Detroit’s Concert of Colors enters new era in first festival without founder

July 9, 2026

Following the January death of founder Ismael Ahmed at age 78, Detroit's Concert of Colors will proceed with its 35th anniversary celebration from July 15-19, with organizers committed to honoring his vision for the world music festival. Cultural producer Njia Kai, Ahmed's wife Margaret King-Ahmed, and a dedicated team are bringing Ahmed's plans to life, including headliners Sheila E. and Steel Pulse, along with new programming from the Smithsonian and National Endowment for the Arts.

Who is affected

Ismael Ahmed's family, particularly his wife Margaret King-Ahmed
Festival organizers including Njia Kai and the organizing team
Concert of Colors festival attendees and participants
Performing artists including Sheila E., Steel Pulse, Hassan Hakmoun, Dengue Fever, Meta and the Cornerstones, Burnt Sugar Arkestra, Don Was, and others
Detroit residents and visitors from Ohio, New York, and California
Public Allies organization members
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell
Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Chair Mary Anne Carter
CultureSource Executive Director Omari Rush

What action is being taken

Njia Kai, Margaret King-Ahmed, and the organizing team are working to execute Ahmed's vision for the 2025 Concert of Colors
The festival is running July 15-19 across multiple Midtown Detroit venues
A tribute ceremony "Celebrating Ish" is being held on July 18 with a public procession led by Gabriel Brass Band
The Detroit Historical Museum is displaying a "Tribute to Ismael" pop-up installation on July 16 and 19
The Smithsonian is conducting story circles at the Hellenic Museum of Michigan and N'Namdi Center during festival week
Various artists are performing throughout the five-day festival

Why it matters

Concert of Colors represents Ahmed's 30-year legacy of using music as a unifying force to bring together people of different races, backgrounds, and religions on equal footing. The festival has grown from a single-day event into one of the nation's longest-running and largest free global music festivals, demonstrating significant cultural impact that draws attendees from multiple states. Ahmed's national influence in arts and culture, including his 2021 nomination to the National Council on the Arts, has brought prestigious partnerships with the Smithsonian and NEA to this year's festival. The continuation of the festival after his death honors his vision and preserves an important cultural institution that connects communities through shared musical experiences.

What's next

Grammy-winning artists Sheila E. and Steel Pulse will perform on July 19, with Steel Pulse at 7 p.m. and Sheila E. at 9:30 p.m.
The NEA will give a grant workshop "Accessing Federal Funding for the Arts" on July 17 at 1 p.m. at Detroit Public Library
NEA Chair Mary Anne Carter will have a conversation with CultureSource Executive Director Omari Rush on July 17 at 3 p.m.
Burnt Sugar Arkestra will perform J Dilla's "Donuts" on July 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Don Was and his All-Star Revue will pay tribute to "The Scene" on July 18 at 8:30 p.m.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com