Testimonials Salifest

Lana   (Catford)

Thank you for another great Fest !  I live in Catford and I am dual national British / South African. For me Salif fest is really a day to celebrate Salif’s life and to remember a wonderful, talented and funny man. Knowing that the funds raised are for realising his dream makes me proud and honoured to be part of this event. The quality of workshops are of a very high standard and I always meet and re-connect with very interesting people. Last year we had 25 odd Dun-Dun’s playing together – I have never experienced this before – it was unique and amazing !!! Keep up the good work !!

Seneke Sillah: (North London)

i like it unforgettable day,hope next year we celebrated again. And we keeping praying for salifou hope his soul rest in peace,”

Sally & Steve Peake: (Isle of Wight)

I think Salif Fest has now evolved into more than we originally imagined.  Yes, it is a day to remember and celebrate Salifou and now Ousmane, but it has also become a multicultural, multinational and totally inclusive event where people join together and naturally create what this world is really about.   I say ‘naturally create’ because it is that aspect which has evolved  because of Salif and Salif Fest.   That is why I feel it must continue on an annual basis and who knows where it will lead?

Patricia Carrington: (Hants)

I love the cohesion and camaraderie between the people from all walks of life and the brilliant music make it come alive!

Seckou Compo: (Chester)

I will always be committed to Salif Fest, as it’s a very good to remember Salif and his brother’s spirit and it inspires us to be good people and to get on with others.

Helen Jane Cooke: (Sussex)

wow, spent a lovely day at Alanouwoly Salifou Sylla.(Salif Fest) met fab friends, drummed and even danced – oh yes! Remembering a fantastic teacher – always!

Nanette and Pape Thiam (Lewisham)

‘Our family love and look forward to Salif fest as our way of meeting old and new friends for that day in the knowledge that we are all there for the same united reason. For us as a family it taps into the African side of our heritage, reminding our children what a big family we all are. It is a joy seeing each other for some, a year on,  talking about our children and trips back to Africa.  Salif fest is a reunion, a party, a memorial and above all a time to be together. It’s a time that our children play, dance, make things, run and play real music.  It’s a part of our family’s calendar. The music at the fest is wonderful, there is spontaneous jams and dance and everyone can not help but dance there own interpretation through the music, its contagious!!! Salif fest is a unique and uplifting day where friends and family can remember our friend Salif and all he brought, gave and loved about life, family and music. Salif Fest was created by Salif’s Wife, Hanna.  Thank you Hanna’

Nolita Randall (Lewisham)

It is good in that it draws people together cross culturally to focus on a common cause and interest. It is invaluable as it is a local event which is able to include people from the local community who are not only able to participate in the event but also have some involvement as to how the charity can be merged into their local community i.e. Setting up workshops in local schools

Aliki Ritsataki (Lewisham)

It’s a unique opportunity for different members of the community to get together and remember the talented musician who brought us all together. His music and dance have bridged the cultural differences between west Africa and the UK and Salifest gives musicians from both backgrounds the opportunity to perform for the whole community.

Sarah Compo (Catford)

Salifou had a tremendously generous spirit, a warm heart and an open mind. He passionately loved his music and culture, and loved sharing them with others of all ages and backgrounds. Salif Fest provides a way to keep that rare spirit alive within the local community. For those who knew him it is an opportunity to meet together and celebrate his memory. And even for those who never met him, it provides a chance to learn and enjoy West African music, dance and food in an open and accessible environment. 

Tonya Berthoud (Catford)

We loved the Salif Festival. It was a vibrant and exciting afternoon for our whole family. Kofi has been enjoying the African drum lessons at school and it was great for him to feel part of it all by performing with his friends at the festival and then seeing the experts doing it too! The girls also enjoyed it, especially dancing to the African drums. I would actually love to learn more about the drumming myself. It is also nice that the day was so multicultural. We enjoy the cultural diversity that comes with living in Catford and this was reflected at the festival. I think even more people would be able to enjoy this festival if the entrance fee wasn’t so much. Well done for organising such an amazing event, it was fantastic.

Anita Chakraborty: (North London)

Why do we need Salif Fest? Because it brings a regular community together from all kinds of backgrounds, children, teenagers, adults and older people, with a great energy and spirit, which is sorely needed at a time when everything costs so much, it’s difficult to go out. It’s so nice to be able to see the same people, plus new faces each year, like a family coming together.

Eileen OMahony (Catford)

“Salifest is a wonderful annual event that strengthens our community. People form very diverse backgrounds gather together in an open and accepting culture to celebrate the life of Alanouwoly Salifou and the ideas that he promoted of tolerance and the capability of music and dance to bring people together. One of the important features of the festival is that it reminds us and teaches the many children that attend that one person can make a difference. This is a wonderful, empowering message for kids – each individual is important enough to have an impact on someone or something else. Everyone who participates donates something – Musicians and Dancers donate their expertise and time to run workshops in African drumming and dance, some people provide food and others money. This concept of giving or ‘sacrifice’ is a central theme to the event. Again, the importance of this is that it reminds us and teaches the children the benefits of sacrifice and giving. I hope that the festival continues. It promotes so much of what we all believe is important in our community.” ”

Carla Shawcroft

“salif fest is a great event lives in his memory…people come together and make music in his honour and remembrance. a time for people to get together, his friends, family, making new friends…..a time to remember a great person…its important for this event to continue/x/””