Who We Are
The African Heritage Music & Dance Society (AHMADS) is an African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB)-focused organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the cultural traditions of the African diaspora through music, dance, storytelling, and community-based arts programming. Our work is deeply rooted in rhythm, movement, and collective gathering as expressions of heritage, identity, and joy. We create platforms where cultural traditions are not only performed, but passed on and experienced across generations.
As an ACB organization, we recognize that our festivals and programming take place on Indigenous land. That awareness shapes how we approach our work. In building the 2026 festival, we are intentionally creating space for collaboration and deeper understanding between ACB and Indigenous communities through arts and culture.
We are committed to empowering individuals to embrace and celebrate the beauty of African heritage, and to foster a community where everyone can define their future and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive society.
Meet the CEO
Chimezie Chukwubuike
Chimezie Chibuikem is the visionary FOUNDER and CEO of the African Heritage Music and Dance Society (AHMADS), a dynamic cultural organization dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and promoting the richness of African traditions through music, dance, and the arts. With a heartfelt commitment to cultural heritage and community empowerment, Chimezie has made it his mission to bring the spirit of Africa to life in Canada.
Passionate about building bridges between communities, he creates engaging events honouring African diasporas' traditions and promoting connections with Indigenous and non-African Canadian communities. Through his leadership, AHMADS has become a vibrant platform for storytelling, creativity, and cultural pride.
Chimezie believes that culture is a living force, one that unites, heals, and inspires. His work continues to energize communities, spotlight African excellence, and encourage the next generation to carry their heritage forward with confidence and joy.
Meet the President
Roberta Musqua
Proud Indigenous woman from Keeseekoose First Nation, Saulteaux – Treaty 4 Territory.
Child Support Worker | Community Advocate | Cultural Promoter
I’m passionate about helping families and children grow stronger together. In my role as a Child Support Worker, I’ve supported many families in finding fair and lasting solutions—always guided by compassion, respect, and community values.
Outside of work, I love entertainment, fashion, music, and culture. I create traditional regalia that reflects the beauty and strength of our people, blending modern creativity with deep cultural roots.
Core Values: Accommodating • Family-Oriented • Goal-Getter • Achiever
Some of my proudest moments include helping families reach peaceful resolutions, promoting cultural awareness among youth, and being part of initiatives that celebrate Indigenous heritage.
Family, faith, and culture keep me grounded. I’m thankful for every opportunity to learn, share, and grow.
Our Purpose
The 2026 Afro & Indigenous Cultural Festival is designed to explore and amplify the shared artistic foundations between ACB and Indigenous communities. Both communities carry strong artistic and cultural foundations in drum, dance, music, storytelling, ceremony, and intergenerational knowledge-sharing. These are not surface similarities — they are core cultural practices that preserve history, identity, and resilience.
This festival creates intentional space for these traditions to be experienced alongside one another while honouring the distinct histories and cultural protocols that shape each community. Through carefully curated programming, we aim to foster respectful connection, artistic collaboration, and meaningful relationship-building grounded in shared cultural practice.
Vision
Our Vision
To build and sustain respectful relationships between ACB and Indigenous communities through arts, cultural exchange, and creative collaboration — creating space for shared traditions to deepen understanding and foster long-term connections.
Our Mandate
To serve as a bridge between the African diaspora and the broader Canadian community, AHMADS is committed to:
• Cultural Preservation: Honoring and sustaining the legacy of African music, dance, and traditions for future generations.
• Creative Platforms: Creating opportunities for artists to showcase their talents, share their stories, and connect with diverse audiences.
• Community Engagement: Fostering connections through events, workshops, and celebrations that inspire cultural exchange and encourage respect, empathy, and appreciation between communities.
• Empowerment: Amplifying the voices, creativity, and contributions of communities of African descent, ensuring their heritage enriches and shapes Canadian society.
