East Africa to celebrate Fête de la Musique online

The annual music celebration was launched in 1981 by the former French minister of culture, Jack Lang. Today, it is celebrated in more than 120 countries. The day marks the importance of music and its role in connecting people across borders. It also urges people to play music in public spaces.

In Tanzania, the French Institute in Dar es Salaam will hold a performance on 20 June. The line-up includes Isack Abeneko, Carol Kinasha, Warriors of the East & P Culture, Bob Rudala, Anna Mapessa and TaraJazz from Zanzibar, among others. The event will be streamed live via the Facebook pages of Alliance Francaise de Dar es Salaam, Alliance Française Arusha and Association Franco-Zanzibarite.

In Kenya, the celebrations will be streamed live via the French Institute in Nairobi's official YouTube channel. The concert will feature performances by reggae band Gravitti, Ohangla, Tony Nyadundo, Lulu Abdalla and Karun.

"As the world has moved online since the advent of COVID-19, 2020 Fête de la Musique will be celebrated virtually around the world," Alliance Française Nairobi head of cultural affairs Harsita Waters said. "Our YouTube channel will bring you the best of rhythm and spoken word. Watch out for more details on our social media pages."

In Uganda, the celebrations have been sponsored by the French embassy and the Talent Africa Group. Performances will feature Uganda's Iryn Namubiru, Suzan Kerunen, Herbert Ssensamba and Joel Sebunjo as well as France's Cojack and Sara Vauclair. The event will be streamed live via the Facebook pages of Talent Africa Group, the Embassy of France in Uganda, Alliance Française Kampala and Bonjour Kampala.