Children share cross-cultural harmony through Russian songs

DAR ES SALAAM: THE 8th International “Chiriku” Festival of Russian Children’s Songs concluded with a lively gala concert at the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Dar es Salaam recently, celebrating young musical talent and cross-cultural exchange.

The festival brought together children from various schools, including Blessed Hill Academy, Lesire Music Academy, and students from the “Gift of Speech” club.

Also featured were members of the Tanzania Philharmonic Society choir and other local creative groups, all united by a shared love for Russian children’s music.

Participants performed a range of songs from Soviet-era and contemporary Russian cartoons and films, delighting audiences with their energy, charm and impressive command of a foreign musical tradition.

This year’s event saw 70 participants take to the stage, performing 14 different Russian and Soviet songs. According to organisers, “Chiriku” is the first festival of Russian children’s songs in sub-Saharan Africa, and has become one of the Russian Centre’s most prominent cultural initiatives in Tanzania.

The judging panel included Adelina Mbaro, representative of the National Arts Council (BASATA), and Daines Sanga, Head of the Department of Creative Arts at the University of Dar es Salaam. Both expressed high praise for the quality of the performances and the festival’s role in promoting artistic talent among children.

A highlight of the evening was the traditional Zaramo dance Mkwajungoma, performed by pupils from Blessed Hill Primary School in Kitunda. To the audience’s delight, both Mbaro and Dr Sanga joined the children on stage, dancing gracefully and confidently — a moment that drew smiles and applause throughout the hall.

Speaking after the concert, Sanga congratulated the organisers and extended an invitation for future collaboration.

“This is a wonderful initiative,” she said. “We would be pleased for our creative arts students at the University of Dar es Salaam to take part in the 2026 Chiriku Festival. We look forward to working together on future cultural events.”

Echoing her remarks, Adelina Mbaro commented:

“Tanzania needs more organisations like the Russian Centre for Science and Culture to nurture and promote artistic talent among children. Events like this are essential to cultural growth and youth development.”

Director of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, Alexander Evstigneev, offered words of encouragement to aspiring young performers and shared the background of the Chiriku Festival.

“The Chiriku Festival began eight years ago and has grown steadily each year. This year, we welcomed 70 young performers who showcased not only their artistic skill but also their growing connection to Russian culture and language,” he said.

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“Chiriku is more than just a competition — it is a bridge between cultures and a celebration of youthful creativity.”

Further, Evstigneev warmly invited more schools and groups to participate in the 2026 edition of the festival, encouraging a continued exchange of cultural expression through music and performance.