Light it Up

presented by
Woezo Africa Inc.

Twenty years ago, Woezo Africa Inc. set out to honour and uplift African, Caribbean, and Black arts and culture through education, performance, and community connection, creating spaces for cultural understanding, artistic excellence, and belonging. On July 25, we come together to celebrate this incredible journey and the many people who have helped shape it.

Light It Up is a one-night immersive celebration at The GRAND, marking Woezo Africa’s 20th Anniversary and honouring two decades of creativity, community, and cultural impact.

Guests will experience an unforgettable evening featuring:

* A vibrant cocktail reception in The GRAND’s historic Lobby hosted by Emcee Teewhy, featuring live music and performances by Key 30 Orchestra Band, Awele, Elvis Maximum, Annabelle Charles, and Iheoma Uzomba, AKA Oma is Loud
* African and Caribbean-inspired cuisine by The Food Engineer and signature cocktails by The Velt Bar
* A complimentary raffle ticket with every ticket purchase, giving guests a chance to win exciting prizes throughout the evening, along with additional surprise opportunities to win prizes as part of the celebration experience
* A curated arts exhibition in The Gallery on the Mezzanine featuring paintings, photography, textiles, and designs by talented local artists including Chidera Uzoka of DERA Art, Adrianne Williams, and Feyisola Omidiran of Casuals by Jasmine
* An interactive community canvas experience in The Studio, inviting guests to contribute to a collective artwork inspired by what lights them up, with the final piece revealed later in the evening
* The premiere of a 20-year documentary, as Founder and Director Wunmi Idowu reflects on the milestones, memories, and community that have shaped Woezo Africa’s journey
* A showcase of emerging and established dance artists, featuring youth and adult participants of the 2026 Black Arts Development Program 3 Week Dance Intensive performing choreography created by five world-class international guest instructors, highlighting Traditional Ethiopian Dance, Kuduro, Bikutsi, Coupé Décalé, and Azonto
* A first-ever Calgary experience, as internationally recognized dance artists Ordinateur from Paris, France and Akosua Akoto from Atlanta, USA step onto the stage to share their artistry through performance, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience their work beyond the classroom
* An immersive finale and community canvas unveiling, bringing the evening full circle as a shared celebration of Black creativity, heritage, resilience, and connection

Dress Code: Semi-Formal Cocktail Attire.
We invite guests to celebrate in style as we honour 20 years of Woezo Africa’s journey through culture, creativity, and community.