Phones came out. Guests danced in their seats. The aisles became part of the celebration.


On October 3, 2026, the Rocena Kidney Foundation’s 4th Annual Gala brought African Night to the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, pairing an evening of culture and connection with a meaningful purpose.

Three people in formal attire share a joyful conversation at an elegant evening social event.
Guests seated at decorated tables during a formal banquet event in a large hall.

Dressed for the occasion


Couples posed together. Friends gathered around tables. Between portraits and conversations, the evening’s story took shape through the people who came to celebrate.

Two people in vibrant African print attire smile and pose together at a formal evening event.
Couple in vibrant African print attire walking at an elegant event, woman in colorful dress, man in royal blue suit.
A joyful woman in a vibrant African print poncho laughs while holding a woven bag against a gray wall.
Woman in colorful African print strapless ruffle dress poses at elegant banquet hall event.
Man in vibrant African print blazer, leopard hat, orange sequin pants, and matching shoes at a formal event.
Four women in elegant formal dresses pose together smiling at a banquet hall event.
Woman wearing blue geometric African kaftan and matching headwrap at formal cultural event.
Two people in vibrant traditional African attire smile at a banquet table during a formal cultural event.
Woman in royal blue gown posing at Roeena Kidney Foundation event backdrop.

Then came the rhythm


Sankofa Cultural Troupe's dancing, live drumming by Wandara and Jay Wura’s saxophone performance brought movement to the evening.


Jay’s three modern Afropop hits had guests dancing and reaching for their phones, earning praise from MC Tony Francis along the way.

Two performers in colorful traditional Kente cloth attire dance at a cultural celebration event indoors.
Woman in vibrant African kente dress performs traditional dance at cultural event while seated audience watches.
People dancing in colorful African kente cloth attire at a cultural celebration event indoors.
Guests in colorful African attire converse at a festive banquet hall decorated with red, yellow, green, and black balloons.
Man in gray African attire playing a gold saxophone on a wooden dance floor at an indoor cultural event.
A smiling African musician in colorful kente cloth performs on a djembe drum at a vibrant cultural celebration.

A reason to gather


Between the performances, speakers brought attention back to kidney health and the foundation’s efforts to raise funds and awareness within Ottawa’s Afro-Caribbean community.

Man speaking at podium with African kente cloth backdrop and djembe drums at cultural event.
Guests in colorful African attire gather at a festive banquet hall event with decorative stage backdrop.
Man in suit holding microphone speaks at podium before colorful African kente cloth backdrop at cultural event.
Woman in purple gown speaks at podium with microphone, colorful kente cloth backdrop at formal event.
Man in black tuxedo holding wine glass seated at formal banquet event with guests at decorated tables.
Two elegantly dressed guests smile and pose together at a formal banquet event with decorated tables in the background.

The moments we carry home


Looking back through the photographs, I’m drawn to the moments of connection: people enjoying the music, sharing a conversation or responding to something happening on stage. Thank you to the foundation and the performers, guest speakers, guests and all who contributed to such a memorable and meaningful evening.

Two people pose together at a Roena Kidney Foundation event in front of a branded step-and-repeat backdrop.
Two people pose together at a formal event with colorful balloons in red, black, gold, and green at a gala.
Woman in vibrant African print dress poses at Roeena Kidney Foundation event backdrop.
Three women in colorful African print dresses pose together at a festive event with red, gold, and green balloon decor.
Woman in green sequin dress posing at Rozena Kidney Foundation event backdrop.
Woman in vibrant African print dress poses at Roeena Kidney Foundation event backdrop.
Five professionals pose together at a Rozena event with colorful balloons and branded backdrop.
Three women posing together at a Rogena Kidney Foundation event in front of a branded step-and-repeat banner.
Couple posing together at Rorena Kidney Foundation event, man in blue outfit and woman in colorful African print dress.
Two women posing together at Rogena Kidney Foundation event, wearing elegant brown and colorful kente cloth outfits.
Man in white shirt with Kente cloth stole reading Gods Plan poses at Rotena Kidney Foundation event.
Man and woman smiling and posing together at a Reena Foundation fundraising event with colorful balloons.