Jollof rice: it’s more than just a dish - it’s a beloved symbol of West African pride, community, and culinary mastery. On Saturday, June 28th from 2 - 5 PM, Wa Na Wari invites you to join the ultimate taste test to determine who makes the best Jollof rice in the Pacific Northwest.

This festive showdown will bring together some of the region’s favorite African food vendors, including:

Chop Chop Foods
Djah’s Kitchen
Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen
Afrobeats by Brainy Beats

Originating in the Wolof-speaking region of Senegal, Jollof rice has a rich history rooted in the ancient dish Thieboudienne. As it spread across West Africa, each country made it their own. Today, it remains a source of joyful debate and national pride, with friendly rivalries over who makes the best version. Now, you get to weigh in!

Event + Ticket Details:

Event Title: Jollof Fest

Event Date: June 28 from 2PM - 5PM
Cost: $50 per person
Includes: 3 Jollof rice samples, 1 drink, and dessert
Get your tickets here.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/jollof25

About Wa Na Wari
Nestled in a fifth-generation Black-owned home in Seattle’s Central District, Wa Na Wari is more than a gallery - it’s a living testament to Black resilience, creativity, and belonging. Born from a vision to reclaim space in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, Wa Na Wari weaves together art, memory, and community. Through exhibitions, public events, and grassroots organizing, it preserves Black cultural legacy while forging new paths for intergenerational connection and artistic expression. In a time of widespread displacement, Wa Na Wari stands as both sanctuary and site of resistance - where Black land, Black stories, and Black futures are nurtured and celebrate