Dive into West African Culture: Houston's Unique "Chopd & Stewd" Festival Experience

Discover the richness of West African culture through Houston's "Chopd & Stewd" Festival. Relish delicious cuisine, groove to Afro Beats, and embark on a cultural journey at this one-of-a-kind event curated by the famous restaurateur, Ope Amosu.

Houston gears up for a unique West African cultural immersion at the upcoming Chopd & Stewd Festival on September 30th. The mastermind behind this initiative is none other than Ope Amosu, the owner of the much-acclaimed West African eatery, ChòpnBlọk.

Set against the urban backdrop of downtown's Post Houston mixed-use development – the same venue where ChòpnBlọk enthralls food enthusiasts – this festival promises an all-encompassing experience: Eats, Speaks, Trade, and Beats. These elements echo Amosu's restaurant success, spotlighted on platforms like Top Chef, No Passport Required, and Taste of the Nation.

Amosu, who has always envisioned taking West African culture beyond his restaurant's confines, remarks, "We aim to bridge the gap in representing the Black and African diaspora's narratives. We've witnessed events where these stories weren't given due space. This festival aims to create a stage where our culinary artists and storytellers resonate their authentic tales."

An exciting feature of the festival is the Culinary Village located in the Post's rooftop garden. Food aficionados can expect delicacies from renowned local chefs like Greg Gatlin, Keisha Griggs, Reginald Scott, and Joseph Boudreaux. As the sun sets, a star-studded lineup, including Eric Adjepong, Dawn Burrell, and Tolu Eros, collaborates for the Chop Nation brunch. Amosu likens this gathering to "a powerhouse of culinary talents coming together."

However, it's not just about food. Begin your day with an invigorating Afro Vibes yoga session, indulge in an Afro Beats dance class, or shop unique items at the Òrêké Market. For those seeking knowledge, enriching masterclasses and lectures await. The festival crescendo is the Sounds of the Motherland concert, ensuring a seamless transition to October 1 – Nigerian Independence Day.

Amosu is enthusiastic about the festival's comprehensive approach, emphasizing, "Our goal is to celebrate the prominent influences of the West African diaspora. We want to foster a space where everyone can reconnect with their West African roots."

For those eager to partake, tickets are available for purchase:

• Vibez Ticket ($45): Access to morning wellness sessions and the evening concert.
• Tribe Ticket ($85): Additional access to the Culinary Village.
• Chief Ticket ($175): VIP Culinary Village access and entry to two classes.
• ChopNation Ticket ($395): VIP brunch seating and a special concert viewing zone.

The market is open to all visitors of the Post on that day, and with an average footfall of 8-10,000 on Saturdays, Amosu hopes to engage a significant portion of them. While he's fully invested in the present, his eyes are also set on the festival's future iterations, "Our dream is to make this an annual crescendo, refining and enhancing the experience with each passing year."