When one hears “YoungaFest”, what rings a bell is the song; “Holla back” by Hiphop artiste; Fabolous and its catchy chorus; “Holla back Young’n (Hoooo Hoooo!), Holla back (Hoooo Hoooo!). Actually “YoungaFest” is not about “Holla back”, it is about a whole new movement to take the New York by storm. One could “Holla” by attending “YoungaFest”,(Hoooo Hoooo!).

So what is “YoungaFest”?

YoungaFest is a consortium of youths 13 to 21 years from New York City; majorities are from the Bronx. The event is intended to celebrate our cultural diversity, promote self-esteem and enhance youths’ positive communal relationships regardless of religious affiliations. Among other activities, youths will participate in skills’ development lectures on how to channel their strengths and talents into productive community development and integration and also lectures heightening awareness of the adverse health effects posed by: Gang Violence HIV/AIDS Obesity Peer Pressure.

There will be speakers and musicians providing a broad variety of activities designed to highlight the theme of the occasion, “Have an Attitude of Gratitude”, which means the more you give thanks for what you have, the more you will be given to be thankful for!

Among the musicians performing include; Pastor Joe Beecham, a native of Ghana who is currently the Music Pastor of the Holy Fire Ministry International in Takoradi. He is anointed to minister in songs and prophecy, reaching out to all age groups, local and international.

Getty & Friends, a name well known and synonymous with gospel music lovers in Ghana and beyond, began ministering the Word of God with some of the renowned gospel artists in Ghana and the African continent. She always spends her leisure time in the house of God by writing songs and singing. Getty has recorded and produced eight albums to her credit since her debut CD in 1998 to 2006

Israel and Moses, natives of the Dominican Republic with about 10 recorded and produced duet albums that is embraced both by the Spanish and English speaking communities;

Harriet Adarkwah, an upcoming star with an offspring of the musical department of Christ Pentecostal International Church.

Lady Adarkwah is currently working on her debut album which she plans to release early next year; Reginald Evans a.k.a Papayaw is native of Ghana who resides in ATL and is known to be the “PAPA” of praises and worship.

Also performing is; International known Gospel Hip-hop and R&B artiste; Steve Kelly, a gospel vocalist with the soul of Andraé Crouch and the contemporary flair of Kirk Franklin. Since his debut in 2000; “Be Lifted” he has been one of the brightest upcoming stars in contemporary gospel music. The album spent 100 weeks on the International gospel charts, crossed over to the R&B charts, and Steve became the youngest gospel artist and debut album to reign in West Africa and the international community. He recently met his idol, Kirk Franklin at an award show in Philly, PA. On the bill is also Letoya Jones and many more………….

“YoungaFest” is hosted by Stephen Adarkwah, a visionary, young with a big dream drawing his fellow youths to Christ and making the community a safe and healthy place for his generation.

“YoungaFest” takes place at Christ Pentecostal International Church on Third Avenue, Bronx, NY, 6pm-12 midnight. All ARE INVITED. COME AND SEE THE YOUTHS TAKING CHARGE OF THEIR COMMUNITY.