By Our Reporter
This year’s edition of the Pearl Rhythm Festival will take place on October 25th – 26th at the National Theatre gardens. To be held under the theme, Taking Turns with the Earth, this year’s festivities aim to uplift and celebrate culture within the context of a changing climate and environment.
Pearl Rhythm recognizes that art and culture exist in societal settings where environment and climate change are taking root and affecting the art and the artist. Moreover, artists are also contributing to environmental degradation, the release of emissions and other harmful impacts on the environment and long-term climate change.
This year’s edition will feature panel discussions around the environment and the role of art in protecting the environment. A one-day symposium on art, culture and environment dedicated to open discussions between artists, civil society, government officials and industry stakeholders on issues affecting the environment and the arts and ultimately changing our culture.
One of the big offerings will be the stage performances. Artistes Jajja Timo, Essie Omweshongozi, Haka Mukiga, Charles Obina, DJ Nach Mao, Tontoma Poetry Jazz Session and Kenneth Mugabi and a special international act between Germany and Uganda featuring a chorale performance in collaboration between two German artists and a Ugandan choir.
Hans-Kraus Hübner has composed a four-part voice chorale with Stefan Lienemann contributing to the lyrical content. Both artists reside in Altdorf (Germany) which is the partnering city for the Bridges project between Pearl Rhythm Foundation and Altdorf City. The chorale will have its world premiere performed by the Ugandan choir at the 2024 Pearl Rhythm Festival and later published in Altdorf.
The festival is organized by Pearl Rhythm Foundation (PRF), a Ugandan music and grassroots creative organization that was created to champion the cause of marketing and popularizing indigenous music and instruments through art with an aim of strengthening the music scene in Uganda while linking it to its original indigenous grassroots cultures.
This year’s edition is supported by Altdorf City and the Bridges program, The French Embassy, The German Embassy and UNCC.
