East Africa to celebrate Fête de la Musique

World Music Day is celebrated every year in more than 120 countries around the world. The inaugural event took place in 1981after it was launched by the former French minister of culture Jack Lang.

In Burundi, the celebrations will take place at the French Institute in Bujumbura. The concert will feature performances by Sat-B, Big Fariouz, Masterland, Paks Band, Bernice the Bell, Akiwacu Band, D Israel and Timmy Nassor, among others.

Speaking to Music In Africa about the upcoming Burundi concert, the head of cultural affairs at the institute, Laurence Galley, said the celebrations were a demonstration of unity because different nations came together to recognise the significance of music.

“It’s great that African musicians can be part of it, as much as the event is organised by all the French representations in the world,” she said.

“In Burundi, it makes much sense to have it here because it is a rare opportunity to see established and amateur musicians play together. People in Burundi love music, but we do not have enough spaces where musicians can perform their art, although the French Institute offers such a space.”

In Tanzania, the French Institute in Dar es Salaam will hold an open stage performance and those interested to perform are encouraged to attend. On 22 June, Wamwiduka Band will perform in Arusha at a concert organised by the French Institute and the French embassy in Tanzania.

Meanwhile, the French Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, will host a concert headlined by German-based duo Gato Preto and Mamakaffe (France/Ivory Coast). The rest of the line-up will include Kenya’s Simplyblacque Creators, Lydia Ogoti, the Bomas of Kenya Limited, DJ coco-em, Labdi Ommes and Ndululu.

Lastly, in Uganda, the celebrations will take place on 22 June at the National Theatre in Kampala. Gato Preto will headline the concert. Other musicians set to perform are Fik Fameica (Uganda, Ssewa Ssewa (Uganda), MC Yala (Uganda), Ray Sapienza (DRC) and Leo Makanyia (Tanzania), among others.