Experience Africa at Asian Civilisations Museum

Experience Africa at Asian Civilisations Museum

The Asian Civilisations Museum is hosting a weekend festival, Amazing Africa, which offers a rare chance for visitors to soak up the sights and sounds of Africa.

Some of the highlights include dancing and story telling by an award-winning storyteller.

Besides international acts, organisers made the effort to involve the local African community.

Unofficially, there are about 400 members who meet once a month.

Asian Civilisations Museum deputy director T Sundraraj said: "It was a bit difficult to find Africans within Singapore because the community is relatively small.

"But once we made contact with them, they were so excited about what we were doing and came forward to work with us very closely".

One of them was 35-year-old Cristelle Mouyelo who hails from Cameroon. She has been calling Singapore "home" since 2008.

But before making the big move, she had one small concern - where in Singapore could she braid her hair?

"Luckily, on Orchard Road, I met a lady from Ivory Coast," Ms Mouyelo said.

"As soon as I saw her - she had braids on her hair - I just ran to her, I didn't even say hi -- I said 'please can you tell me where you did your hair?'

"She introduced me to another lady, and that's how we got the community together, really more of the girls. Because for an African lady, not being able to do her hair is an issue."

Other ways to "experience" Africa include getting a face paint, which is extremely popular in South Africa, and a common sight at celebrations and festivals.

Amazing Africa runs this weekend, at the Asian Civilisations Museum from 12pm to 5pm. Admission is free.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-