The Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival, which celebrated its 38th edition last weekend at the Durham Athletic Park, was established in honor of the West African festival of harvest and celebration, to give thanks through dance, praise and feasting. The hallmark of the festival is the spirit of sharing as each family or tribe shares its best fruits with the entire village.

Shirlette Ammons and her band Mosadi brought the crowd to its feet, combining hip-hop, soul, revolutionary rock ’n’ roll and even a little preaching. Said Ammons: “I always feel honored when I have the opportunity to share my music with the community in which I live and work and play, and I really take all of the feedback and well-wishes to heart—just as if they were coming from my aunts or momma or grandma—and it inspires to share the best of me.”