Discussion Topic: The Mukuru Festival

1. Introduction

On October 29, 2024, the Mukuru Youth Initiative (MuYI) held its Coffee Bar Tuesday at MuYI Hub, bringing together Mukuru community members and youth for an insightful discussion about the Mukuru Festival. The event aimed to reflect on the festival’s role in the community, its highlights, and areas of potential improvement to enhance its impact and inclusivity.

2. Opening Question and Participant Responses

To initiate the discussion, participants were asked, “What do you know about the Mukuru Festival?” They highlighted the festival as a significant community event, emphasizing how it brings unity, showcases talent, celebrates Mukuru’s culture, and opens doors for networking among the youth. Many appreciated how it welcomes visitors from outside Mukuru, helping broaden the community’s visibility.

3. Participant Feedback: What They Love Most About the Festival

Participants shared what they enjoy most about the festival, with responses capturing a range of elements that make the event meaningful. Key points included:

• New Artist Performances: Seeing fresh talent take the stage brings excitement and keeps the festival dynamic.
• High Community Turnout: The strong support and turnout from the Mukuru community create a vibrant, energized atmosphere.
• Diversity and Unity: Many appreciated how the festival brings together diverse groups, promoting unity through shared experiences.
• Artist Recognition: The award ceremonies provide recognition for artists, giving them visibility and motivating them to grow.
• Support for Artists: Participants valued the festival’s supportive environment, which empowers local artists and creatives.
• Dance Performances: Dance acts on stage are a beloved highlight, adding to the festival’s entertainment value.
• Unique Fashion Sense: The style and fashion sense displayed by artists and attendees alike make the event visually captivating.
• Community Dialogues: Important topics discussed during the festival help foster community awareness and engagement.
• Visitor Participation: Visitors from outside Mukuru create a sense of pride and opportunity for the community to share its culture.
• Teamwork Among Organizers: The hard work and cooperation among organizers was widely appreciated and seen as key to the festival’s success.

4. Suggestions for Improvement

The participants provided constructive feedback on ways to further enhance the Mukuru Festival experience. Their suggestions included:

• Introduce a Color Festival: Adding a color-themed event could bring a new and vibrant element to the festival.
• Reintroduce Mr. and Miss Mukuru: Participants expressed interest in reviving the Mr. and Miss Mukuru event to celebrate diverse talent and personalities.
• Increase Artist Performances: Having more artists perform throughout the event was suggested to maintain high energy and engagement.
• Age-Restricted Hours: Being more strict with age restrictions, especially during late hours, to ensure the event remains appropriate for all.
• Organize an Artist March: A community march involving artists could increase visibility and hype leading up to the festival.
• Host a Cypher: Adding a rap cypher could engage local rappers and appeal to a younger audience.
• Enhanced Social Media Presence: Leveraging social media for more promotion and engagement would increase awareness and attract a broader audience.
• Partner with Beverage Companies: Collaborating with beverage brands could help with sponsorships and refreshment options.
• Simplify Voting for Awards: Simplifying the voting process for awards would make it more accessible and inclusive.
• Involve the Elderly: Including activities or roles for elderly members would make the festival more inclusive and community-centered.
• Alternative Main Event Location: Holding the main event at different locations could give variety and potentially increase accessibility.
• Improve Gala Scheduling: Choosing a more suitable day for the gala, likely a weekend, to increase turnout.
• Enhanced Stage Organization: Improving stage setup and artist scheduling for smoother transitions and better performances.
• Redesign Award Trophies: Introducing a new trophy design with awardee names engraved could make awards more personalized and meaningful.

5. Conclusion

The Coffee Bar Tuesday session brought forth valuable insights into the Mukuru Festival’s strengths and areas for growth. Attendees expressed a deep appreciation for how the festival fosters community unity, celebrates talent, and serves as a platform for creative expression. Their suggestions for new features and structural improvements reflect a shared commitment to making future festivals even more impactful, inclusive, and memorable.

This feedback will be integral as MuYI prepares for the next Mukuru Festival, aiming to create an experience that resonates with and benefits the entire Mukuru community.