Local artistes have been invited to grace the annual East African Performing Arts Market, (DOA DOA) festival.

François-Xavier Ngarambe and Strong Voice band will join 12 other acts at the fourth edition of DOA DOA that will take place in Jinja, Uganda, from May 6-9.

The event, which has been graced before by Rwandan artistes Mani Martin and Christopher Muneza, brings together regional and international people in the performing arts.

Phillip Masembe, the media coordinator of the festival, said, "We’re trying to sell the East African talent to festival organisers. If an organiser is interested in the act, they can book them.”

"We are very delighted by the invitation to take part in this year’s festival. It’s a platform for the local artistes to network with the other artistes from across Africa,” said Masembe.

The Rwandan singers are scheduled to perform on Thursday, May 7.

The festival is steadily becoming a regional hub for every industry professional with artistic showcases, conferences, exhibitions, workshops and networking sessions.

DOA DOA was created as a partnership between the major stakeholders in the region – Bayimba International Festival of the Arts in Uganda, Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar, Sawa Sawa Festival in Kenya, KigaliUp in Rwanda, Caravan Records in Tanzania, Ketebul Music and Kenya Music Week in Kenya, and Selam Music and Jazzamba in Ethiopia.