Behind the Scenes with Dr Susan Tatah, Founder & Director!
Umoja Afrika Festival: Where the Drums Never Stop, and Jollof Rice Flows Like the Nile!
From Thursday 05 to Sunday 08th, June, 2025, the African Community in Germany and interested, shall be meeting in the University Town, Tübingen, honoring an invitation from the nonprofit Organization “The Africa we want e.V Network ( TAWWN) on ocassion of celebrating the 25. Anniversary of its vision with International Afrika Festivals Tübingen in Germany. Be A Part!
“No Culture without Community” How? and Why? -Mchuzi
It takes vision, persistence, and trust to convince people—not once, but continuously—to follow your mission and contribute to something greater than themselves, especially in a country like Germany, where reputation and credibility are paramount. The African community in Germany, particularly in my region, Neckar-Alb, has been the very foundation upon which my festival grew and became what it is today. I cannot claim to be entirely self-made without recognizing the immense role my community has played in this journey – Dr Tatah
What a book title from a public figure?! – Mchuzi
“Bridging Cultures, Building Legacies: The Journey of Umoja Afrika Festival Tübingen in Germany”
No one wakes up one morning and becomes famous without putting in the work. My journey has been one of dedication, service, and resilience—shaped by my deep-rooted commitment to community building. I am self-made Cultural Ambassador, Community leader, and Advocate, The upcoming book captures my incredible journey – community service, cultural leadership, and international recognition – Dr Tatah
If you’ve never heard of the International Umoja Afrika Festival Tübingen, brace yourself. You might assume a festival in Germany means beer, bratwurst, and Beethoven. But for one weekend – from Thursday, June 5th, to Sunday, June 8th, 2025 – this picturesque university town transforms into something that feels like Dar es Salaam, Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, and Dakar had a reunion and forgot to tell the Germans. Imagine stepping into a parallel universe where Afrobeats replace church bells, the air is thick with the scent of sizzling suya, and German toddlers inexplicably master the Azonto dance. That’s Tübingen in June, and the mastermind behind this vibrant, high-energy cultural takeover is none other than – Dr. Susan Tatah.
25 Years and Still Drumming! Now in its 25th edition, this festival has outlived most German techno clubs and proven that African culture isn’t something you watch on National Geographic; it’s something you live.
“And live it you will!” laughs Dr. Tatah, effortlessly cool and so welcoming you might mistake her for your favourite auntie.
The music lineup is a nonstop, foot-stomping journey through Afrobeat, reggae, highlife, and traditional drumming that will have even the most rhythmically challenged guests swaying like their great-great-grandfather was an African chief. The dance groups bring the kind of energy that makes you question your own fitness levels (or at least reconsider that second plate of Jollof) – by Mchuzi
Shop, Dance, Eat, Repeat
The Marketplace is a treasure trove of fabrics, jewellery, and crafts. Whether you buy something practical or something that makes you feel like a cultural ambassador, one thing is guaranteed: your suitcase will be heavier on the way home.
And then there’s the African Village – a magical little space where elders bless you with wisdom, random strangers become family, and you suddenly feel the urge to call your aunties just to check-in. Bringing the kids? No worries—they’ll be entertained with face painting, drumming lessons, storytelling, and just enough …Mchuzi
Tübingen, brace yourself. Africa is arriving – and it’s bringing the party!
Now you’re fully equipped to make new friends, compliment the chefs, and maybe even fall in love (with the food, at the very least!).
So, whether you come to dance, eat, shop, or soak up the energy of Africa in the heart of Germany, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave with more than what you arrived with. That means extra pounds, new dance moves, and at least one outfit you’ll wear to every event for twelve months.
A Little Language Goes a Long Way
Between dancing, eating, and shopping, you might as well pick up a few key phrases from different African languages to impress your new friends
Bonus – German (since we’re in Germany!):
- Hello: Hallo
- I love you: Ich liebe dich
- This food is sweet: Dieses Essen ist lecker
- Thank you: Danke
