Macondo Baraza

This year, the Macondo Baraza presents a journey through the senses. Experience the arts of the

Swahili world – through the lens of the people, culture, and places associated it.

We explore the Arts as Chronicles – a palimpsest of the Past

… and the Arts as Currents – moving us through the Present into the Future…

Team: Mshai Mwangola and Patricia Wangari Otieno

Saturday Schedule

10:30 – 11:00 am — Habari gani?
We begin together with a community reading and discussion of the day’s newspaper.
11:00 – 11:15 am — Macondo Baraza 2025
An introduction to what to expect from the Baraza this year, led by the hosts.
**11:15 – 12:15 pm — The Art of Music I: Music as Archive – Zilizopendwa!
**Taarab, bango, rhumba, chakacha, and more. What was the soundscape of your childhood? This session journeys into the musical archives that shaped our collective memory.
12:45 – 1:45 pm — The Art of Food: The Joy of Biryani!
A sensory exploration of tastes, smells, recipes, and histories of Swahili cuisine. Mtapenda! Guided by Faith Mwero.
2:30 – 4:30 pm — The Art of Literature
A deep dive into contemporary performance poetry in Swahili, featuring Dorphanage, Phibian Riziki, and Mwalimu Mutisya.
5:00 – 6:00 pm — Sounds of the 2025 Macondo Baraza
Help curate this year’s Macondo Baraza playlist. “Shughuli ni watu…”

Sunday Schedule

11:00 – 11:30 am — Habari gani?
We begin the day together with a community reading and discussion of the newspaper.
11:00 – 11:15 am — Macondo Baraza 2025
An introduction to what to expect from today’s Baraza, led by the hosts.
11:30 – 12:45 pm — The Art of Music II: Music as Journal – Twasemaje?
“…and the beat goes on…” Exploring the musical legacies we are creating today for future generations.
12:45 – 1:45 pm — The Art of Film: Kiwandeo in Lamu
Imagining cinematic futures for the Coast with Omar Kibulanga.
2:30 – 4:30 pm — Focus on the Swahili Coast: Lamu Tamu
The ancient city-state of Lamu, historical home of Swahili literature. Together we ask: what might a “Literary Lamu” experience feature? Co-curated with Caroline Kagendo and Omar Kibulanga.
5:00 – 6:00 pm — Sounds of the 2025 Macondo Baraza
A celebration of the 2025 playlist. “…na watu ni nyinyi!”