Mpoto’s poetry brightens JAMAFEST in Burundi

TANZANIA, as one of the participants of the fifth edition of Arts and Culture Festival (JAMAFEST), has been asked to make full use of the event to recognize the value of culture that identifies all East African countries.

This was revealed by the President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye during the official opening of the 2022 festival at the Intwari Sports ground in Bujumbura on Wednesday.

“I ask all the countries of the East African Community to recognize the value of the culture which is the mark that gives them respect and differentiates themselves from other nations,” said President Ndayishimiye.

Initially welcoming the participants of the festival, President Ndayishimiye said the festival will help not only in artistic and cultural exchange but also promote regional cooperation.

President Ndayishimiye also thanked the heads of the states in the community for enabling Culture and Art groups to participate in the festival with great success in Burundi”. Adding, President Ndayishimiye urged all participants to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Tanganyika and to eat fish like “Migebuka”, sardines and Kuhe that are found in that lake.

On another hand, during the opening, each member country was invited to give their remarks and entertain the audience, and then was Tanzania’s time; it was joy and pride to see Tanzanian poetic Mrisho Mpoto when he entered wearing traditional African clothing.

A famous artist in writing poetry in Tanzania Mpoto, famous ‘Mjomba’ hoisted the national flag high by singing a song that encouraged cooperation for all East African countries.

In addition to that, Mpoto sang a song that captured the attention of many people, he also danced in an African style and showed pure acrobatics, using fire without burning, playing with tools using his feet, including spinning a drum and carrying a table.

JAMAFEST festival is held on a cycle where in 2022 it is Burundi’s turn after the 4th festival held with great success in Dar es Salaam Tanzania 2019.