The TELIYA International Society launched the 13th annual Yukon African Music Festival at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre in Whitehorse on Feb. 6, 2026, marking the start of a two‑day celebration of music, culture, and Black History Month.
The Government of Canada announced $65,000 in support for the festival through the Multiculturalism and Anti‑Racism Program and the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, according to a Feb. 6 federal news release.
The news release states that $40,000 will support cultural programming, Black History Month exhibits and school presentations on diversity and anti‑racism, while $25,000 will fund music and dance performances representing traditions from Guinea, South Africa, Tanzania, the Ivory Coast, and Ghana.
Parliamentary Secretary and Yukon MP Brendan Hanley made the announcement on behalf of Minister Marc Miller, according to the release.
Hanley told attendees on Feb. 6 that he was pleased to recognize the festival in the House of Commons, saying it celebrates inclusion, diversity, and the joy of music during Black History Month. He thanked teachers, volunteers, and others working behind the scenes, and singled out organizer Leonard Boniface for his year‑round efforts.
“I was pleased to give a tribute in the House of Commons to this amazing night and everything that celebrates inclusion, diversity, and most of all, the joy of music,” Hanley said.
Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, MP Randeep Sarai, also spoke at the event. He praised the festival and said it reflects values of cultural exchange and global partnership important to international development.
Sarai noted Canada’s development work in Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and the Ivory Coast, highlighting poverty reduction and gender rights. He also commended Hanley for his advocacy on behalf of Yukon communities.
Whitehorse Mayor Kirk Cameron also delivered remarks, offering greetings to artists and attendees and speaking about the importance of celebrating cultural values across communities.
The festival featured a full lineup of performers from across Canada, the United States, the African continent, and the Yukon. Artists included Samba Mapangala and Orchestra Virunga, Spaicy Bazile, Alpha Yaya Diallo, Alex Kajumulo, and Emmanuel Pelé.
Juno Award‑winning artists Alpha Yaya Diallo and Lorraine Klaasen performed alongside long‑established acts such as Samba Mapangala and Orchestra Virunga, which organizers described as one of East Africa’s most popular bands for more than 35 years.
Additional performers included Ndidi Cascade, N’Naato Camara, Momo Soro, Lorraine Klaasen, Brian Quaye and Orisomi, Boniface, Dennis Shorty and Jennifer Frohling, Stunflower’s Devaki and Thomas, Roxx Hunter and Rick Sward, and youth ensemble The Fiddleheads.
The festival also incorporated African crafts and art exhibitions, children’s activities, drumming, dancing, and food.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com