WASHINGTON PARK — Wyclef Jean will headline this year’s African Festival of the Arts, organizers announced Monday.
The festival, running Sept. 1-4 over Labor Day weekend, is an end-of-summer staple bringing artists and musicians from Africa and the African diaspora to Washington Park.
Jean, a Haitian-born Grammy-winning musician and producer who first rose to prominence as a member of the Fugees, will perform on Sept. 3.
The announcement comes nearly two months early for the festival, which last year didn’t release the names of headliners until mid-August.
The full lineup has not been released, but the festival typically will take a night to highlight African performers and Chicago artists.
The festival also will bring in nearly 300 vendors from Africa and elsewhere offering food, clothing, art and other items.
Jean's performance is included with admission to the festival, and tickets are now on sale.
Tickets are $15 a day ahead of time and go up to $20 a day once the festival starts. Weekend passes are available for $40.
