PROGRAM TUESDAY 24TH MARCH 2026 AT MELA
HERITAGE AFRICA FESTIVAL OSLO 2026
OPEANING PERFOMANCE
Roots in Motion is a performance where music, dance and improvisation merge in a vibrant encounter between cultures. Professional artists with backgrounds from West Africa and Norway explore commonalities and contrasts in rhythm, sound and movement – and create an expression that is both deeply rooted and innovative.
Through driving rhythms, strong voices and bodies in motion, the audience is invited into a sensual journey where tradition does not stand still, but lives and changes in the encounter between people.
Credits:
Concept and choreography: Sarjo Sankareh og Sellou Blagone
Performers: Sarjo Sankareh, Sellou Blagone, Yordano Bulgar, William Ongaki
Music: Solo Diarra, Bacary Sagna, Øyonn Groven Myhren
Supported by Oslo kommune og Mela
📍 Melahuset, Mariboes gate 8, Oslo
📅 Tuesday 24th March 2026 at 19:30
Festival Program: https://www.sarjosankareh.com/festival
Tickets: https://betal.vipps.no/t010na
NAARTH is a powerful female duo consisting of Theresa Elise and Anna Sahara. With roots from Norway, Ethiopia and Ghana, they bring a refreshing mix of gospel, soul and RnB to the Norwegian and international music scene. Through soulful vocals, nature-inspired melodies and honest lyrics, they create a unique atmosphere.
NAARTH invites the audience to an acoustic, memorable evening, with warm and intimate vocals reminiscent of a conversation with a good friend.
ARTISTIC DUO NAARTH
AFRO DRUMMING MOVEMENT
under the leadership of Solo Diarra and Bafana Nhlapo dives into the artistry of African drumming, vocal techniques, and rhythmic movement, culminating in an exciting showcase.
PROGRAM FRIDAY 27TH MARCH 2026 AT NORDIC BLACK THEATRE
Welcome to an energetic concert evening during Heritage Africa Festival Oslo – a musical celebration of Africa, Norway and everything that arises when traditions meet across cultures.
Program
Gibou Ngum & Afro Mbalaah Group - Afro Mbalaah group is based in Oslo and has for the past ten years spread joy around Norway and all of Europe with their catchy rhythms and folk songs from Africa that many can recognize.
Members: Gibril Ngum, Modou Nying, Muhammed Sowe, Amie Marr, Haddim Cham, Illo Bah
Bacary Sagna Band, led by Senegalese multi-musician Bacary Sagna. Together with a star team of African musicians living in Norway, they take you on a journey from Dakar to Oslo – with influences from bossa nova, salsa, jazz, reggae, Afro - pop and traditional music.
Members: Bacary Sagna, Sankung Jobarteh, Moustapha Faye
Øyonn Groven Myhren - the award-winning Norwegian folk musician Øyonn Groven Myhren is one of the country's foremost traditionalists in kveding and Norwegian traditional music in general. Her unique voice and expression add a powerful Norwegian perspective to the festival and elevate the meeting of cultural traditions to a new level.
Members: Øyonn Groven Myhren, Sellou Blagone
Welcome to a concert evening filled with rhythms, roots and musical meeting places you don't want to miss!
Concert Evening – Heritage Africa Festival Oslo 2026
Date: Friday 27 March – Caféteatret, Grønland
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Weekend Program 28th & 29th MARCH at Trikkehallen
Family concert and workshop
Trikkehallen Kjelsås at 14:00
Heritage Africa Festival invites you to a free children's concert and workshop at Trikkehallen. During the concert you can experience dance, song and music from West Africa, and in the interactive workshop children can participate in dancing, singing and playing various instruments. The concert is for children from 3 years old and up, together with parents.
