Africa-Press – Tanzania. FORMER President Jakaya Kikwete has commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government for promoting Arts, Culture and Sports in the country.
Speaking in Bagamoyo during the closing ceremony of the 40th Arts and Culture festival, Kikwete said arts and culture sector has played a vital role in providing employment to youths while also protecting and preserving the country’s cultural heritage. He issued these remarks at TASUBA grounds saying a person who does not respect his culture resembles to a slave.
“When we have these festivals we also promote our culture and traditions that we have been embracing since the nation’s first President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. “Anyone who does not respect his culture is a slave … Mwalimu Nyerere established this ministry intending to protect and preserve Tanzanian culture. It is crucial to preserve culture as it carries the National identity of a particular country.” The festival commenced on Thursday was graced by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Sports, Innocent Bashungwa and his deputy Paulina Gekul and Permanent Secretary Hassan Abbasi.
It was a three-day festival and reached its climax yesterday in the break of the day. Apart from hailing the government’s commitment in developing the sector, the former President also commended the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Sports and TASUBA for successfully organising the global level festival.
He expressed his expectations for the following year’s festival to be even greater than this.
“I am so lucky to be in Bagamoyo, as I was born and grew up here. I spoke with the Deputy Minister and told her this place would have been more beautiful if the people who came to witness this big festival had been seated; they would have much enjoyed the festival. I believe this goal will be achieved in the future. I congratulate all those who organised this festival; I salute them for the excellent work; it has been a success. I congratulate all the artists who participated because their presence in this event has brought enjoyment to the people of Bagamoyo.” The Deputy Minister also thanked the guest of honour, former President Kikwete, for his appearance at the festival.
After the speech from the former President, performed on the stage was Nikki wa Pili together with his crew ‘Weusi’. It was such an entertaining night that Bagamoyo residents and others from different parts of Tanzania enjoyed watching at TASUBA ground.
The crowd sang and danced together with the artists while cheering with a lot of energy. Among the most exciting performances at the festival, was the battle for stage supremacy between Dulla Makabila and Sholo Mwamba. Both artists gave an excellent performance and moved the hearts of the audience.
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