Ubumuntu Arts Festival Set to Inspire Resilience and Hope with “Overcoming, Dare to Dream” Theme

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

Kigali, Rwanda — As the highly anticipated Ubumuntu Arts Festival prepares to launch soon, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and optimism. Celebrated for its dedication to using art as a platform for societal reflection, healing, and dialogue, this year’s edition promises to be more meaningful than ever, centered around the powerful theme: “Overcoming, dare to dream.”

Although the festival officially begins in the coming days, organizers and participants have shared compelling insights into what visitors can expect, highlighting the significance of hope, resilience, and mental health awareness that underpin this year’s program.

A Reflection on Overcoming and Dreaming Again

Festival founder and curator Hope Azeda opened up about how the theme emerged from her personal journey. “The journey to this 10th edition has been quite a ride—full of challenges, moments of doubt, but also hope,” Azeda explained. “This theme came from a place of deep reflection—how do we continue to dream when faced with adversity? How do we overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable?”

She emphasized that the festival is more than just performances; it’s a platform for truth and collective healing. “It’s about reconnecting with our inner child — that space of innocence and hope. When we dare to dream again, despite difficulties, we create room for transformation, both personally and as communities,” Azeda added. “We want this festival to remind everyone that hope and resilience are possible even in tough times.”

Focusing on Mental Health — A New Starter

One of the notable additions this year is the emphasis on mental health, reflecting the growing recognition of its importance in the arts community. Brian Geza, Stage and Tech Team Manager, shared his insights on why mental health is now a key part of the festival’s agenda.

“Artists are often the society’s healers,” Geza noted. “We bring hope and address societal issues through our work. But behind the scenes, many of us face personal struggles—depression, anxiety, substance abuse—which aren’t talked about enough. That’s why we decided to incorporate a mental health day into this year’s festival.”

He explained that the mental health segment is designed to be a safe space for artists and attendees to speak openly about their struggles. “This initiative aims to foster honesty, vulnerability, and peer support, so that we can truly care for the well-being of our creative community,” Geza said. “When artists prioritize their mental health, it amplifies the power of their messages and helps sustain their ability to inspire hope.”

Looking Ahead to a Transformative Week

As the festival draws near, organizers are hopeful that the combination of inspiring performances, meaningful dialogues, and mental health initiatives will make this edition a landmark in using art for societal healing.

“This is an opportunity for us to come together and dare to dream again,” Azeda concluded. “Art has the remarkable ability to challenge, to heal, and to unite. We are excited to open doors to new conversations, new visions, and new hopes.”

The Ubumuntu Arts Festival will run throughout the week, featuring local and international artists, panel discussions, community activities, and special initiatives focused on resilience and mental well-being.