For three glorious weeks, the picturesque island of São Tomé e Príncipe will be taken over by artists from across the continent for N’Golà Biennial of Arts and Culture. From 26 July to 18 August, this paradise nation will play host to multi-disciplinary creatives from Angola, Benin, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, Uganda and of course, the host nation, which is Africa’s second smallest sovereign state.

Initially founded by famed chef João Carlos Silva in 1995 to connect the local community with the continent’s arts scene, this year’s festival will coincide with the reopening of CACAU arts space, and will see N’Golà going in a new and more inclusive direction. Working with Dutch curator Remmy Remakers (co-founder of design company Droog) this edition will see visual artists unite with practitioners working within fashion, architecture, music, gastronomy, technology and crafts to celebrate the sheer creativity that is emanating from Africa. And this year, because of the rich, bio-diverse nature of its host country, the biennial will also have a focus on nature.

One of the main aims of the N’Golà Biennial is to “create future positive narratives” and highlight the impact that African artists and designers have on society. This means that the programme is brimming with pioneering talent moving the conversation forward. With more than a few Nataal favourites on the billing, expect to encounter both new and established artists.

The opening weekend sees a series of talks in association with Design Indaba as well as an array of performances and parties. Artists Joana Choumai and Sethembile Msezane and creative director Sunny Dolat of the Nest Collective will discuss the next generation of creatives. Photographer Omar Victor Diop will explore identity with fellow photographer Sarah Waiswa, DJ Kampire Bahana and musician-cum-photographer Tabi Bonney. Architect and anthropologist Sénamé Koffi will be joined by Jepchumba, the founder and creative director of African Digital Art, and musician Blinky Bill to discuss the digitisation of the continent. Afrobubblegum founder Wanuri Kahiu will screen her banned film Rafiki, while Kinshasa’s famous Sapeurs will perform with Yves Sambu. East African collective Salooni will also be popping up to run one of their sought after hair meets art workshops.

N’Gola Biennial of Arts and Culture runs from 26 July to 18 August 2019 in São Tomé e Príncipe