For a long time Kenya’s creative industry has been put on the sidelines despite its huge contribution to the economy. Society has always frown upon the creative arts as a waste of time with most of the attention focused on the sciences as the backbone of the country’s development. Despite this the creative industry contributes in a big way to the country’s GDP and offers a lot of employment opportunities. Industries such as music, film and visual art have led the way in making a name for Kenya globally and it was about time we began celebrating the creative arts at home.
Sondeka Festival is East Africa’s, and Kenya’s, first creative festival focused on celebrating creatives in the country. This year it will be happening at the Ngong Racecourse between the 18th and the 20th and promises a lot of fun filled activities and incredible performances.
The line up include Kenyan acts like Sarabi, H_ART the Band, Checkmate Mido, Dj D Lite, Dira the Band, Dove Slimm, Parking Lot Grass, among many others. One of the most iconic Kenyan bands, Them Mushrooms, will also be making a return to the stage and it is one of those moments you wouldn’t want to miss.
Other than the entertainment, the other main activity will be the competition between teams of creatives who will be working to create a master piece in 48 hours. There’s a group of painters, another of visual artists and one with fashion designers. This is meant as way to show the public about the creative process and what goes into making a piece of art.
Lastly, you have a chance to attend various workshops on photography, film, music, the creative economy, yoga and blogging.
Tickets can be bought on Ticketsasa here.