If you missed the African Festival last month, head over to Yokohama this weekend to take part in Africa Festa.

Reportedly one of the largest events in Japan aiming to promote relations with Africa, the event is being held ahead of the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development set for June 1-3.

Many school clubs and local volunteers will participate in the event this year. Mamadou Doumbia will lead some elementary shool students in African songs, and the dance club from Aoyama Gakuin High School will dance to music performed by Anyango, the world's first female nyatiti (a Kenyan lyre) player.

In addition to the entertainment, there will be workshops and lectures for those who want to indulge in intellectual pursuits. One lecture will focus on Tingatinga pop art from Tanzania. Embassies, NGOs and international organizations will participate and, of course, African cuisine and goods will be available, too.

African Festa 2013 takes place at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, on May 11 and 12. For more information, visit www.africanfesta2013.com.