Meet the Team

Our Family

At Bantu Entertainment, there is an incredible group of people working behind the scenes to provide an amazing festival and/or event for you and your loved ones. At Bantu Entertainment we have a family of people who love music, love dance, love food and love celebrating different types of cultures and the diversity they bring. We also have a strong belief that it’s so important to preserve heritage, to give back to our local community and to create unique and special moments that allow us to connect with others.

Silvain Songo

Founder

At Bantu Entertainment, there is an incredible group of people working behind the scenes to provide an amazing festival and/or event for you and your loved ones. At Bantu Entertainment we have a family of people who love music, love dance, love food and love celebrating different types of cultures and the diversity they bring. We also have a strong belief that it’s so important to preserve heritage, to give back to our local community and to create unique and special moments that allow us to connect with others.

"We want to bring people together through Culture, Understanding, and Celebration."

Babacar Ba

Co-Founder

Babacar Ba has been instrumental in developing the vision and spirit of Bantu Fest. Babacar believes in Community Engagement and Cultural Pride and has developed a celebration that brings together families, artists, entrepreneurs and visitors from Chicago and beyond.

"Bantu Fest is owned by the People. It's a Celebration of Who We Are and What We Share."

Maya Johnson

Community Partnerships

Maya builds partnerships with Local Organizations, Schools and Community Leaders to further develop the reach of Bantu Entertainment within the city of Chicago. Maya develops opportunities for Collaboration/Outreach that go beyond the Festival Experience.

"The Strongest Communities are Developed Through Trust, Partnership and Shared Experiences."

David Mensah

Festival Operations Manager

David manages the Logistics of Events for Bantu Entertainment. David coordinates Schedules and Vendors and supports Event-Day Operations to ensure a Memorable and Seamless Experience for All Attendees.

"When Everything Works Together Behind The Scenes, People Can Focus On Celebrating and Connecting."

Jasmine Richards

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Jasmine creates Marketing Campaigns, Develops Community Outreach, Creates Digital Presence to Tell the Story of Bantu Entertainment. Jasmine makes sure More People Discover and Participate in the Organization's Mission.

"Each Event Has A Story Worth Sharing and Each Story Has The Power To Inspire."

Our Volunteering Family

Bantu Entertainment could not exist without the Generosity, Dedication and Talent of our Volunteers. Year After Year Individuals from Diverse Backgrounds Give Their Time/Energy/Talent to Welcome Guests, Support Performers/Vendors, Create Memories for All Attendees and Help Make Every Event Unforgettable.

The Kindness, Generosity, Commitment and Spirit of Volunteerism reflects the True Essence of Community Building that defines Bantu Entertainment.