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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