Chances are high that you are already in holiday mode right now. You could even be looking for ways to have fun – t’is the season to be jolly after all. We see you rack your brains, and we have two words for you: PAWA Festival.
On Sunday, 20th December, from 10.00am to 10.00pm, PAWA Festival will take over Nairobi, in a street Festival to be held at Koinange Street, between Tubman Road and Banda Street. And it couldn’t have come at a better time.
PAWA Festival is an annual street festival, showcasing socially conscious East African Art, Music and Creativity. It will act as a platform for innovative young artists to showcase their creative genius though visual and performance quality pieces including: public installations; film screenings; photography exhibitions; music; poetry; and literary readings.
There are a number of festivals in Nairobi, but few (or none) are open to the public, which is always a restricting factor that prevents others who would be interested in taking part, from attending them. In an attempt to reach new audiences, mainly emerging artists and art enthusiasts, and to provide a public space where diverse art forms can be accessed PAWA Festival focused on inclusivity.
This Festival is borne out of the Art in the Streets showcase that took place in 2013 along Tom Mboya Street. It will include Musical performances, the Governor’s Desk, Photography exhibition, Street Film Screenings, Live Installations, Dialogues and workshops on social accountability issues and select vendors.
This is the inaugural edition of the PAWA FESTIVAL and it is free as a treat for everyone. Anyone who wants a chance to experience the power of Art cannot therefore afford to miss this.
The Festival will feature Makadem, Sarabi Band, Giovanni, Lamebrain, Teardrops, Sali Oyugi, Octave Band, Zikki Band, Valentine Ziki, Checkmate Mido, Fadhili Itulya, Idd Aziz and Blinky Bill. Visual Artists will include Faith Wanjala, Nancy Cherwon, Salim Busuru, Nancy Tind, Clavers Odhiambo and Alexa, with Dance by Art and Abolition and Street Dance Kenya.
What’s more, it will also be a fun family day out. What with the children’s corner, the magic tricks performed by Sebastien the Magician, the bouncing castle and live spoken word pieces performed by Grace Wangari? There will be non-stop music courtesy of dedicated DJ line-up lead by Santuri Safari.
The MC during the Festival will be Obinna.
