The second edition of Ubumuntu Arts Festival is slated to kick off on July 14 to 17 at the outdoor amphi theatre of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Gisozi.

The four-day event will feature various activities and performances like songs, theatre and dance, covering various topics like genocide, conflict, and violence, with the aim of fostering dialogue to prevent crimes against humanity.

According to Hope Azeda, the brain behind the initiative, this year’s edition will attract several people from across the world and activities have been increased to give a platform to the voices of children and women.

"The second edition of the festival will be bigger and better because we have added two more days that we believe will bring about the opportunity for young people and women to be part of this festival. These two exceptional days have been added and dedicated to children and our beloved mothers,” Azeda said.

Azeda believes that the impact of last year’s festival was huge and they are compelled to address the issues that face humanity.

"We are basically attracting people who do almost similar things that we do. People who are doing social justice work, those who are creating art to make this world a better place and empowering their communities,” she said when asked about why she invited people from Cambodia, Iraq and Iran, countries that are known for unrest.

The festival will attract over 70 artistes from 21 different countries, using their performances to address humanity and peace.

Empowering the young

Another essential part of this festival is to empower young people. Mokhalled Rasem, the Director of Toneelhuis, a theatre in Belgium, and Assistant Director, Lore Uyttendaela, are some of the people making this happen.

The two have been tutoring the young, who, alongside a few artistes, will stage a play during the festival.

"We believe young people are the future of tomorrow and this is why we are definitely working together to enhance their art skills,” said Rasem, who will also stage a play dubbed ‘Body Revolution’ that depicts the story of the violence in Iraq.

Azeda concurs, saying that young people are believed to change things in one way or another.

"Young people can do good or bad, they are the ones who were manipulated to kill, but if we can empower them to think as positive and visionary people through art, and then create art and music that will build them as human beings, we’ll have empowered the whole community,” she said.

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