The Embassy of Sweden in Uganda, in partnership with Swedish cultural organization Selam, has today welcomed a group of Swedish artists to Uganda for a two-day visit during which they will participate in various activities aimed at fostering cultural exchange and artistic freedom in Uganda, climaxed by an exclusive concert that will showcase a fusion of hip hop and jazz.
The Swedish artists delegation was led by renowned rapper Jason Diakité aka Timbuktu, accompanied by the MASAKA trio jazz band and Esther Kirabo. They will collaborate with Ugandan rapper and record producer Navio and Selam’s national partner Pearlwood on different activities including a workshops and live performances while in Uganda.
Highlights of their visit include an engagement at Makerere University in Kampala where Timbuktu will do a small performance with Navio and sign the Orange Pledge as a commitment to act against Gender-based Violence. UN Women and UNFPA are the Embassy’s partners for this activity, in addition to the Gender-Mainstreaming Directorate of Makerere University.
Additionally, Selam will host a roundtable discussion in collaboration with Pearlwood to present the new Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) initiative to key Ugandan stakeholders and to create a platform for policy dialogue around the challenges and opportunities of securing public funding for the culture sector in Uganda. The Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) initiative, a joint venture between Selam and the African Union (AU), is dedicated to transforming the cultural and creative landscape of Africa. This pioneering project aims to reshape perceptions, advocate for increased public investment, and promote inclusivity within the continent’s diverse cultural expressions.
According to Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda H.E. Maria Håkansson, culture is a driver of development, as the creative economy is one of the world’s most rapidly growing sectors. Culture also enables development in that it empowers people and can challenge us and inspire change.
She adds:
I am excited to welcome Selam along with Swedish artists Timbuktu, MASAKA Trio and Esther Kirabo to Uganda for two very full days. We all know that culture builds bridges and creates understanding. I hope that this week’s visit will contribute to a platform for dialogue and exchange between Swedish and Ugandan artists, civil society, media and policy makers on the potential of cultural and creative industries and the importance of artistic freedom, says H.E. Maria Håkansson.
Selam’s CEO and founder Teshome Wondimu:
We are excited to continue our efforts in Uganda and present our new initiative CfCA – Connect For Culture Africa, where we are advocating for increased public funding for the culture sector. On November 28, we join efforts with our national partner Pearlwood to organize a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities to access public funding for the culture sector in the country. We particularly look forward to meet a diverse group of culture actors to better understand the support needed to build a stronger and more unified culture sector in Uganda.
For Timbuktu, this will not be his first time on the continent:
I am grateful and happy to return to Africa in collaboration with Selam and for the first time together with Esther Kirabo and the MASAKA Trio. It is a kind of diasporic homecoming for us and a valuable opportunity to partake in culture and connect with the people of Kampala. Mother Africa, we are on our way from the cold north but we bring lots of love, vibes and music with us, says Timbuktu.
The visit is expected to strengthen the ties between the Swedish and Ugandan artistic communities, as well as raise awareness and advocacy on issues that affect both countries. The visit is also a celebration of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of both nations, and an opportunity to learn from each other.
