Kenya, Uganda celebrate Fête de la Musique

In Ugandan, the celebrations, themed Fusion, were officially flagged off yesterday at the Que Pasa restaurant in Kampala with live music and poetry. Alliance Francaise Kampala has collaborated with the embassy of France in Uganda, Sheraton Hotel Kampala, the Ecole Francaise les Grands Lacs, the Pearl Rhythm Foundation, Que Pasa Restaurant and Breakdance Project Uganda in facilitating the festive event for the public.

The event will see artists perform at different locations in Kampala as they showcase fuse different styles of music. Laurent Assoulen, a pianist and jazz composer, is set to perform on 21 June at the Sheraton Hotel. Others on the line-up include Ecole Francaise Music Club, Haka Mukiga & Apio Moro, James & Giovanni, Jackie Akello & Mame N’Diack, Faizal Monstrixx, Sylvester & Abramz, Joram MC, Breakdance Project Uganda, Kongoloko as well as Navio. The event will run for a whole week and is scheduled to end on 24 June.

For those who wish to attend here is the programme:

• Monday, 19 June at the National Theatre: Pearl Rhythm Activation from 5pm.
• Wednesday, 21 June at 7pm: Perfume Concert at the Sheraton Hotel.
• Thursday, 22 June at 7pm: Cine-club film night and poetry/rap competition.
• Saturday 24 June at 6pm: Main concert at the French School – Lugogo Bypass.

Watch a short video of Uganda's 2016 Fête de la Musique event below:

In Kenya, the celebrations will be held on the 21st at the Alliance Francaise gardens in Nairobi from 5pm and are expected to bring together musicians and music lovers under one roof.

The stage will be open to 16 amateur musicians after which Kenyan singer and songwriter Tetu Shani, Abaki Simba Percussion Troupe and Nairobi-based DJ/Producer Suraj will take to the stage.

Fête de la Musique was first celebrated on 21 June 1982 in France. The then French minister of culture Jack Lang introduced the event in Paris, his goal being to bring music out into the streets. He inviting all those who could play an instrument or carry a tune to perform.

For more information visit the Alliance Francaise Kampala Facebook page here and the Alliance Francaise Nairobi Facebook page here.