AfriCali’s Origins and Evolution
Moses Flickinger Mdhluli’s journey from South Africa to California after apartheid shaped AfriCali’s unique blend of music and culture. Starting with hip-hop in South Africa alongside Stogie T, Moses found himself immersed in the U.S. music scene, performing with K’naan and Stephen Marley. The introduction to members of Fela Kuti’s band further expanded his musical palette, inspiring collaborations that blended Afrobeat with hip-hop. This fusion of South African vibes with California’s surf sound, developed with musician Nico Georis, whose family created the iconic Endless Summer score, became the foundation of AfriCali music.
AfriCali Culture and Cannabis
AfriCali Culture was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, starting as a logistics company supporting farmers, brands, and distributors. Moses’s deep connection to African landrace strains, especially Durban, highlights the cultural reclamation embedded in AfriCali’s mission.
Educating communities about African cannabis heritage has been central, bridging the gap between ancient medicinal practices and modern cannabis consumption. The brand’s prerolls, crafted from ancient sativas, have proven effective for individuals battling serious illnesses, reinforcing the powerful medicinal properties of these traditional strains.
The California Cannabis Expo: A Celebration of Farmers
Now in its second year, the California Cannabis Expo focuses on uplifting Northern California’s family farmers and small-batch operators.
The event serves as a platform to educate, connect, and celebrate the backbone of the cannabis industry—farmers. Moses emphasizes the importance of sungrown, landrace cannabis, noting its superior medicinal qualities compared to indoor-grown varieties. The expo also highlights international collaborations, as AfriCali connects with farmers and brands globally, reinforcing California’s leadership in cannabis culture and commerce.
Music, Food, and Culture: The AfriCali Experience
Music and cannabis have always been intertwined, and AfriCali keeps that tradition alive through collaborations with artists like Aceyalone and Youssoupha Sidibe. The expo’s vibrant atmosphere includes live performances, world-class cannabis, and culturally rich cuisine. Chef Matt from Blue Ridge Kitchen curates Afro-Caribbean dishes, enhancing the event’s sensory experience. Moses’s passion for authentic cannabis music and cultural representation ensures that the expo is more than an event—it’s a movement celebrating the harmony between music, food, and plant medicine.
Honoring Tradition, Leading with Purpose
Moses’s reflections on the traditional role of women in African cannabis cultivation underscore AfriCali’s commitment to honoring ancestral wisdom. Collaborations with farmers like Daniel from Heartrock Mountain Farm and Kristen from Magic Meadow highlight the focus on living soil, sungrown practices, and plant medicine rooted in love and care. AfriCali’s future includes expanding operations to South Africa, participating in international cannabis conventions, and fostering global connections that celebrate the universal nature of cannabis as both medicine and cultural bridge.
