Sanaa Blast Festival returns with a bang, attracts many
By Mercy Machange, Communication and Information Office,
The University of Dar es Salaam through its Department of Creative Arts of the College of Humanities held its much anticipated Sanaa Blast festival that attracted a huge audience to watch university students’ talents, enjoy entertainment and performances.
The festival, which was held on 11th and 12th June this year, at the UDSM Hill Park area, provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their excellent talents in various artistic genres namely singing, theatre and traditional dances (ngoma).
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Prof. Bernadeta Killian, who was the guest of honor at this event said she was pleased that the festival happened again this year, and that it was in line with the University of Dar es Salaam Vision 2061 which aims at making our esteemed institution a world-class university.
“The University of Dar es Salaam shall continue supporting this important event by allocating funds to help in the organization of this festival annually; this is indeed not only a festival for talents but also for academics”, said Prof. Killian.
The Principal of the College of Humanities, Dr. Rose Upor insisted that the Arts is an important profession as it enhances creativity and offers employment especially to the youth.
“Therefore, I encourage students to hone their skills and that they work towards the growth of the professionalization of the Arts in Tanzania”, said Dr. Upor.
The Head the Department of Creative Arts, Dr. Kedmon Mapana thanked the University of Dar es Salaam and the government for giving arts a priority, and hence support more such academic and arts activities to reach the required quality.
“In the past, Arts was equated to hooliganism. But, currently we see the value given to Arts, and many now consider it as an academic discipline as others”, explained Dr. Mapana.
In this festival, more than 300 students had an opportunity to showcase their different artistic genres and those who excelled scooped various awards.