The second day of Kwanzaa, known as Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-GOO-lee-ah), will be celebrated from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at City Park with musical selections, community talent, singers, poets, praise dancers and a uniquely-gifted band.
African drummer and storyteller Obakunle Akinlana will serve as the guest performer for the event.
Akinlana uses drums, shekeres and other African musical instruments to present fun and exciting traditional African folktales.
Since starting his professional career in 1971, Akinlana has performed as a storyteller, lecturer and percussionist throughout the United States and West Africa.
Akinlana is a published writer, recording artist and producer of the Igunnuko African Heritage Festival that is held in Charlotte and draws more than 25,000 people.
He travels annually to Africa to learn traditional stories, and to observe and perform with African griots and musicians.
His programs focus on the arts and folklore of the Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria, a culture he has studied for over three decades.
Akinlana encourages audience participation in his performances.
All performances and programs meet the U S Department of Education School performance standards in music, dance, language, social studies and art. He is a featured artist on the North Carolina Arts Council and Southern Artistry.
The event is being hosted by Rowan Blues and Jazz Society in collaboration with Alpha and Omega Ministries and sponsored by Salisbury Parks and Recreation.