Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel will headline the newly launched Talanta East Afrika Festival, a regional cultural showcase set to tour three East African cities in May 2026.
The Jamaican star, whose music enjoys a strong following in Kenya, will lead the lineup as the festival makes stops in Kampala, Kigali and Nairobi.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during a press conference in Nairobi.
Regional Cultural Showcase
Organisers described the Talanta East Afrika Festival as a cross-border platform aimed at celebrating the region’s music, fashion, cuisine and artistic expression. The event also seeks to position East Africa as a growing force in the global live entertainment industry.
Tour Dates and Venues
The regional tour will kick off on May 1, 2026, in Kampala at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
It will then head to Kigali on May 2, 2026, at BK Arena.
The final leg of the tour will be held in Nairobi on May 8, 2026, at Laureate Gardens.
Born Adidja Azim Palmer, Vybz Kartel has cemented his status as one of dancehall’s most influential figures, with a global fan base and a catalogue of hits that continue to shape the genre.
