DAR ES SALAAM: “Peace and Humanity” has been chosen as the central theme for the sixth edition of the Marafiki Festival, a vibrant celebration connecting people through art and culture.
This year’s festival is set to unfold over four consecutive days, from Friday, November 20th, to Monday, November 23rd, spanning Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo.
Organized by Art for Social and Economic Development in Africa (ASEDEVA), Marafiki Festival is a showcase of African culture, featuring traditional music, dance, and performances from local artists who demonstrate their immense talent.
The festivities will kick off at The Slow Leopard in Dar es Salaam on November 20th, continue at Nafasi Arts Space from November 21st to 22nd, and conclude at Firefly in Bagamoyo for the final showpiece.
Briefing reporters in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, ASEDEVA Artistic Director Isack Abeneko emphasized that all events during the festival will promote the theme of Peace and Humanity. “We are deliberately advocating for Peace and Humanity knowing in advance that this is what we should all cherish about for the sake of enjoying life to the fullest.
Without Peace and Humanity, we cannot be able to develop and these are the two common values that we highly encourage at ASEDEVA together with all other stakeholders. As such, all artists and the activities that will brighten the festival will have a special message sensitizing Peace and Humanity,” he said.
Abeneko added that a total of 24 artistic groups from Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar will entertain audiences, while an additional performing group will travel from Namibia. Beyond fostering cultural expression, he noted, the festival also enhances economic activity.
“People who will come to be part of this event will definitely be in need of various products which will be supplied by vendors hence leading to the occurrence of economic cycle growth,” he said.
Abeneko also thanked the government, through the National Arts Council, for providing support and approving the event. Adding his voice, Ian Mwaisunga, Artistic Director at Muda Africa Contemporary Dance School, praised ASEDEVA for organizing Marafiki Festival, saying it strengthens social connections.
“In all the places where the event will take place, attendees, aside of enjoying what will be unfolding in front of them, they will also be making new friends which is essential in this world,” he said. Mwaisunga encouraged parents and guardians to allow their children to attend, highlighting that the festival could inspire future leaders in the arts and culture sector.
Among the performers, Dar es Salaam-based contemporary dancer Robia Ngwache expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity.
“These are the type of events that help us a lot to move forward and be known by many people since we do perform live to the audience…it is therefore a big platform for us,” she said, underscoring how live performance elevates artists’ visibility and professional growth. Festival entry fees have been structured to allow flexibility for audiences.
Those wishing to attend all four days will pay 60,000/-, three days 45,000/-, two days 30,000/-, and a single-day experience is priced at 15,000/-. Marafiki Festival 2025 promises more than entertainment; it is a convergence of art, culture, and community values.
With its deliberate focus on Peace and Humanity, the event not only showcases Africa’s artistic wealth but also fosters meaningful social connections, inspires future cultural leaders, and stimulates local economic activity.
For attendees, performers, and organizers alike, it is a festival where culture, creativity, and a sense of shared humanity come alive—proof that when art meets purpose, the impact resonates far beyond the stage.