Afro pop stars MioKal are bringing the warm sounds of their homelands to New Glasgow on Nov. 4 in a fundraising concert for Archway Counselling.
Their six band members set to perform at North Nova Education Centre hail from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Canada – their new home.
“I’m really excited to see what they have and to hear them,” said therapist Cynthia Voegeli.
Since forming in 2015, the band play a mixture of Afro pop, R&B and Zouk, a fast-paced carnival beat from the Caribbean.
Through their music, MioKal aim to share a message of peace, hope, love and reconciliation. All their home countries have been impacted by civil war, political violence and in Haiti’s case deadly natural disasters including hurricanes and an earthquake.
“As a non-profit organization we try to bring in new groups and try to bring in some new experiences for people to come to our fundraising events and have fun while contributing to the cause,” said Voegeli.
Archway Counselling has offices in New Glasgow, Truro and Lower Sackville.
It offers short-term counselling to families, couples, youths and other individuals dealing with specific issues.
According to Voegeli, many recent clients have been referred through their workplace healthcare plans, helping to cover costs they may not be able to afford otherwise.
As a non-profit, Voegeli said that Archway’s aim was to offer affordable and accessible help to their clients.
Archway is offering services at a time when mental health services across the province have faced cuts and there are long wait lists in Pictou County for government-funded care.
“It helps to bridge the gap a little,” said Voegeli.
Tickets for the Nov. 4 MioKal concert are $15 for adults and $5 for youth under 16. They can be reserved by calling 902-752-5193 or can be purchased at the door.
