10/02/2025
Building a Sustainable African Festival Circuit: Lessons from Addis Jazz Festival
I had the privilege of participating in the Addis Jazz Talk, a side event of this year’s Addis Jazz Festival, where festival organizers from Eastern and Southern Africa gathered for an insightful roundtable discussion: "Building African Festival Circuit Collaboration for Sustainability."
One of the key takeaways from our exchange was the pressing need to reduce reliance on sponsors and advocate for greater government support in sustaining music festivals. We also explored the potential of a Pan-African network—a platform for sharing resources, fostering collaborations, and strengthening the festival ecosystem across the continent.
Beyond being platforms for showcasing talent, festivals play a crucial role in promoting countries, supporting local artists, and driving cultural exchange. By working together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable music ecosystem that benefits artists, audiences, and industry professionals alike.
Grateful to have shared this space with inspiring voices from across the region and to the Southern Africa Arts – British Council & British Council Ethiopia for supporting these vital conversations. Thank you
