Black Creatives Aotearoa presents Aotearoa Festival of Black Arts
“Black Joy is not a luxury. It is a practice of imagination, love and abundance. Through every beat, brushstroke, and breath we are building a new canon of belonging that honours our ancestors, uplifts our present, and dreams our futures into the here and now.”
Dione Joseph Festival
Director
AFoBA began as a quiet seed I carried with deep care. Over many months it grew in conversation with community, artists, elders, and a shared belief that Aotearoa is ready for a celebration of Black creativity that is both intimate and monumental. This festival is a commitment to joy, visibility, capability building, and the collective power of Black artistry in this place we call home.
AFoBA brings together voices from across the Black and Afro diasporic world while standing in a meaningful relationship with Tangata Whenua. It is built by artists who know what it is to carry multiple lineages, to make work across borders, and to claim space within a landscape that has not always seen or understood us. Our vision is simple and also profound. We are here to create a home for Black excellence in Aotearoa and to celebrate the brilliance, courage, and imagination that already lives within our communities.
Within this festival we also welcome the return of Po’ Boys & Oysters. This work sits at the heart of AFoBA. It is our “goddess show”: a play that holds memory, migration, and the complexity of family with tenderness and grit. As director, I have returned to Po’ Boys with a renewed sense of purpose. The rehearsal room this season asks our actors to listen closely to the body, to honour vulnerability, and to step with trust into the layered worlds the script offers. We have centred relational practice, emotional honesty, and an embodied approach that allows the work to breathe in new ways and I have been privileged to welcome old and new friends to this team.
Bringing Po’ Boys & Oysters into AFoBA is also an act of grounding. It reminds us that festivals are not only collections of events. They are invitations to witness a lineage of stories, to gather, to reflect, and to recognise the shared forces that shape our lives. The play sits beside our music, dance, literature, film, and visual arts programming as a reminder that our narratives hold both the quiet and the thunderous. They hold our grief, our humour, our survival, and our desire.
As you move through AFoBA, I hope you feel the care that has shaped every detail. I hope the work you encounter encourages you to think, to breathe more deeply, and to connect with someone new. I hope you feel welcomed into a growing movement that celebrates Black imagination as a vital part of the future of Aotearoa.
Thank you for being here and for joining us in this historic first season.
With gratitude,
Dione Joseph Festival Director, Aotearoa Festival of Black Arts
Po’andBoys Oysters Beyond the Frame
FutureTense Tense
Obsidian &Seen &Seen
P.04 P. P.05 P.08 P.10 P. P.06 P.09
22— 29 November
Herald Theatre Aotea Centre
Playwright: Estelle Chout
Director: Dione Joseph
Black Creatives Aotearoa in partnership with Auckland Live presents
Po’ Boys and Oysters
You’re invited to dinner — but be prepared: the courses are complex, messy, and hilarious.
Following its successful 2022 season at Basement Theatre, Po’ Boys and Oysters comes to the Herald Theatre in 2025. The bold play written by Estelle Chout and directed by Dione Joseph centres Black queer women in Aotearoa with heart and humour.
Set in Tāmaki Makaurau, this fiercely funny drama follows Flo and Jo, an Afro-queer couple on the brink of parenthood. As they prepare to adopt a child, they invite Flo’s religious sister Marie for dinner. What should be a celebration erupts into an emotional
collision of old wounds, cultural assumptions, and love tested across family lines.
Celebrated for its sharp comic timing and authenticity, Po’ Boys & Oysters is a portrait of chosen family, hard conversations, and the many ways love shows up at the table.
Cast
Flo: Estelle Chout
Jo: Sonya Renee Taylor
Marie: Sandra Zvenyika
Shane: Andrew Johnson
Felix: Jack Briden
Papa Voiceover: Francois Byamana
Creative Team
Director: Dione Joseph
Producer: Olivia Hall
Playwright: Estelle Chout
Book: afoba.nz
Dramaturg: Ahi Karunaharan
Assistant Director: Batanai Mashingaidze
Lighting Design: Creative Ambiance
Costume Design: Petra Verweij
Set Design: Natalia Pereira
Stage Manager: Chiara Niccolini
Choreographer: Celeste Botha
Photography: Shakie Photography
Ceramic Vulva Design: Danielle Brown
Ceramic Painter: Jimmy James Kouratoras
Digital Sculpture and Visualisation
Consultant: Dr Jason Kennedy
Special thanks to: Auckland Theatre Company, Jane Hakaraia, Jane Kelly and family.
“A play this full of vitality and truth simply needs to be seen”
Theatreview
29 November 1.30— 3pm
Auckland Art Gallery Auditorium
Panelists: Kainee Simone, Elizabeth Freeman, Erykah Jeanelle (BCA members) and
Kenneth Brummel (curator international art Auckland Art Gallery) Facilitator: Dione Joseph
Book: afoba.nz
Beyond the Frame
As part of Pop to Present: American Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, this special conversation brings together three dynamic Black artists and scholars — Elizabeth Freeman, Kainee Simone, and Erykah Jennette — in dialogue with Curator Kenneth Brummel, facilitated by Dione Joseph.
Together they explore resistance and repair in abstraction, examining how Black artists have shaped and expanded post-war movements through acts of imagination, defiance, and joy. From the politics of form to the poetics of colour, the kōrero delves into how abstraction
becomes a site of freedom — a space where new futures, identities, and communities are continually being remade.
An inspiring exchange at the intersection of art, history, and radical possibility, Beyond the Frame invites audiences to look deeper, listen differently, and witness how Black creativity redefines the canvas — and the world beyond it.
“Experimenting with new materials while responding to the cultural and technological shifts of their time, the artists featured in Pop to Present challenged America’s social and artistic norms in ways that are still meaningful today”
Kenneth Brummel Curator, Auckland Art Gallery
Black Abstraction and the Politics of Joy Presented in partnership with Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
3— 14 December
Artists: Sonya Renee
Taylor & Junauda Petrus
Presented by Black Creatives Aotearoa with Auckland Council and Design Futures Aotearoa
FutureTense
FutureTense is a bold new platform for visionary storytelling, gathering Black and BIPOC artists in Aotearoa to imagine futures rooted in creativity, justice, and joy.
Including a design talk, futuristic writing workshops & an intimate community dinner , acclaimed African American artists Sonya Renee Taylor and Junauda Petrus come together with artists across disciplines, to explore speculative worlds, experiment with form, and seed new work.
Together, they invite participants to explore Afrofuturism – where ancestral wisdom meets speculative imagination – to envision new
futures for Black and Indigenous storytelling.
FutureTense is both a workshop series and a movement — building community, sparking collaboration, and envisioning what’s possible when we create tomorrow, together.
Book: afoba.nz
Featured Event: Futuristic Writing Workshop
7 and 13 December 10am—5pm
Waitakere Resort
A two-day writing and creative development workshop designed for mid-career BIPOC artists ready to explore the intersections of Astrology, Afrofuturism, and intuitive storytelling.
Facilitated by Sonya and Junauda, with creative direction by Dione Joseph, this immersive experience invites participants to use their natal charts as tools for world-building, reflection, and artistic renewal. Together, you’ll explore how cosmic patterns and ancestral imagination can inspire new creative pathways beyond traditional boundaries of form and genre.
EOI will close on Thursday 27th November, 5pm NZST.
Artist Talk: Decolonising Futures With Afrofuturism Panel Discussion. In collaboration with Design Futures Aotearoa
3 December 5— 8pm academyEX
Join Design Futures Aotearoa (DFA) and Black Creatives Aotearoa (BCA) as part of the inaugural Aotearoa Festival of Black Arts for an immersive evening of conversation, creativity, and collective dreaming — as we explore how Afrofuturism can help us decolonise the future and reimagine what liberation, belonging, and justice might look like in Aotearoa and beyond.
This intimate event weaves together art, storytelling, and interactive practice to invite new ways of thinking about identity, healing, and the worlds we’re yet to create.
Expect an evening of provocative artist talks, participatory experiences, and whanaungatanga — a space to connect across cultures, share ideas, and imagine together.
Community Dinner: Korero & Kai w Sonya & Junauda. In collaboration with Ellen Melville Centre & Auckland Council
12th December 6— 9pm Ellen Melville Centre
Free event
Enjoy an evening of nourishment for body and spirit — experience the wisdom & creativity of internationally acclaimed thinkers, artists, and visionaries Sonya Renee Taylor and Junauda Petrus.
A powerful evening of storytelling, connection, and imagination through an Afrofuturist lens as Sonya and Junauda share kōrero, kai, and community. Join us at the Ellen Melville Centre for a shared meal celebrating voice, identity, radical self-love, and collective visions of more just and joyful futures.
This event will include a short panel discussion with Sonya and Junauda, chaired by Dione Joseph, founder of Black Creatives Aotearoa, followed by dinner and mingling.
Creative Team
Host & Executive
Producer: Dione Joseph
Producer: Sananda Chatterjee
Assistant Producer: Shalane Williams
6 December 11am—5pm
Aotea Square
MC: Wendy Douglas
Movement: Celeste Botha, Alvie McKree, Sharl FlynnWagner. DJ: DJ ORIKoL
Drumming: Victor
Tomiwa Adepeju
Wellness: Louise Mills (Plant Potions)
Presented with Auckland Live Book: afoba.nz
NYEGE – A Festive Wellness Carnival
NYEGE is Black Creatives Aotearoa’s open-air summer celebration. It is a full day of movement rhythm and collective joy in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau. Inspired by the word Nyege which speaks to irresistible rhythm and joyful energy, the event invites audiences to move, dance, breathe and connect.
Curated by Wendy Douglas NYEGE brings together Afro diasporic dance, live drumming, grounding yoga, high energy DJ sets and playful movement workshops. Designed as a family friendly gathering, the day centres culture wellness and community, offering space for people of all ages and abilities to participate or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Whether you come for the music, the movement or the shared celebration NYEGE welcomes everyone to embrace summer with openness, connection and joy.
Creative Team
Producer Curator and MC: Wendy Douglas
Movement Facilitators: Celeste Botha, Alvie McKree, Sharl Flynn-Wagner
DJ: DJ ORIKoL
Drumming: Victor Tomiwa Adepeju
Wellness and Plant Rituals: Louise
Mills from Plant Potions
14 December
The Capitol Cinema
Doors open: 1pm
Screening: 2pm
Curation: Graham Vincent
Twelve Screen Delights: A Celebration of Black Creativity in NZ
Obsidian&Seen: Black Films in Aotearoa
Join us for an 80-minute cinematic journey showcasing twelve stunning works from our talented Black creatives and allies across Aotearoa. From short films and documentaries to music videos and animations, this curated collection explores themes of love, hope, race, grief, celebration, relationships, identity, sexuality, and more.
Expect a rich tapestry of vicarious vision, sweet sounds, and amazing animation—each piece a testament to the depth and diversity of Black storytelling in New Zealand.
The evening concludes with a short Q&A session, offering you the chance to hear directly from some of the brilliant minds behind the screen.
Featuring films and music by Imani-J
Jane Benney
Jeanell Frontin
Jen Van Epps
Jennifer Onyeiwu
Jujulipps
Justin Benn
Jzayla Hughey
Keven Souza
Marissa Holder
Quentin Warren
Theo Shakes
Troy Blackman
Book: afoba.nz
20 December
The Tuning Fork
Featuring WOW Live Band
Musical direction by
Gabriel Mugadza and hosted by Graham Vincent
Bringing the heart of Africa to your holidays Book: afoba.nz
JingleBeatz! SIYAYA
The festive season gets a bold new sound with JingleBeatz! 2025, a dazzling holiday concert re-imagining traditional Christmas classics with African rhythm and flair.
Featuring Wow Live Band alongside powerhouse vocalists from across the African diaspora, this third iteration of JingleBeatz! SIYAYA transforms carols you know into irresistible Afro-fusion anthems melding the sounds of Afro-Jazz, Amapiano, Souk, Woro, Sungura, Mbaqanga (South African Township Jive), Maqat from North Africa, Sebene and more. With vibrant percussion, soaring harmonies, and the warmth of community celebration, JingleBeatz! SIYAYA is a joyful
holiday tradition in the making — uplifting, unforgettable, and proudly Afro-Kiwi.
Book: afoba.nz
Creative Team
Creative Director/Producer: Jane Benney
Photography: Felix Barnabas
Poster: Caleb McAndrew
Sound: Andre Theis
Music
Musical Director: Gabriel Mugadza
Featuring: WOW live Band:
Gabriel Mugadza - Keys/Vocals
Paul Gbohunmi – Bass
Sam Anyanka – Drums
Michael Mugadza – Keys 2
Victor Anyanka – Percussion/Vocals
Dami Lola Aluko – Traditional
Drums (Omele)/Vocals
KC Chan – Guitar
Singers/performers
Kuziwa Mugadza
Jane Benney
Francis Anyanka
Sasha Sabete
TiMMY the FIRST
MC
Graham Vincent
Crew
Sound: Andre Theis
Lighting design: Zach Smith
Stage Manager: Shalane Williams
Support Us
The Aotearoa Festival of Black Arts (AFoBA) is a new, visionary initiative that has been in development for over 18 months. It was conceived and is being produced by Black Creatives Aotearoa (BCA) — the only organisation in Aotearoa dedicated to elevating, amplifying, and advocating for Afro-Kiwi and Black creative communities across multiple art forms.
AFoBA’s kaupapa is to centre Black joy, creativity, and connection. It exists to celebrate the artistic excellence of Black and Afrodiasporic communities in Aotearoa while building bridges with Tangata Whenua and the wider public. The festival is designed as a biennial gathering combining live performance, visual art, music, film, and literature to showcase the breadth and brilliance of Black artistry.
Over the past 18 months, the AFoBA team — a collective of artists, producers, cultural leaders, and community collaborators — has undertaken extensive consultation and planning. This has included
community hui, curatorial development, partnership building with key arts institutions, and the creation of a long-term roadmap toward the first full festival season.
AFoBA will be presented every two years, with programming structured around four key streams:
Visibility & Celebration –presenting high-quality, accessible events that showcase Black artists and engage diverse audiences.
Capability Building –delivering mentorships, workshops, and professional pathways for artists and producers.
Outreach & Engagement –connecting communities through free public activations, school programmes, and collaborations with local organisations.
Ambassadorship & Leadership — cultivating champions and partnerships that ensure lasting visibility for Black creativity in Aotearoa.
At its heart, AFoBA is a movement for representation, empowerment, and belonging. It will serve as both a celebration and a legacy — honouring the histories, talents, and futures of Black artists while enriching the cultural landscape of Aotearoa for all.
Programme Manager and Festival Producer: Ahi Karunaharan
Marketing Lead: Nathan Mudge, Toi Factory
Marketing Coordinator: Anna Barker, Toi Factory
Publicist: Aroha Awarau
Social Media Assistant: Alyxander Frontin
Multimedia Designer: Caleb McAndrew
Brand: Osborne Shiwan
The festival wishes to acknowledge Caitlin Gosling, Alice Larmer, Dr. Fern Insh, Kenneth Brummel, Ashley David, James Wilson, Dolina Wehipeihana, and Sums Selvarajan.
