KENYA : Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu City is set to host the 10th edition of the renowned Madaraka Festival, a premier East African music extravaganza.
Top artistes from East Africa are set to perform at the festival, which was first held in Seattle, Washington (USA), in 2014 to bring people together to celebrate African music and culture.
Artistes to entertain African music lovers at the festival include Eddy Kezo, Johnny Junior, Khaligraph Jones, Coster Ojwang, Odongo Swagg, Gabiro Mtu Necessary, and Shamir Tadeiya, among other upcoming musicians.
Event organiser Simon Javan Okello said the show will not only deliver powerful performances but also offer thought-provoking discussions on fighting hunger and climate change.
The event, which kicks off at 2:00 pm on Saturday, 14th December 2024, he said, shall be preceded by the Omena summit with various players, among them the fisherfolk, engaging in discussions on how to sustainably manage the delicacy.
Mining, Fisheries, and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ali Hassan Joho is expected to preside over the summit, which comes at a time Lake Victoria is experiencing dwindling stocks of Omena.
"To fight hunger, the festival will highlight Omena—a small, nutrient-rich fish that plays a vital role in nutrition. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to explore Omena dishes and culture, showcasing its importance in combating hunger in the region," he said.
Okello mentioned the importance of Omena in the lake region's economy and its numerous health benefits for locals.
"Omena is a golden resource, but research shows that it benefits non-locals; that is why we are doing the Madaraka festival in Kisumu to ensure that the biggest beneficiaries of Omena are those who reside along Lake Victoria," he said.
The organiser announced that a portion of ticket sales will be used to support the Omena fish value chain and a conservation campaign for Lake Victoria fishery.
In addition, the festival will promote sustainable fishing practices to protect Omena populations, aligning with its climate change awareness efforts.
"By supporting responsible harvesting, Madaraka Festival advocates for the preservation of this critical food source for future generations," he said.
At the same time, the health benefits of Omena, which is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, will be emphasised as part of the festival's focus on healthcare.
Okello added that part of the proceeds from the festival will support the growth of Med25 International Kenya, which is a healthcare facility dedicated to empowering health and transforming lives by providing comprehensive and compassionate care that addresses the unique needs of the communities that live in Mbita along the shores of Lake Victoria.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathews Owili said the festival demonstrates Kisumu's potential to host international events and conferences, adding that the county government has put in place measures to ensure a world-class fête.
He asked music lovers from all walks of life to take advantage and secure their tickets to avoid missing the spectacular event.
Madaraka Festival is one of the largest and most influential African music events in the world, taking place in 13 cities, with an expected reach of 150,000 in person and 50 million digitally.
