Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule is expected to officially open the 17th Cigogo Music Festival on July 25, 2026, as Chamwino Arts Centre (CAC) continues efforts to promote Tanzania’s cultural heritage and creative industries.
The three-day festival, scheduled to take place from July 24 to 26, 2026, at Chamwino Ikulu in Dodoma, will bring together artists, cultural groups, institutions and visitors from Tanzania and abroad to celebrate traditional music, dance and indigenous practices.
Speaking to journalists, CAC Executive Director Naamala Samson said preparations for the festival had been completed, with the centre ready to host thousands of visitors expected to attend the annual cultural event.
Naamala said the 17th edition of the Cigogo Music Festival represents a major milestone in CAC’s mission to preserve and promote Cigogo traditions while showcasing Tanzania’s diverse cultural identity.
“We are delighted to celebrate the 17th Cigogo Cultural Music Festival. We warmly invite all Tanzanians to visit Chamwino Arts Centre and experience the richness of our traditions and cultural heritage,” he said.
He said the festival will feature traditional dance performances representing different communities across Tanzania, providing a platform to preserve indigenous customs and promote cultural exchange.
Apart from music and dance, visitors will participate in exhibitions of traditional foods and a cooking competition where participants will prepare indigenous dishes for judges and festival attendees.
Naamala explained that the festival has attracted various development partners and institutions that will provide public education and awareness programmes during the event.
Among the participating institutions is the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), which will promote clean cooking solutions through demonstrations of modern electric cooking appliances and education on the benefits of clean energy.
He said winners of the traditional cooking competition using clean cooking technology will receive electric cookers as prizes, while visitors will have an opportunity to taste traditional meals prepared during the festival.
Other organisations participating in the festival include CRDB Bank Plc, Alliance Française, the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA), the Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA), Kayingi Arts, Chamwino Connect, Uswazi Born Talent, East Africa Protocol Services (EAPS), Innovative Development for Future Generation (IDFG), Tanzania Film Board, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, MDACHI Tech, Tanzania Police Force through the Gender and Children’s Desk, Master Tents, Tanzania Performing Arts Association (SHISAMA), Arterial Network Tanzania, and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB).
The institutions will provide different services, exhibitions and educational programmes aimed at benefiting festival participants.
Naamala encouraged Tanzanians from across the country to attend the event, noting that improved transport links, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), have made Dodoma more accessible for visitors travelling from Dar es Salaam and other regions.
“We warmly welcome everyone from across Tanzania and beyond to come and experience the unique Cigogo culture and enjoy the many activities taking place here at Chamwino Arts Centre,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senyamule, who will be the guest of honour at the official opening ceremony, commended CAC for organising a festival that continues to attract local and international visitors.
She said the increasing participation of people from different countries highlights the role of the Cigogo Festival in promoting cultural tourism and presenting Tanzania’s traditions to the global audience.
Senyamule reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives that preserve national heritage while creating opportunities for tourism growth, employment and economic development.
