09/26/2026
Theatre Club is back! đźŽď¸Ź
Join us at 6:45 p.m. in the Tier 2 Lounge on Saturday, October 3, 2026 for a pre-show discussion about Congolese culture featuring Josilene Kashindi, Founder and President of Amani Congo SK, facilitated by Michael Afenfia, local author and Persephone Theatre's Artistic Associate - Community Building!
Plus, enjoy a tasting of specialty coffees and drinks, courtesy of Ginette Apeus Koume, founder of DJENDE! Guests will be invited to taste specialty coffees from the Congo and Cameroon, alongside MEDUOMEZENG, DJENDE’s caffeine-free African botanical infusion featuring wild eggplant, clary sage, clove basil and African garlic wood. Inspired by African plant traditions and particularly appreciated in several African communities, including in the Congo region, MEDUOMEZENG offers a distinctive way to discover the richness and diversity of African botanicals.
This is a free event that is open to all, regardless of if you are attending the show that evening! If you have tickets for the evening performance of Wake, the talk will finish in time for you to see the show.
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ABOUT JOSILENE: Josilene “Josie” Kashindi is a proud Congolese Canadian, community leader, mother, business professional, and passionate advocate for cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and inclusive communities.
Born in Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo, Josie’s journey is defined by courage, resilience, and determination. At the age of nine, she and her older brother migrated to Nairobi, Kenya, before eventually resettling in Calgary, Alberta, through Canada’s refugee resettlement program. From these early beginnings, Josie built a life grounded in purpose, service, and hope. Today, she proudly calls Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, home.
On August 22, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Josie was crowned Ms. Canada 2026, representing Saskatoon and Saskatchewan on the national stage. This achievement reflects not only her personal dedication, but also the strength of the communities and experiences that have shaped her. During the competition, she received the Humanitarian Award and Spokesperson Award in recognition of her commitment to advocacy, leadership, and meaningful community impact.
Josie is the Founder and President of Amani Congo Cultural Community of Saskatchewan, an organization dedicated to preserving Congolese culture, heritage, and identity while creating opportunities for connection, belonging, and integration. Through this work, she supports newcomers and visible minorities, strengthens community networks, and creates spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.
As a leader, Josie understands the importance of representation. She uses her platform to build bridges between cultures, encourage women and girls to pursue their dreams, celebrate diversity, and inspire others to embrace their identity and purpose. Her story demonstrates that our beginnings do not define our limits and that, through courage, compassion, and determination, one person can create lasting change for an entire community.
ABOUT MICHAEL: Michael Afenfia was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria but now resides in Saskatoon, Canada. Two of his novels, Don’t Die on Wednesday and Rain Can Never Know, made the shortlist for the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for literature in 2015 and 2022 respectively. A born storyteller, Michael expresses himself through his novels, short stories, and performances. His novel, Leave My Bones in Saskatoon, was nominated for the 2023 Glengarry Award in Saskatchewan and the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature in Nigeria.
ABOUT DJENDE: DJENDE is a Saskatoon-based premium specialty food brand celebrating the richness of African origins through specialty coffee, botanical infusions, teas, spices and other carefully selected products. Rooted in authenticity, quality and traceability, DJENDE brings distinctive African flavours and traditions to the Canadian market — from the earth to your cup.
DJENDE products are available online at www.djende.ca or in-store at Ginette Boutique, 140 2nd Ave N, Saskatoon.
We look forward to sharing the flavours and stories of Africa through the DJENDE experience!
