Nafasi Arts’ 15th birth held fans spellbound

DAR ES SALAAM: MORE than 20 artists have participated in the culmination of the festival celebrating the 15th anniversary of Nafasi Arts Space.

The artists went on stage to perform and others showcased their creative works to the hundreds who attended a colourful Weekend Live festival staged at their Mikocheni offices in Dar es Salaam.

The event began on Friday and concluded yesterday. Further than the commemoration of Nafasi Art Space, the Weekend Live festival marked its 21st edition. A two-day event saw several activities such as live music, dance, traditional games, and arts and crafts fairs. Pavilions at Nafasi Art Space showcased colourful paintings and sketches with messages for all ages to appreciate.

Also, a Tanzanian musician with a beautiful voice, Grace Matata, performed during the night of festival’s climax. Her performance was mesmerizing. Speaking with Sunday News the Director of Nafasi Arts Space, Lilian Mushi, said that since 2014, Nafasi Arts Space has had a culture to bring artists to entertain arts stakeholders to have fun and provide opportunities for young artists to showcase their works of art.

According to Lilian, the inaugural festival took place in 2014. Since then, the objective has remained the same. She identified the reasons that include uniting various artists specializing in dance, circus, visual arts, carving, painting, pottery, and music.

“The aim is to foster unity and encourage collaboration among artists and their stakeholders.” Lilian thanked sponsors who have supported them. She highlighted a few – the Swiss and Norwegian embassies, Ignite Culture, Nabaki Afrika and many others.

The Norwegian Ambassador to Tanzania, Tone Tinnes, expressed happiness with the performances of Nafasi, a good partner of the Embassy since 2017. They have cooperated in developing local culture. She mentioned that art can facilitate meaningful conversations and foster close relationships.

Additionally, she stressed the significance of community support in promoting the freedom of artistic expression and cultural diversity.

Deputy Head of Mission and Head of International Cooperation from Switzerland Embassy, Holger Tausch, congratulated Nafasi Art Space for holding the exhibition, saying that they have been among the institutions that promote culture, defend rights and encourage freedom of expression for artists, promising that they will continue to support them in achieving their goals