Traditional dance, music to colour Kizimkazi Festiva

ZANZIBAR: A VIBRANT series of cultural events is set to enliven this year’s Kizimkazi Festival that will take place from 19 to 26 July at the newly built Suluhu Academy grounds in the South Unguja region.

The festival, renowned for celebrating Tanzania’s diverse heritage, will feature an exciting programme of music and dance performances, with several high-ranking national leaders expected to attend.

According to Hamid Abdulhamid Khamis, Secretary of the Festival’s Organising Committee, this year’s edition will include a special traditional dance competition, featuring troupes from every region of Tanzania.

“At least one troupe from each region will be given the opportunity to compete on a special day. This is a great platform to showcase Tanzania’s cultural dances,” he said, noting the festival’s growing popularity as both a cultural and tourism attraction.

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The festivities will commence on 19 July with a modern taarab music competition, which will be officiated by the Second Vice-President of Zanzibar, Hemed Suleiman Abdallah. On the evening of 20 July, audiences will be treated to a dance band competition featuring legendary Tanzanian groups such as Sikinde.

Former President of Zanzibar, Ali Mohamed Shein, is expected to attend as guest of honour. The excitement continues on 21 July with a spirited Singeli music competition, where the Deputy Prime Minister, Doto Biteko, will serve as guest of honour.

The traditional dance competition will follow during the course of the festival week, bringing together performers from across the country in a celebration of Tanzania’s cultural richness.

Organisers say this year’s Kizimkazi Festival promises to be a unique and colourful experience, one that aims not only to entertain but also to promote the preservation of culture and showcase the country’s rich tourism potential.