MaKuYa Traditional Dance and Drumming Festival of Southeastern Tanzania

The Mtwara region of Tanzania contains a rich and unique tradition of performing arts among the Makonde, Makua and Yao tribes. Because of Mtwara’s isolation many traditional dances have not yet been lost to modern trends, until now. With development, radios and televisions are making their way into rural Mtwara, and many people are being drawn into current modern trends of music and fashion, abandoning their interest in traditional dance and music. But there are some who still treasure it and wish to perform, and many village elders see the value of preserving it and wish to serve as advisors to young performers.


Because of the immediate risk of loosing these cultural treasures forever and the social (and economic) value in preserving and promoting them, ADEA, (the center for African Development Through Economics and Arts – a Mtwara NGO established in 2003) is launching the MaKuYa performing and cultural arts festival. The purpose of this festival is the perpetuation, preservation and promotion of the traditional dances and culture of the Mtwara region.


The long term vision of this festival is annual event that will include art exhibits, craft fairs, demonstration, performances, parades and competitions.* Such an event is needed urgently in Mtwara to promote, encourage, and document these traditional treasures that are at risk of being lost forever.


ADEA has selected fifteen groups from throughout the region to perform at our first festival scheduled for August 29-30 2008. Thanks to the generous contribution of Switzerland, the Finish government, Artumas Natural Gas Co., and the German Embassy this event will happen. If you have questions or are a potential donor for future festivals please contact us at +255.787.726918-9 or makuyafestival@gmail.com


Thanks you for your interest and support,

The MaKuYa Team – Douglas, Dominic and Philipo (and all the performers)

[ Special thanks to Lee Long and Maaika for the photographs]

*The model for MaKuYa came from the Merry Monarch Festival of Hawaii which 45 years ago was launched to save and revive the traditional dance and culture of the Hawaiian people. Their festival continues to thrive as the number one tourist event of the Hawaiian Islands.