1st Annual Jerk & Jollof Cookoff

Rasta Barista in conjunction with Youth Empowerment Initiatives, Inc presents
1st Annual Jerk & Jollof Cookoff

📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025
📍 The Hub – 4th Floor Event Space | 2352 S. Park Street, Madison, WI

Join us for an unforgettable cultural celebration centered around food, music, and community. The Jerk & Jollof Cookoff brings together cooks from across the world to battle for bragging rights — and your taste buds will be the winners.

Jollof rice is a beloved West African dish with roots in the 14th-century Wolof Empire, made from rice cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with spices, vegetables, and stock. It spread across the region through trade and migration, evolving into a unifying yet highly contested culinary symbol, with each country passionately claiming to make the best version. Similarly, jerk cooking in the Caribbean—originating in Jamaica through a fusion of Indigenous Taíno techniques and African culinary traditions brought by escaped enslaved people (Maroons)—features meat marinated in a spicy blend including Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice, then slow-cooked over wood fires. Both traditions reflect the deep cultural connections between West Africa and its diaspora, showcasing resilience, adaptation, and pride through food.

What to Expect:
– Chefs from around the world competing for their country
– Jerk Cookoff – Chicken, pork.
– Jollof Cookoff
– Side dish/dessert category
– Live music
– Local vendors & cultural displays

Judged by chefs, food critics, and cultural leaders.
Grand Prize for each category is $500 !!!!!!!!!

🎟 TICKETS
$25 per person before day of event– Includes event entry and unlimited tasting access.
🔗 https://www.rastabarista.com/tickets

$30 at the door [based on space availability]

👨‍🍳 WANT TO COMPETE?
Think your jollof or jerk dish has what it takes? Apply to be one of our featured cooks!
🔗 https://forms.gle/7TtWJojcmvNkwG5MA
Space is limited — apply early!

Interested in Sponsoring?
This event is a great opportunity to support culture, community, and cuisine — all while getting your business in front of a diverse and engaged audience.
Each level includes promotional perks like booth space, logo placement, VIP passes, and mentions in press and media.
📩 Message us or email [email protected] to get involved.

Save the date — more details coming soon.
This is one event Madison won’t want to miss.