Nairobi to host major dance festival
Artist Djeli Madou Kone.
Arrangements are in full gear for a three-day professional festival to be held in Nairobi next month. Dubbed the ‘Dance Life Festival 2025’, it will run from July 4 to 6.
According to the organisers, for the very first time, they will present a public site-specific performance on the streets of Nairobi – at the Hilton Square in the Central Business District. This is one of the city’s busiest pedestrian intersections, making it an ideal spot for such an event.
Speaking to the Saturday Nation earlier this week, Ms Loi Awat, who is among the co-ordinators, said everything was in place.
“We have finalised most of the arrangements for hosting both the local and visiting artistes.“
She is also working with the festival director, Mr Adam Chienjo.
Ms Awat explained that the dance festival was devoted to nurturing the next generation of professional performers through a series of community-based dance workshops at Kangemi, Kibera, Jericho and other residential areas.
This year’s programme includes nine dance theatre performances of different genres, two artistes’ talks, and five dance workshops – all meant to contribute to a dynamic, city-wide celebration of dance.
Among the groups expected are Davilla Skynnor (Kenya), Pamoja Dance Group (Kenya), Leadinho Ankh Chukrani (DRC), Dancing Feet (Kenya), Tony ‘Tosedo’ Aguko (Kenya), Rabia Ngwache (Tanzania) and Friends of Hope (Uganda). The others are Alessandro Schiattarella (Switzerland) and Alan Alpenfelt (Switzerland).
Also expected is a special concert by MMadou & Doucoura, an acclaimed acoustic trio from Mali led by the master percussionist Djeli Mahamadou Kone. Notably, Djeli has toured globally for over 20 years with other celebrated artistes such as Bassekou Kouyaté Habib Koité and Toumani Diabaté. Madou & Doucoura will blend traditional Malian instruments (the tamani, balafon, n’goni, and doundoun) with contemporary beats.
There will also be dance workshops from 9am-5pm. The highlights include Action to Creation workshop led by Leadinho Ankh Chukrani that is set for Kayole Social Hall (June 21 and June 22).
The Fundamental Freedom Dance led by Charlotte Schioler will be at Artzone Studios on Baricho Road (June 27).
And Mixed Ability Masterclass led by Alessandro Schiattarella will be at Goethe Institute Nairobi (July 3).
The organisers also intend to have diversity, giving centre stage to a wide spectrum of choreographic voices. There will be a deliberate inclusion of women choreographers, people with disability and artistes from indigenous communities.
The Dance Life Festival, arguably one of Kenya’s largest annual dance showcases, was founded in 2020 to elevate East African choreographic talent, and foster global collaborations.
Under Upstage Limited, it is proudly supported by Africalia Belgium, Goethe Institute Kenya, Pro Helvetia, and Urgent Africa, with the City of Basel sponsoring a Swiss artiste in this year’s edition.