Rwanda is currently playing host to the inaugural Kigali Triennial Festival, which began on February 16th, turning the spotlight onto the rich tapestry of African art and culture. This grand event, set against the backdrop of the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, is a collaborative endeavor involving the Ministry of Youth and Arts, the City of Kigali, and the Rwanda Arts Initiative. Over a span of 10 days, the festival aims to bolster the Rwandan creative and cultural industry, fostering global partnerships and drawing in investment.
With more than 200 artists from 25 countries, the festival is a melting pot of musical performances, dance, fashion shows, theatre productions, film screenings, culinary delights, and visual arts exhibitions, all converging under the theme “Where art, knowledge, and economy converge.”
Voices from the Festival
Michael Makembe, a renowned Gakondo singer, is among the artists bringing traditional Rwandan music to the fore. With a repertoire that includes the rhythmic beats of drums and the melodic strumming of his guitar, Makembe emphasizes the importance of professionalism and the unique language of art. He highlights the need for greater recognition of Rwandan music, particularly the traditional Gakondo style, on the international stage. Through the festival, Makembe sees an opportunity to showcase the distinctiveness of Rwandan cultural elements like the Inanga, traditional dances, and the iconic ‘Ubutore’ dance.
Doris Meli, an actress and singer from Cameroon, shared her experiences participating in the ‘Gamblers’ play at the festival. For Meli, the event is a powerful platform for Africans to narrate their stories and histories. She stresses the importance of culture as a foundation, a source of power, and a marker of identity. Meli commends Rwanda’s initiative in bringing together various African countries and international participants to celebrate and embrace African culture.
Peter Alinda, a singer from Kenya, spoke about the festival as a place of inspiration and influence, a venue for learning from the past and innovating for the future. Alinda believes in the power of collaboration and learning from one another to enhance and share African culture with the world.
Building Bridges through Art
Dorcy Rugamba, Managing Director of the Rwanda Arts Initiative, highlighted the festival’s role as a crucial networking hub for artists from across the globe. The event features workshops and discussions designed to provide insights and foster collaboration opportunities. Rugamba noted the presence of industry heavyweights from various creative sectors, including music, cinema, and fashion, who are in Kigali to discover new talents and explore the local industry. He emphasized the importance of local artists attending the festival to gain a deeper understanding of the industry, meet global standards, and align with international expectations, paving the way for their artistic evolution.
As the Kigali Triennial Festival continues, it stands as a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of African art and culture, promising to leave a lasting impact on the Rwandan cultural landscape and beyond.
