The Ohio Immigrant Alliance (OIA) will bring immigrant artists to the Columbus Arts Festival on June 13, presenting a concert with Mauritanian-American pop musician Salif Sarr alongside new books by visual artist Shema Asifiwe and OIA Advocacy Director Demba Ndiath. The appearance marks the organization’s fourth consecutive year bringing immigrant artists to the festival.

On April 24 at 3:30 p.m., OIA is hosting a free Zoom preview of the event for members of the press, content creators, and supporters. Sarr and Asifiwe will join OIA Executive Director Lynn Tramonte and Ndiath for the preview session. The concert at the festival will start at 3 p.m. on June 13, and organizers are encouraging early arrival.

The June program, titled “Ohio Is My Second Country,” will feature Sarr in concert and the debut of two new books: a coloring book by Cincinnati-based visual artist Shema Asifiwe, and Ndiath’s forthcoming work, “From Welcome to Deportation: A Story of West African Migrants Who Crossed the U.S./Mexico Border.” OIA’s previous Columbus Arts Festival appearances have included “Pulaagam: A Celebration of Fulani Heritage” in 2025 and a performance by West African drummers Tam Tam Magic in 2024.

Source: Ohio Immigrant Alliance