Burundi: Marahaba Music Expo unveils 2021 programme

The inaugural event primarily focussed on Burundian music, and eventually, it has grown to be an annual event that hosts acts and delegates from across the African continent as well as Europe. This third edition will run under the theme, International Music Forum for Africa.

Local artists will get to attend panel discussions, which will be held during the day at the ​​French Institute. The topics that will be covered will include Music Business and Marketing, The Role of Women Leaders in the African Musical Industry, and The Role of Professionals in the Africa Music Industry.

Some of the panellists are Brahim El Mazned (Morocco), Luc Mayitoukou (Senegal), Tony Mefe (Cameroon ), Mory Toure (Mali), Claire Diboa (France/Cameroon), Vanessa Kanga (Canada), Armene Doua (Ivory Coast ), Balima Issouf (Burkina Faso), Thomas Lusango (DRC), Juma Masoud (Tanzania) and Faisal Kiwewa (Uganda).

Performances will take place in the evenings at Zone Kinama. The musicians, who were selected to perform through an application process, include Burundi’s Rally Joe, Bernice the Bell, Aglae Aletta, Masterland, Alwatan Taarab Band, Afro Talent Band, Marahaba Band, Club Intatana, Bechou, Gerard Ndikubwako, Warumba Wanyakanga, Ruciteme Group, Rukinzo Band, Orchestre National Mucowera, Charis Music Band and Just Way.

International artists featured are Armand Biyag (Cameroon), Biglad (Cameroon), Jampara the Bata Lion (Netherlands), DJ Mbowe (Tanzania) and King Etienne (DRC).

“Marahaba Music Expo aims to educate the public, share innovation, and promote progress and cooperation through music,” Marahaba Music Expo founder and director Shabani Ramadhani said. “The expo invites all countries, companies, international organisations, the private sector, civil society and the general public to participate in this musical event.”

He added: “The biggest challenge for us this year was securing mobility funds for international musicians. So we are grateful to all the people who made this possible.”

This edition is organised in partnership with the government of Burundi, the French Embassy, the ​​French Institute, Milatsika Festival and Music In Africa.

For more information and enquiries, email Marahaba Music Expo at [email protected].