{"id":32,"date":"2026-03-05T09:42:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T09:42:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kampalatrends.com\/?p=32"},"modified":"2026-03-05T09:42:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T09:42:59","slug":"vybz-kartel-to-headline-the-talanta-festival-east-afrika-this-may","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kampalatrends.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/05\/vybz-kartel-to-headline-the-talanta-festival-east-afrika-this-may\/","title":{"rendered":"Vybz Kartel To Headline The Talanta Festival East Afrika This May"},"content":{"rendered":"
Talanta Festival East Afrika<\/a> has been launched in Kampala with Jamaican star Vybz Kartel set to headline the May 1 show before the festival tours Kenya and Rwanda with top East African artistes.<\/div>\n
\n
\n

A new regional music event, Talanta Festival East Afrika, has been launched in Kampala with organisers promising to create a global platform for East African talent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The festival was unveiled on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Tennis Court Restaurant in Lugogo, Kampala. The launch attracted artistes, DJs and entertainment media.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The main event will take place on May 1, 2026 at Lugogo Cricket Oval. Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel will headline the show alongside leading East African performers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Ugandan artistes expected to perform include Elijah Kitaka, Aaron X, Cindy Sanyu, DJ Litto, Etaniah and the DJ duo Roja & Slick Stuart. The festival is the brainchild of music producer and artiste manager George Kagoda (Bushingtone).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Speaking at the launch, emcee Edwin Katamba (MC Kats) said the idea was born after Kagoda questioned why East African artistes rarely appear at global festivals such as Summerfest, Coachella and Afro Nation. Kats said the region now needs its own global-scale event that can project East African music to the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Bushingtone said the festival aims to celebrate East African music, culture and heritage while building a strong regional entertainment market.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cWe pray we bring reality to this dream,\u201d he said. \u201cWe feel the market is big but as East African creatives we have failed to utilise it because we are always seeking validation from other regions.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

He said the concept was inspired by platforms in other parts of the world that promote their own artistes. He noted that even successful artistes such as Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz still struggle for global validation despite their influence in Africa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n