By Matilda Atieno
The second edition of the Kisuma Arts and Cultural Festival wrapped up successfully after the County Department of Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs held auditions in every Sub-County for the one-day showcase of the best cultural and contemporary performances from residents.
Every year, Kisumu County plays host to the Kisuma Arts and Culture Festival, a celebration of all things Luo culture, with this year’s edition kicking off with sub-county auditions for the selection of the best of the best to perform in the upcoming grand finale FESTAC event starting 20th to 26th of May 2024 in Kisumu.
The festival wrapped up its 2nd edition with auditions that featured musical, dance, arts, crafts, culture, and culinary art performances that started with Muhoroni, Nyakach, Nyando, Kadibo, Seme Kisumu West, Kisumu East and eventually wrapped up in Kisumu Central. The auditions presented 3 participants in each Sub-County who emerged the best in all categories.
Residents from all over the County joined in for the annual celebration as organizers say it was the biggest cultural festival in the port city on the shores of Lake Victoria. According to the judges, Kisumu Central, Seme and Nyando Sub-Counties proved to be the most vibrant sub-counties in their performance.
The festival-themed “Nature Grassroots Talent! Inspire Economic Growth” was accompanied by a full day of performances from participants in each sub-county. Professional performers shared the stage with members of the community who joined in the celebration of everything musical and dance and a celebration of all things food, and craft.
The County Minister for Gender and Culture, Hon. Beatrice Odongo, lauded the active participation of Kisumu residents noting that the event attracted thousands of performers and revellers
“We registered a consistent number of attendances between 1000 to 2,000 people of all ages and backgrounds, including the elderly, on-site which was respectable and we’re quite pleased considering that we were a one-day event in every sub-county,” she said.
The County Director for Gender and Culture Nancy Wasama stated that the annual Festival offered wholesome fun for the residents. She also acknowledged all the contributors, participants, organizers and volunteers for their efforts to make the event a huge success.
Until the first edition in 2023, the cultural festival was an important initiative to boost cultural relations in this vital sector in Kisumu.
