Now gearing towards it’s 12th edition, festival goers with a feel for music can be keen to start their Koroga experience this Sunday at the Arboretum Gardens from 12pm. Being a bi-monthly music and arts festival, claimed to have been sold-out during its 11th edition, you’ve probably heard of the event one or twice. ‘Koroga’ is a Swahili word for “mix,” showing itself as great reflection of Kenya’s brilliant and diverse local talent, whilst also attracting leading artists from all over the world through music, fashion, food and arts.
Previous acts include Sauti Sol, Mayonde and Juliani. If you already feel bad for missing those performances, you can always make up for lost ‘Koroga’ time, and what a great period to start with International Jazz legend Manu Dibango headlining Koroga Festival this Sunday. Credited with starting the rich and spirited conversations between jazz and African styles of music, Dibango is a living legend with a music career that has been around for more than five decades and has fifty five albums to his name.
The relaxing Sunday afternoon packed with of food, friends, fashion, and fun will also see June Gachui and Edward Parseen & the Different Faces Band as some of the entertainers of the event. June sings with her entire being, with soul and doesn’t hold anything back when she is on stage. Her love affair with music, theatre and the arts is no secret and those who have listened to and watched her perform can attest to that. While Edward Parseen and the Different Faces Band are a popular fixture on the Kenyan jazz scene, attracting a loyal following wherever they go.
Men and women alike, (but mostly women) can unleash their outfits, dresses, rompers, kimonos and kaftans for the big day. Koroga Festival screams fashion. Throughout several Koraga Fests those in attendance have time and again reinvented themselves fashion wise, and this time around it’s hardly any different.
The event still provides an element of family, so you need not leave your children home when they can enjoy their own little kiddies section where they can have some fun. From trampoline to bouncing castles to face painting, your kid may just end up having more fun than you. If that doesn’t encourage you to bring them along, you’d be happy to know that entry for those younger than 12 is absolutely free of charge!
Tickets are going for KSh 2,000 on Ticketsasa and you’re encouraged to buy yours in advance. While food and drinks are strictly prohibited when entering, there will be plenty to make up for at the event. So for those who like a drink in their hands while dancing, you’re assured to have a blast.