‘It’s our identity’: A Taste of African Cultures bridges Shepparton’s community

Master of ceremonies Tina Mukasa, a proud refugee with Congolese heritage, said the day was important to embrace diversity.

“When we come together, we get to understand where we come from, it’s also important because it’s our identity,” she said.

“I was wearing my Congo flag shirt, but also embracing my African afro.”

Ms Mukasa said she wanted to highlight young people in the community.

“Me being myself as a youth, it was good to volunteer and engage with the community and get the audience going,” she said.

“Each one of them have a gift and talent, one day, they’re gonna take over my MC job.”

Event organiser Kate Radevski said the event brought the African and non-African community together.

“More new people are coming to experience what it’s like and hopefully building some of those relationships and breaking down some of those barriers between the African community and the non-African community,” she said.

She said it could not have happened without the support of volunteers and was a chance to showcase stallholders.

Sarah Muisha was a tailor at the event, but also sang and danced.

Ms Muisha is from Congo and said she started singing when she was a “little girl” and continued on in Australia.

“If I don’t sing, I’m not happy ... When I go to church I sing, a party, wedding, I sing everywhere,” she said with a laugh.