If you’re looking for an unforgettable family outing filled with flavour, rhythm and vibrant culture, the Liverpool City Council, Motherland African Festival is truly the mother of all African festivals in Sydney. We had the pleasure of attending this incredible African culture festival last Sunday at Macquarie Mall, Liverpool Plaza and it completely lived up to the excitement we had heard from friends and family.
From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric. We couldn’t resist snapping a quick selfie with the iconic Motherland African Festival lit sign before diving into the bustling marketplace. The fashion and jewellery stalls were a visual feast, showcasing stunning African apparel and accessories from both West and Southern Africa. Whether you were after bold prints, beautiful hair accessories or handcrafted jewellery, there was something unique for everyone.
Of course, no African food festival in Sydney is complete without sampling the incredible flavours! We stopped by Aunty’s Ginger Tonic for a refreshing (and slightly spicy) drink, which I assured the kids was good for them and indulged in traditional bites like puff puffs from Taste of Naija and delicious Sambusas from an Ethiopian food vendor. For mains, we journeyed to the Caribbean, savouring Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat and sweet Plantains from Traditional Jamaican Food. Every bite was a celebration of culture and tradition.
With full bellies and happy hearts, we made our way to the entertainment, where the sounds of live African bands, DJs, and dynamic dance performances filled the air. The Motherland African Festival truly captured the rich musical heritage of Africa from Morocco to Zimbabwe, the drumming beats invited everyone to dance and celebrate.
One of the highlights for the kids (and honestly, for us too!) was the Drumming Workshop with Lucky Lartey. The children loved getting hands-on, crafting their very own drums and learning the basics of African drumming, a perfect family-friendly activity that left smiles all around.
Although we couldn’t attend Saturday’s festivities, it’s worth mentioning the Jollof Rice Competition, a real festival favourite! Local chefs went head-to-head to create the best homemade Jollof Rice, judged by a distinguished panel. It was a true celebration of one of West Africa’s most beloved dishes!
The Motherland African Festival was proudly funded by Multicultural NSW and generously supported by Liverpool Plaza. A huge thank you to the organisers and sponsors for inviting us to be part of this incredible celebration of African culture in Australia.
If you missed it this year, don’t worry, make sure you join the Motherland African Festival next year for another unforgettable journey through the tastes, sounds, and spirit of Africa!
