The Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, has officially declared the Central Music Festival as a national Cultural event on the commission’s cultural event calendar. This recognition underscores the festival’s importance in promoting cultural diversity and musical talent within the country.

Central Province has made history by being the first province to establish a Music Association in partnership with the National Cultural Commission. This collaboration aims to provide essential support and opportunities for the abundance of talented musicians across the nation.

Mr. Kilanda expressed his admiration and gratitude towards the Central Music Association (CMA) and the residents of Central Province for spearheading this groundbreaking initiative. He emphasizes the pivotal role of such a platform in naturing and showcasing the country’s rich artistic heritage.

The Central Music Festival, besides being a celebration of music, holds vast potential to stimulate economic growth. By enhancing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and attracting tourists, the festival can contribute significantly to local economies. Furthermore, by fostering a vibrant cultural scene, it can also address societal challenges such as law and order issues.

Encouraged by the success of the Central Province initiative, Mr. Kilanda urged other Provincial Governments across the country to follow this initiative. Establishing similar platforms would not only support local artists and musicians but also contribute to the cultural enrichment of the entire nation.

Mr. Kilanda said, “We cannot go and support musicians individually, we want them to create a platform like this, we want them to come together and form an association and that’s what Central Province has done.” He said, “The Central Music Festival is not only a music festival, but also a platform to drive other development agendas in this province.

The certificate that will be presented is not just a certificate of recognition but a project that is given to the people of Central Province. One day this project will change the prescription of this.” The recognition of the Central Music Festival as a national cultural event marks a significant milestone in the country’s cultural landscape. It highlights the importance of collaboration between government bodies and local communities in promoting and preserving cultural heritage.

Mr. Kilanda made a generous contribution to the Central Music Association. He presented a cheque worth K30,000.00 to the association, intending for them to use it to purchase their sound system. This financial support serves as a starting point for the association to establish itself and build its resources. With their sound system, the association can now host events and showcase local talent more effectively.

This contribution underscores the commitment of the National Cultural Commission to empower the initiative and support the growth of the cultural sector. Mr. Kilanda urged the leaders and people of Central Province to stand behind the Central Provincial Government and the Central Music Association to drive this initiative forward.