Tanzania to host second edition of East Africa Vibes Concert

Now in its second edition, the annual event seeks to promote emerging musicians, poetry and spoken-word artists in an effort to expand the market for conscious artists in East Africa. This year the festival is themed Vuka Boda, which the organisers say captures the spirit of promoting mobility among artists within the region and promoting social cohesion among its people.

Lined up to perform is Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukudzi, Kenya's Eric Wainaina, Uganda's Jemimah Sanyu and local favourites Cocodo African Music and Ze Spirits Band.

Representing the host nation, Cocodo African Music plays an exhilarating blend of music laced with traditional Tanzania rhythms and jazz. With a recent addition of two contemporary dancers, their live performances are pulsating and euphoric. The message in the music is all about giving back to the community, creating awareness of issues such as HIV/Aids, as well as the joys of growing up.

Ze Spirits Band is a group of six talented young musicians from Bagamoyo. Their music is inspired by traditional local dances, songs and rhythms, with the addition of contemporary trends to empower the groove and entertain the audience.

Uganda's Jemimah Sanyu will bring her unique brand of music to Dar. The singer has released one album to date, Amaaso Go Googera, which quickly ensured her status as a new star on East Africa’s music scene. Born in 1986 in Jinja, Sanyu is currently working on a new album with Fenon Entertainment.

Ahead of their performance on Saturday, Oliver Mtukudzi and Eric Wainaina will host a day-long master class for professional artists. at Music and Dance (MuDa) on Friday 5 August. Their performances at the concert the following day is expected to take many Tanzanian fans down memory lane, following the success of their 2011 collaborative single, ‘Twende Twende’.

Other artists expected to showcase at EAVC include performance poets Zuhura Seng’enge from Tanzania and Herman Kabubi from Uganda, better known as Slim Mcee.

First held in 2015, EAVC aims to provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to share a stage. The concert also provides an opportunity for collaboration and partnerships with local and regional cultural centres, development organizations, media and corporates. For more information visit the EAVC website.