OVER 40,000 individuals will today attend the ‘Sanjo ya Busiya 77 Fest 2023’ cultural festival at the Busiya Utemi Palace in the Kishapu District.
The event will attract people from all regions of the Lake Zone. It is one of the largest cultural festivals in the area and features traditional music, dance, art, wrestling and cuisine.
The festival celebrates the region’s unique culture and heritage. Cultural troupes participating in the festival are Beni, Kanaan, Wasahu, Wadimi, Wagika, Kabunga, Waswezi, Wazoli, and Buyeye.
Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Christina Mndeme will grace this year’s cultural festival.
According to the event organiser, Chief of Busiya Edward Makwaia, the annual festival established in 2011 is expected to be vibrant and successful following a positive response from Lake Zone residents.
Chief Makwaia has called on the Government and cultural stakeholders in the country to support cultural concerts which aim at promoting culture in the country.
He added that Tanzania has over 120 tribes with different values and still lives in peace, unity, and harmony.
He further urged the government to develop a strategy for supporting and promoting cultural activities in the country. This is done by allocating a budget to support cultural-related activities at the district and national levels.
When reached for comment, Kishapu District Commissioner Joseph Mkude said the government will always support culture.
Makwaia concluded that cultural concerts have helped create various opportunities for young people. He added that cultural festivals are vital because youths can learn more about their ethnic background and embrace their riches from generation to generation.