Ohio Is My Second Country: Music, Art, and Community at Columbus Arts Festival 2026

“Ohio is my second country.” That’s what Columbus father Birane Wane said after his deportation to Mauritania. This is also the title of a forthcoming coloring book from the Ohio Immigrant Alliance (OIA), drawn by Cincinnati high school student Shema Asifiwe, with text by Dr. Manuel Chinchilla of Hexagon Books. The coloring book depicts scenes from places Ohioans left before immigrating here, and teaches readers a few words in their family’ languages. 

At the 2026 Columbus Arts Festival, OIA is uniting with Shema and Mauritanian-American pop star Salif Sarr to promote the message behind the coloring book. No matter where we were born — Celina, South Carolina, or Senegal — Ohio is home, now. The book, and concert, will focus on what we have in common and celebrating our differences. OIA’s performance takes place on June 13, from 3-4pm, on the Cultural Arts Center Stage. Learn more about the Columbus Arts Festival here.

A Columbus resident, Salif is internationally famous for his danceable songs that tackle everyday issues issues — from love, to cultural pride, to police violence. In addition to performing some of his top hits, like “Mi Suusa” and “Aadiyanke,” Salif will be joined on the stage by Shema, OIA’s Advocacy Director Demba Ndiath, and Lynn Tramonte, OIA’s Executive Director. Watch Salif’s performance at the OIA Family Reunion last year.

This year, Demba is publishing “From Welcome To Deportation: A Story of West African Immigrants Who Crossed the U.S.-Mexico Border,” about the policies that drive immigration from West Africa, and the experiences of people coming to the U.S. to start a new, safe life. Our audience will hear from both Demba and Shema about the reasons they created these books. Lynn will MC the event.  

We will have free coloring book pages to give to the crowd, as well as books and other OIA merchandise for purchase.

OIA has participated in the Columbus Arts Festival for several years now. “Ohio Is My Second Country” is a follow-up from last year's collab with poet-activist Houleye Thiam, griot Habi Gawlo, and the Barro sisters, entitled “Pulaagam: A Celebration of Fulani Heritage.” OIA is a group of immigrants and U.S. born citizens working together to make Ohio a better place for everyone.

So mark your calendars, and save the date! June 13, 3pm, at the Columbus Arts Festival Center Stage.