The Metro: The Concert of Colors is creating new memories, honoring the past in 35th year
The Concert of Colors is marking its 35th year while honoring Ismael Ahmed, the co-founder who passed away earlier in 2026. The festival, now led by organizer Njia Kai, brings together dozens of musical acts from around the world alongside Detroit-area artists including Sheila E, Steel Pulse, Martha Redbone, The Don Was Detroit All Star Revue, and others.
Beyond the main concert lineup, the festival includes a memorial for Ahmed, a community forum at the Majestic Theatre Complex featuring NPR's Neda Ulaby and the Arab American National Museum, a grant-writing workshop, youth programming, and a story circle at N'Nambi Center for Contemporary Art. Kai emphasized Ahmed's core principle: "We are all brothers and sisters, and we should all take care of each other."
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