experienced.

So let’s take a moment to trace the roots of Africa Day, reflect on how it’s been commemorated in the past, and explore how this new era of celebration is shaping not just our community, but the wider cityscape in both subtle and powerful ways.

Tracing the Roots of Africa Day

Africa Day marks a historic moment that began on May 25th, 1963, when 32 independent African states gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to form the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)—now known as the African Union (AU). The visionaries behind the OAU dreamed of an independent and unified Africa, one that would uplift and empower all people of African ancestry, both on the continent and throughout the diaspora.

Emerging from the shadows of colonial rule, their hopes were steeped in Pan-African ideals of solidarity, sovereignty, and shared progress. Africa Day honours those dreams. It’s a global celebration of unity, culture, and progress that transcends borders and invites all African people—displaced or migrated—to connect, celebrate, and reflect on where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

Oddly enough, I have only a few memories of Africa Day celebrations in the decade before 2022. I remember attending a modest event at Silo Park in the late 2010s—just a handful of vendors, some music and a few standout performances. There was little promotion and even less community buzz. The event quietly came and went, but the intentions were there: to connect people to African cultures through food, music, fashion, and history.

Fast-forward just a few years, and who would’ve thought we’d now have a full-blown festival drawing in hundreds, if not hitting the thousands!

Ushering in a New Era of Celebration

Africa Day in Auckland entered a new chapter in 2022—bigger, bolder, and louder than ever before. It felt like a shift, a turning point. Nobody quite expected the volume of performances from both emerging and established African artists, the diverse range of food and fashion vendors, or the sheer number of people who poured in from every corner of the city.

What struck me most was how accessible African culture had become through the event. Previously, to enjoy African music— i.e. Afrobeats, Amapiano, Rumba, Kompa, just to name a few—you’d likely have to search through the nightlife scene. To taste authentic African cuisine, you’d either rely on a well-connected friend or hope to stumble upon an aunty’s food business on Instagram.

Africa Day changed that. It brought our community’s talent and entrepreneurial spirit into the spotlight. It centralised our creatives and gave them a platform to shine. But more than that, it brought visibility to the rich and diverse cultures within the African continent. The festival became a celebration of this diversity: people dancing freely, singing loudly, laughing fully, and simply existing with joy and ease.

And with such a large turnout, one thing became evident: there’s not just a strong African presence in Auckland, there’s also a deep desire for community connection. Many Africans here—especially youth—share a common experience of feeling disconnected from their cultural roots. Whether it’s the challenge of settling into a new country, navigating bicultural identities, or not seeing people who look like you around, the journey to belonging is often complex. While a full unpacking of these layers would need more time and space, Africa Day has become a symbol of reaching across that distance—a powerful step toward healing and reconnection.

Where to From Here?

Since 2022, this revitalised version of Africa Day has continued to grow, each year adding new energy, new stories, and new faces. What started as a community gathering has evolved into a highly anticipated citywide celebration. From May onward, we’re now met with a stream of exhibitions, club nights, and showcases—turning the whole month into a vibrant festival of African culture.

But beyond the crowds and festivities, what truly excites me is the deeper impact this event is having on Africans in Auckland. Gone are the days when Africa Day would pass by unnoticed. Now, it’s a defining feature of our community calendar—a marker of pride, belonging, and visibility.

It’s become a space where we can finally say, “This is who we are. This is home.”

As someone who was born back home and moved to Aotearoa as a child, I know that the question of belonging can feel like an ongoing conversation. Yes, Auckland is diverse, and New Zealand can be incredibly open. But that doesn’t mean the longing for cultural connection disappears. Events like Africa Day offer something tangible—especially for young people navigating dual identities. They give us grounding, joy, and a sense of place.

In the last few years, we’ve seen a wave of initiatives centering Black and African cultures on a scale that’s never existed here before. The more we carve out these spaces, the more we enrich our communities and influence the city around us. It’s not just Africans showing up—others are joining too. Watching non-Africans dance to Jerusalema, sample flavours from Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa alike, reminds us that culture has the power to bring people together.

And that’s the kind of energy we need to keep building on.

Conclusion

Africa Day in Auckland has become more than just a celebration—it’s a statement. It’s a cultural revival and a powerful reminder that African identity is alive, thriving, and present in Aotearoa. As the celebrations continue to grow each year, so too does our sense of community, pride, and visibility. This new era of Africa Day is just the beginning. The memories made, the connections formed, and the visibility achieved all point to a brighter, more unified future for Africans in Auckland and New Zealand overall. And as we look ahead, may we continue to show up for each other, amplify our voices, share our cultures, and build on the strong foundation that has been laid—because this is who we are, this is what we do, and this is home.

Written By N.M.A