Plans are underway for the highly anticipated 8th edition of the Tobong’u Lore festival, which will be held at the Ekaales Center in Lodwar, Turkana County, from October 24th to 27th, 2024. This cultural event is a significant celebration of Turkana’s traditional music, dance, and heritage, drawing participants from across the Ateker region.
At least forty choirs have been selected to perform at the festival, following a rigorous audition process held across Turkana County’s thirty wards. Lemmy Ejorowoia, the coordinator of the auditions, announced that the choirs will present cultural songs and dances in the “Edong’a” and “Naleyo” categories during the festival.
“The auditions aimed to ensure high-quality performances for this year’s festival,” Ejorowoia said, noting that the selected performances will enhance the festival’s key attractions, which include a beauty contest, sporting events, and official speeches.
He urged the selected choirs to continue rehearsing to deliver outstanding performances that reflect the region’s rich cultural traditions. “We expect the groups to keep practicing to offer memorable performances that showcase our heritage,” Ejorowoia added.
Director of Tourism Abdul Lomuria emphasized that three audition teams were deployed across the county to give equal opportunities to all interested choirs. “We wanted to ensure every choir had a fair chance to audition, showcasing the diverse cultural expressions of our county,” Lomuria remarked.
Traditional songs and dances will play a central role in the Tobong’u Lore festival, featuring as opening acts, interludes, and closing performances. These cultural showcases resonate deeply with the Ateker cluster communities, who view these traditions as a crucial part of their identity and heritage.
As the festival draws closer, excitement is building among locals and cultural enthusiasts eager to witness the vibrant music, dynamic dances, and the strong sense of unity and cultural pride that the Tobong’u Lore festival represents.