FIREWORKS AT CARNIVORE AS KIKWETU FESTIVAL ROCKS

FIREWORKS AT CARNIVORE AS KIKWETU FESTIVAL ROCKS

By Boniface Mwalii

Over 30 Kenyan artists performed at ‘The

Kikwetu Festival’ which was was held at the

Carnivore Grounds, Nairobi.

The initiative was organized by The Event

Factory East Africa, Kenya’s first COVID

compliant outdoor event with hopes of

revitalizing the entertainment industry by

creating safe spaces for entertainment and

tourism.

The concert featured performances from top

Kenyan artists including Eric Wainaina, who

explained that, “Revitalizing the entertainment

sector is of utmost importance as they open up

again.

Life without art is boring and uninspired and

Kikwetu Festival is doing its part in pumping

vigour and joy back into our lives.” Eric is

among a line-up of stellar Kenyan entertainers

that also includes this year’s BET Award

nominee Khaligraph Jones, Them Mushrooms,

Eric Wainaina, Fena Gitu, Kahush and other

local stars.

According to Them Mushrooms group’s

spokesperson, John Katana, “Them Mushrooms

were happy to have participate in the Kikwetu

Festival because the band believes this is a

step in the right direction in as far as growing

Kenyan arts and music.

An all Kenyan showcase is what this country

has been lacking in eons. We hope that Kikwetu

Festival will grow in leaps and bounds to make

the world music spotlight shine on Kenyan

music.”

Since its inception in 2006, Kikwetu Festival

has consistently promoted unity through

celebration of local music with a total of over

20,000 high profile attendees participating in

past events.

The initiative to foster unity through integration

of culture and art is a shared vision as noted by

the German Ambassador to Kenya, Annett

Günther. “The German Embassy is extremely

proud to be part of the return of Kikwetu

Festival, Kenya’s premiere music showcase, not

only because it was founded by one of my

predecessors but also because Kenya and

Germany share the vision of unity in diversity.

And looking forward to the safe revival of the

cultural sector after COVID-19”.

In an effort to maintain social distance

measures occasioned by the COVID-19

pandemic, the event has adopted a unique

drive-in format which will allow attendees to get

a premium experience from the comfort of their

cars.

The event has garnered massive support with

endorsements from various quarters including

the County Government of Nairobi and Kenya

Tourism Board with Voice of America offering

live coverage on performance.

Kikwetu Festival is a music event, which

features indigenous Kenyan music and culture.

The festival seeks to promote and celebrate the

country’s unity and diversity. Initiated in 2006,

the annual festival became a signature event in

the national calendar until 2011 when it went

on hiatus.

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