Tanzania: Marafiki Festival unveils 2020 programme

The acts, which were selected to perform through an application process in February, include locals Richie Lumambo, Siti and the Band, Ze Spirits Band and Jhikoman. Others are Gravitti (Kenya), Afro Simba (Kenya), Arnaud N'gaza (Ivory Coast) and Josh Meck (Zambia). 

The live programme will take place in the evening while a workshop and discussions will be held during the day. The festival's artistic director, Isack Abeneko, says the workshop and discussions will "seek to engage today's artists on how to navigate the evolving music industry and grow their career and influence across the region and beyond."

"Marafiki Festival is built around the need to provide new music and social center point where artists and young people are nurtured to contribute to the development of live music and celebration of cultural dynamics in Tanzania," he said.

The topics to be discussed include, Understanding the Music Business, How to Market and Promote Yourself and How to Attract Local and International Festival Bookers and Music Promoters.

The workshop will be facilitated by Espen Sorensen, popularly known as Mzungu Kichaa, who is a well-known musician and music educator. He will co-facilitate the workshop with Carola Kinasha, a well-known music teacher and musician.

The organisers had earlier in the year announced that the festival would run for three days. However, Abeneko said the organising committee had struggled with a few issues, particularly in securing sponsorships. He said many potential sponsors were reducing expenditure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the festival organisers had put in place safety precautions to ensure social distancing so that fans could have a safe and enjoyable experience.

"We are all aware COVID-19 is still a global issue. All attendees will be required to wear masks, the workshop room will accommodate only 50% of its capacity, and the concert will take place in open grounds for more ventilation and space," Abeneko said.

Marafiki Festival is sponsored by Tanzanian cultural organisation Asedeva, Nafasi Art Space, Slow Leopard Restaurant & Bar, Jameson, Boresha Radio, Eyecue Media, Weka Music Records, Ruka Company and Acto Lights.