Tanzania: Ongala Fest announces 2019 programme

From rumba to Afro-fusion, traditional and protest music, this year's edition is one for the books.

This year's line-up will feature local acts Swahili Ally, Samuel Hokororo, King Kiki, Wamwiduka Band, Tarajazz, Swahili Blues Explosion, Uhuru Republic, Vitali Maembe, Ze Spirits Band, Bongo Beats, Remi and the Cocodo Band, Pendo Zawose, Mama C, Mopao Swahili Jazz, Jhikoman, CAC Fusion, Ikakambwa Dance Group, Carol Anande & RA Poet and Shine Dance.

Confirmed Kenyan artists are Suraj, Afro Simba and Mandela Ambasa, while Apio Moro will represent Uganda.

The festival will also feature an artisan market, drum circles and  a three-day workshop on the development of electronic music in East Africa. 

Workshop participants will include Bengatronics (Kenya), Singeli (Tanzania), Acholitronix (Uganda) and Inanga (Rwanda), who will discuss the connection between urban music and traditional sounds in East Africa with a view to uplift the movement in the region. The workshop is organised by Goethe-Institut Tanzania in collaboration with Music In Africa and OMA.

"The core goal of the workshop is to network the East African music scenes," Goethe-Institut Tanzania director Frank Werner said. "We want the participants to become more aware of the common trend of the connection between the traditional elements and instruments with the production methods of electronic pop music."

OMA was launched in 2018 in honour of Tanzanian musician Remmy Ongala who died in 2010. Originally from the DRC, Ongala's fame spread throughout East Africa thanks to his steady, melodic drive of soukous and infectious guitar playing. Ongala's music highlighted Africa's socio-political problems. This earned him the nickname 'The Doctor', a title that exalted him to the rank of traditional healer.

Swahili Blues Explosion bandleader Leo Mkanyia lauded OMA for its ability to create a platform that supports and promotes aspiring musicians in Tanzania.

"The festival's major focus is to attract the local audience and local musicians, especially those who are yet to set foot on the global music stage," he told Music In Africa. "The festival is just two years old but there are signs that it will grow to be and become one of the most impactful music festivals in the region and the continent. The festival director has done an amazing job in sustaining it despite the usual challenges faced at the start-up phase of any festival."

For more information, visit the official festival website.