By Our Reporter
The African Gala Vienna 2017 was a culmination of the tireless efforts of the African Diaspora and the African Missions in Vienna, to bring the African Diaspora in Vienna together. It provided an opportunity for African Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives, their staff and members of the diplomatic corps in Vienna to interact with members of their Diaspora.
The Gala event was the first of its kind in Vienna. It consisted of several activities, which included a panel discussion on cancer entitled, “building blocks towards cancer prevention and treatment in Africa”. In addition to this, it provided an opportunity for guests to sample African delicacies and enjoy music performances by African Artists.
The highlight of the evening, was a performance by Ugandan artiste, Angella Katatumba, who was accorded Superstar treatment by being flown in from Uganda specifically for this event and was even dropped off for her performance in a RollsRoyce.
The event was intended to create awareness about contemporary issues that affect the African Continent and also to entertain.
Ambassador S. M. Gitonga/Deputy Permanent Representative of the Embassy/Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the UN and the International Organisations in Vienna, was the initiator and main organizer of the African Gala. Ambassador Gitonga dedicated the show to the Late H.E. Prof. Boney Katatumba, Angella’s father who was a great friend of his.
Present at the event was the chair of the African Group H.E. Amb. Maria de Jesus Ferreira, Ambassador of Angola. H.E. Amb. Oyugi of Kenya & the Executive Secretary CTBTO, H.E. Mr. Lazina Zerbo amongst others.
After her excellent and captivating performance, it was announced at the event by UN Executives who attended, that Angella has been invited by the UN for another performance in Austria in February 2018.