Ngoma Kitaa fest to promote Tanzanian traditional music and dance

This festival will coincide with World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which seeks to deepen the understanding of cultural diversity values and advance the goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

The featured groups include Jagwa Music, Madengo Ntima, Tua Tugawe, Mabibi Nchabwede and Mshikamano Group. 

National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) senior arts officer Abel Ndaga told Music In Africa that the event would be ideal for maintaining and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions in the country.

“Ngoma Kitaa festival is essential, especially in developing our indigenous dance,” he said. “BASATA fully supports this initiative because it is an excellent platform for the youth to learn about indigenous music and customs. We are certain it will contribute to the revival of traditional dances, which are under the threat of extinction.”

Festival coordinator Nelius Sostenes said: “The festival will provide many different opportunities to come together as a community, to elevate our many vibrant, diverse and resilient indigenous music and cultures. It is in the interest of Tanzanians, especially the youth who should be challenged to take their culture seriously and embrace more traditional dance techniques than the contemporary ones.” 

Sostenes also urged the government to support the performing arts sector in order to promote cultural regeneration. He cited West African Francophone countries like Senegal, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast as outstanding examples in this regard.

“We are grateful to BASATA for the support. However, the government needs to invest in the cultural arts by setting up proper performance venues and creating an art fund that will finance artistic and creative projects,” Sostenes said.