Bagamoyo Festival of Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture my Career

By Benjamin M. Mahimbali

Throughout history, mankind has adapted to the creation of music for an assortment of reasons. Africa has distinct music traditions rooted deep within its culture. The traditional music of East Africa has gone through historical, political, and economic evolutions, shaping it into what it is today. Located in the African Great Lakes Region is Tanzania, home to the Bagamoyo International Festival of Arts and Culture, in the cultural heart of Bagamoyo.

TaSuBa (Formerly Bagamoyo College of Arts - BCA) is a Semi-autonomous Government Agency that provides training, research and consultancy services in arts and culture, aiming at developing and promoting Tanzanian art and culture and imparting knowledge to current and future generations.

This year TaSUBa was the organizer of the 40th edition of Bagamoyo International Festival of Arts and Culture, which took place at TaSUBa grounds in Bagamoyo (Coastal Region), from 28th

Bagamoyo International Festival of Arts and Culture is a three-day festival that takes place annually at the end of October. Through this festival, individual artists and groups get the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills. The festival involves a variety of activities, including performances, symposiums, film and workshops from local, national and international artists in both visual and performing arts.

to 30th October, 2021 under the theme “ARTS IS MY CAREER”.

The festival attracted participants and audiences from the international and diplomatic community, government institutions, private sector, and neighboring regions such as Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Dodoma and Morogoro. It is estimated that a total number over 75,000 audience participated in this year’s festival.

“The festival aims at creating a learning platform and space for students to show off their skills, promote awareness about social problems, expose and support activities of local artists, build relationships among local and international artists, promote mutual cultural exchange, and recognize the development of arts and culture in Tanzania as a tool for poverty eradication.”

THE OBJECTIVE OF BAGAMOYO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CULTURE IS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS AS IT BRINGS TOGETHER AUDIENCES TO CELEBRATE THEIR AMAZING RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY THAT INFORM THEIR COHESION VALUES, MIND AND CREATIVITY.

The official opening was attended by Hon. Innocent Bashungwa, Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports and the closing was done by Hon. Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete, the Fourth President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The festival attracted 79 individual artists and groups participated in performing arts where 75 groups came from Tanzania and 4 groups came from outside Tanzania. International groups participating in the festival are; Les Vikings (Mayotte), Kourouweli (Mayotte), Mouzdalifa (Mayotte) and Baba Gorekhnath Gotipua Dance Association (India). This year festival featured popular artists including Isha Mashauzi, Shola Mwamba, Major Kunta, Dulla Makabila, Ruby, Frida, Barnaba Classic, Maarifa, Saada Nassor, Beka Flavor, Saraphina, Mrisho Mpoto, Barobaro , Blacks, Fid Q, Jhikoman & Afrikabisa Band, Vitalis Maembe, Tanzania House of Talent (THT), Safi Theater, Voluntary Heart and Lumumba Theater.

There were 50 organizations, artists and other stakeholders who participated in the festival by displaying their services and artistic works at the exhibitions including crafts, sculptures, paintings and drawings.

This year’s festival focused on attracting and promoting the various tourist attractions available in Bagamoyo. Artists, journalists and other stakeholders had the opportunity to visit the attractions of the Kaole Museum, the German Fortress and the Saadani National Park.

All Pictures Courtesy of Bagamoyo Festival of Arts and Culture