Renowned Kenyan gospel musician, author, and presidential aspirant Mwalimu Reuben Kigame is among the distinguished guests at the Inganji Festival 2026 in Burundi.
Accompanied by his wife, Julie Kigame, he is participating in the week-long celebration as a special guest, contributing to conversations on the growth of music, visual arts, and Christian cinema within a faith-based context.
Speaking upon his arrival, Mwalimu Kigame expressed his excitement at returning to the festival for a second time, saying, “I’m very excited to be here for the second time. I’m looking forward to the expression of talent, the expression of culture, and the promotion of peace. We also want to unite East Africa through a time of music and worship.”
Throughout the festival, Mwalimu Kigame’s engagements include ministering at a worship concert, participating in a music and arts business expo, facilitating a gospel artists’ workshop, attending the festival gala, taking part in the Inganji cultural tour, and conducting individual mentorship sessions for emerging creatives.
Theme for 2026 Inganji Festival
This year’s festival explores the role of the arts in promoting peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion, bringing together participants from across East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi.
During his sessions, Mwalimu Kigame shared his music alongside his wife and musicians drawn from the participating nations.
He also delivered his personal testimony and emphasized the importance of using the arts, culture, language, and collaborative social and political engagement as tools for strengthening East African integration.
The festival’s opening worship concert, held on Sunday at Église Vivante, attracted an estimated 10,000 worshippers. Mwalimu Kigame shared the stage with celebrated gospel ministers from across the region, including Rehema Simfukwe (Tanzania), Pappy Clever & Dorcas (Rwanda), Pastor Eric Kionga (DR Congo), and Burundi’s Maya Ziyemana, Christian Irimbere, Dorothée Wendo, and Bienvenue, showcasing the rich diversity and unity of East African gospel music.
The Inganji Festival continues to serve as a platform for inspiring excellence in the arts while fostering spiritual growth, regional collaboration, and lasting peace through creative expression.
The festival began on 5th June and will end on 15th June.
