The DAFESTA 2026 Nomination & Suggestion Form will be open from January 1 through February 28, 2026. This marks the official beginning of the 2026 awards journey, where voices are heard, impact is recognized, and excellence is identified. We invite our community, partners, and supporters to take part by submitting thoughtful and deserving nominations. Stay… Read More The DAFESTA 2026 Nomination & Suggestion

DAFESTA family, volunteers, and sponsors, As this year comes to a close, we pause with deep gratitude for all that was accomplished and for the people who made it possible. DAFESTA was built on a simple but powerful truth: culture matters. Future generations deserve dignity, representation, and pride—and when a community chooses unity, lives are… Read More A Message of Gratitude from the Board of Directors

The Des Moines African Youth Festival Awards (DAFESTA) is a celebration of culture, unity, and empowerment,  bringing together people across the Midwest and beyond to honor African heritage, talent, and community spirit. Since its founding, DAFESTA has created a powerful platform for youth leadership, cultural expression, and community connection through music, art, awards, and sports.… Read More Support The 2026 Des Moines African Festival.

Dafesta 2025 is fast approaching, and the excitement is palpable as we count down the days to what promises to be an unforgettable experience. With less than a month to go, the anticipation is building, and the question on everyone’s mind is: Do you have your ticket yet? If not, now is the time to… Read More DAFESTA 2025 COMING UP NEXT

Submit Your Nominations for DAFESTA 2025! Family, we want to hear from YOU! DAFESTA 2025 is just around the corner, and now is your chance to nominate the individuals, groups, or projects that you believe have made a significant impact this year. Whether it’s in music, art, technology, or any other field, this is your… Read More DAFESTA 2025 FORM IS NOW AVAILABLE

🌹 Celebrate Love, Create Your Story – Join Us for a Special Valentine’s Day Event to Fundraise for the African Youth Festival! 💖 This February 15, 2025, step into a world of romance, elegance, and purpose at DAFESTA. We’re inviting you to celebrate love in the most meaningful way — while supporting a cause that… Read More DAFESTA VALENTINE’S DAY FEB 15, 2025

The 2023 DAFESTA Red Carpet Official banner has been revealed. The banner will be on blue background with logos of all our 2023 sponsors. Thank you so much to all our sponsors for your recent donation to the Des Moines African Youth Festival Awards. You are in the excellent organization of many others who help… Read More 2023 DAFESTA Season: Artists, dancers and fashion models Performer announced.

Ladies and gents, Meet the DAFESTA 2023 Host, the one and Only Ms. Antoniah A Radiologic Technologist, A YouTuber, an influencer, and a content creator, all the way from Boise, Idaho. She loves her family, and she is entertaining to be around. During her free time, she loves listening to music and dancing. This year, she… Read More Meet Dafesta 2023 Host & DJ