By Carlos Claudio, Dodoma.
The Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Rosemary Senyamule, is expected to officiate the opening of the 17th Cigogo Music Festival on July 25, 2026, at Chamwino Arts Centre (CAC) in Chamwino Ikulu, Dodoma.
Speaking to journalists the Executive Director of Chamwino Arts Centre, Naamala Samson, said all preparations have been completed and the centre is ready to welcome visitors from across Tanzania and abroad for the three-day cultural festival taking place from July 24 to 26, 2026.
Naamala said reaching the 17th edition of the Cigogo Music Festival is a significant milestone that reflects the centre's commitment to preserving and promoting the Cigogo culture and Tanzania's rich cultural heritage.
"We are delighted to celebrate the 17th Cigogo Cultural Music Festival. We warmly invite all Tanzanians to visit Chamwino Arts Centre and experience the richness of our traditions and cultural heritage," He said.
He explained that visitors will enjoy traditional dance performances showcasing Tanzania's diverse cultural traditions while encouraging the preservation of indigenous customs and values.
In addition to music and dance performances, the festival will feature exhibitions of traditional foods and a cooking competition, where participants will prepare indigenous dishes for both judges and visitors to sample.
Naamala added that the festival has attracted several development partners and institutions that will provide educational services and public awareness programmes.
Among them is the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), which will promote clean cooking energy by showcasing modern electric cookers and educating the public on the benefits of clean energy.
He noted that winners of the traditional cooking competition, using clean cooking technology, will receive electric cookers as prizes, while visitors will also have the opportunity to taste traditional meals prepared during the event.
Other participating organisations include CRDB Bank Plc, Alliance Française, the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA), the Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA), Kayingi Arts, Chamwino Connect, Uswazi Born Talent, East Africa Protocol Services (EAPS), Innovative Development for Future Generation (IDFG), the Tanzania Film Board, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, MDACHI Tech, Tanzania Police Force through the Gender and Children's Desk, Master Tents, the Tanzania Performing Arts Association (SHISAMA), Arterial Network Tanzania, and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB).
These organisations will provide various services and educational programmes throughout the festival.
Naamala encouraged Tanzanians from all regions to attend the event, noting that Dodoma is now easily accessible through the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), making travel from Dar es Salaam and other parts of the country more convenient.
"We warmly welcome everyone from across Tanzania and beyond to come and experience the unique Cigogo culture and enjoy the many activities taking place here at Chamwino Arts Centre," He said.
Meanwhile, the Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Rosemary Senyamule, who will serve as the guest of honour during the official opening, has commended Chamwino Arts Centre for organising a festival that continues to attract visitors from different countries to experience Cigogo culture firsthand.
He said the growing international participation demonstrates the festival's important role in promoting Tanzania's cultural tourism and showcasing the country's rich traditions to the world.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve Tanzania's cultural heritage while contributing to tourism growth and economic development.
No comments:
Post a Comment