The Pan-African Dance Festival (FESPAD), a biennial cultural event is holding in Kigali, Rwanda capital.
The festival opened on Monday at Amahoro National Stadium in Remera.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s festival will be a local affair.
Julienne Uwacu , Rwanda’s Minister of Sports and Culture told journalists that the idea of having only local artistes perform was part of efforts to support and promote artistes, and the music industry.
He added that after the opening ceremony, the festival would proceed to other districts in Rwanda.
The districts include Kayonza in eastern Rwanda, Musanze in northern, Rusizi in western and Nyanza in southern Rwanda.
The launch ceremony was held along with Rwanda’s national harvest day, locally called Umuganura and to be followed by a concert.
However, some people are still wondering whether the festival will attract as many people as previous festivals, which were graced by international stars.
The week-long festival will attract 14 countries from across the continent celebrating Africa’s unique cultures under the theme “Culture, the cornerstone of development”.
The late South African reggae musician, Lucky Dube, American singer and Grammy Award winner , Lauryn Hill and Nigeria’s Ice Prince, were among some of the international musicians who have performed in past festivals.
The last time the festival took place was in 2013.