Storymoja Hay Festival Returns: Waza Dunia

This year’s International Hay Festival is themed “Imagine the World” (Waza Dunia). It’s notable that Nairobi’s Hay Fest is the only one in Africa and arguably the biggest literary event in East and Central Africa. Marking its fifth edition, the fest at the Nairobi National Museum, will be full of art, literature, music and poetry lovers this September (19^th- 22^nd). The four-day Fest is a celebration of “more than just books but stories that make us all tick—conversations about life. It gives us the freedom to talk about various issues and this year, we will delve into an imagination of a different world which we want,” notes Aleya Kassam producer of the Fest.

An impressive lineup of local and international writers, artists, musicians and thinkers are ready to awe, entertain, and engage with the audience. A cross section of Nairobi’s new and edgy artists already confirmed for Friday’s “Imagine the World Music Concert”. Neo soul and R&B singers: Mumala, Sage, Stan and Fena; afro fusion band Sarabi, rapper Jemedari and Sauti Academy’s debut girl group KIU will be among the carefully selected team of singers who will rock the crowd with their music.

Kenyan novelist, poet and scriptwriter Alexander Nderitu is setting international standards as a digital novelist and publisher. He will shed light on the fast-changing nature of the publishing of books, along with a selection of Kenya’s top bloggers.

The headlining cast at Hay Fest 2013 includes literary heavyweights from Nigeria Teju Cole and Atinuke, multiple-award-winning poets and writers Warsan Shire (Somalia), Mongane Wally Serote (South Africa) and Njeri Wangari (Kenya) and Dr Neal Hall (USA). “Most of these panelists attend conferences of thousands of people around the world, but at Nairobi’s Hay Fest—here’s your chance for an intimate opportunity to engage with them.” Says an enthusiastic Aleya.

Dr. Mshai Mwangola will be tracing her relationship with kangas; sharing stories inherited from her coastal culture in a talk dubbed, “Kangas – Past, Present and Future”. The audience will be invited to share their own kanga stories and enjoy the Kanga Fashion Show. Nairobi’s top beatbox performers and poets on the lineup will include Dissi, Samo, El Poet, Njora, Abu Sense, Teardrops, Alostchildsoul, Raya, Namatsi, Nzilani, Gcho Pevu, Checkmate, Kennet B, Asali, Ngatia and H_ART the Band.

Founded in 2008 The Storymoja Hay Festival is organized in collaboration with Storymoja and the Hay Festival (UK). “It’s hard to summarize on what most is exciting this year but the Romance Series by Story Moja should be exciting,” beams Aleya. A Wangari Maathai Memorial Lecture at the Louis Leakey auditorium on Saturday, delivered by Dr Mukesh Kapila will be among myriad activities ready for your discovery. Note that tickets give access to over 100 events over four days - workshops, performances, debates, discussions, exhibitions and fun stuff for children.

Hay festival adult tickets: KES 1000 (day)/ KES 1500 (seasonal), student tickets: KES 500 (day)/KES 1000 (seasonal). For full info of the program, visit www.storymojahayfestival.com. Tickets available at www.ticketsasa.com

 

Writer: Anyiko Owoko