Nairobi ,16th October 2024
As part of efforts put in place to showcase the vibrant cultural tapestry of Nairobi, the City Culture, Arts and tourism Sub sector held a two-day capacity building session for music and culture leaders, with the aim of enhancing their skills and knowledge, as the County prepares to participate in the Music and Cultural Festival to be held in Taita Taveta on the 2nd to 10th December 2024.
The County plans to hold Auditions on the 6th,7th and 8th November 2024 at Kariakor Social hall, Kangemi social hall and Kayole Social hall where artists and groups will get an opportunity to flaunt their talents while celebrating the rich, cultural heritage that makes our City unique. The qualifiers will then proceed to represent Nairobi in the National Festivals.
Ms. Rosemary Kariuki, County Executive Committee Member for Inclusivity, Public Participation and Customer Service emphasized on the significance of the upcoming auditions stating that they are a celebration of the County’s diverse cultural expressions and an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent that resides within our community.
Said Ms. Rosemary “The upcoming auditions are part of our preparations for the music festivals, which will be a platform for local artists to shine and share their gifts. These festivals will not only highlight our vibrant cultural scene but also promote inclusivity and community participation.”
“Today, we embark on a journey of capacity building, equipping ourselves with the skills and knowledge to ensure that these auditions are a success. This is a chance for us to collaborate, share ideas, and inspire one another. Your roles as music and cultural leaders are vital. You are the torchbearers of our heritage, and your engagement will ensure that our festivals reflect the true essence of Nairobi City. “She Further stated.
County Chief Officer for City Culture, Arts and Tourism Mr. Clement Rapudo said, “The festivals to be held in Taita Taveta promise to be a vibrant celebration of our diverse musical and cultural expressions. They are designed to not only highlight established artists but also to provide a platform for emerging talents. We are looking for a wide range of performances, traditional, contemporary, and everything in between. Your creativity and innovation are what we want to see shining through during these auditions.
The Chief Officer went on to urge the leaders to engage with their communities and reach out to artists and performers who may not yet have the opportunity to share their work on a larger stage. “Let’s ensure that all voices are heard and represented. We are committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that our festivals reflect the full spectrum of talent within our city. “He said.
The Deputy Director for Culture Ms. Stella Kemunto while sharing her vision for a thriving cultural scene in Nairobi said that the upcoming festivals will serve as a platform for emerging artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents and connect with other people in the culture and arts industry. “Let us actively support aspiring artists by encouraging them to audition and pursue their passions. Collaboration and support among us will elevate our work and enhance our impact.” She said.
The workshop also featured notable speakers, including Mr. David Isindu, a dedicated music teacher and choral director; Daniel Madalanga, vice chairman of the Kenya Music and Culture Festival, Wycliffe Buhere and Olivia Mutheu, members of the national committee at the Kenya Music and Culture Festival. These facilitators shared their insights, drawing from their extensive experience in the music and arts sector. They discussed techniques for audition preparation and the importance of cultural expression.
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