For the past years, Bayimba Foundation’s Doadoa performing arts market has had a focus on East African artistes, this has seen artistes from Kenya Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and of late Southern Sudan showcase in Uganda.

This year though, the market looks to expand to regions beyond the East and thus will be adding Southern Africa on to the list of participating regions.

Speaking to journalists at their head office in Bukoto, Kampala, Faisal Kiwewa, the Bayimba Foundation founding director said that Doadoa being a market having Southern African artistes booking agents and festivals come on board, is going to benefit both regions noting that for every edition, a South African artiste will be invited to perform in Kampala.

For this edition South-Africa based Zimbabwean songstress Gugugulethu Berita Khumalo will today be serenading the stage for the second time at the Uganda Museum during the opening of the market. Berita is behind the soulful songs like Thandolwethu, Nguwe Wedwa and Mwana Wa Mai.

Besides Berita, other artistes from East Africa like Jackie Akello, Afrigo Band, Afrosimba Band, Gloria Achilla and House of Talent among others will be performing.

The market will also host summits about performing arts like the State of Dance that will host a pan-el of speakers like Grace Ibanda, Abramz Tekya and Roger Masaba among others.