FESTIVAL SYLLABUS 2026

All pieces to be performed must be either own compositions or any African song.

Medleys must have not more than two pieces. (The majority of the piece must be one song)

All African indigenous songs in choir section are strictly in African languages and you are allowed to mix with English or any other non-African language as long as the piece/song is from Africa.

All other classes are automatically traditional except for dance, vocal and marimba.

An institution is only allowed a maximum of two ensemble entries per category.

Ensembles for drum, mbira, vocals, dances and drums, range from 4 to 10 participants.

Only one accompanying instrument is allowed for vocal solos, duets, trios and ensembles. Not more than two accompanying instruments of the same type per marimba band/ensemble and only one pair of shakers is allowed per band or group on all other ensemble categories. (e.g. you cannot have two ngoma in one band). Leg rattles are allowed in the traditional category. NB-All accompanying instruments must have a volume lower than that of the main instruments.

An institution can only register not more than 3 solos in the same class and age group, across all classes in the festival.

All registrations must be done 30min before the class commernces. (Write include the song name and collect your ballot numbers just after registrations).

Every participant must be properly dressed. (Costumes that are too much revealing are discouraged). We encourage the wearing of African attire/traditional costumes especially in the traditional categories.

All musical pieces (Ensembles) must be of length between 2.30-3.00 minutes long. 2.00-2.30min for solos only.

All late entries are not entertained unless and the school communicates on time. (Once the class has ended, no school/participant will be allowed to perform)

All videos must be captured from a fixed point close to the instrument with a minimum resolution of 1920x1080(HD) or better. All participants must fit into the video frame and it should be clear(For virtual entries).

Traditional category for marimba is compulsory for all registered marimba ensembles. The marimba ensemble registration fee covers for both Traditional and Contemporary category.

Only a drum (Ngoma, Conga or Djembe) is allowed as an accompanying instrument for marimba ensembles (Two drums are allowed when being played by one person). For ensembles, accompanying instruments are only limited to only 3 African traditional instruments. (shakers, clappers and Ngoma, Conga/Djembe). Accompanying keyboards/piano must be a piano voice no layering or using dual voices for vocals.

Dancers may only use songs from Africa for their dance routines (medleys are allowed).

Primary section includes students from grade 4 up-to grade 7,  then High School section (Form 1-6 duets, trios & ensembles), (for solos, form 1-3 & 4-6), Open Section (Includes universities, polytechnics, colleges and Professional bands, non-schooling individuals.) 

Separate dancers in marimba ensembles are allowed up to a maximum of 4.

Participants flouting festival rules will be disqualified. (e.g. cheating, submitting a video that does not follow the stated parameters OR have been used elsewhere).

All African Contemporary Choirs must have one accompanying instrument.

African Choirs SATB will sing the same musical piece(set piece) to be provided by the festival organizers.

All pieces to be performed must be either own compositions or any African song.

Medleys must have not more than two pieces and the majority of the piece must be one song. (Solos may do at most 3 songs in on piece)

You can only enter a maximum of two ensemble entries per category.

Each marimba band/ensemble must have at least four players (on marimba) or at most 8 (on marimba) and a maximum of 12 participants including drums, shakers and dancers. 

Every participant must be properly dressed. (Costumes that are too much revealing are discouraged). 

All musical pieces (Ensembles) must be of length between 2.30-3.00 minutes long. 2.00-2.30min for solos only.

Traditional category for marimba is compulsory for all registered marimba ensembles. The marimba ensemble registration fee covers for both Traditional and Contemporary category.

Traditional category for marimba is compulsory for all registered marimba ensembles. The marimba ensemble registration fee covers for both Traditional and Contemporary category.

Only a drum (Ngoma, Conga or Djembe) is allowed as an accompanying instrument for marimba ensembles (Two drums are allowed when being played by one person).

For ensembles, accompanying instruments are only limited to only 3 African traditional instruments. (shakers, clappers and Ngoma, Conga/Djembe).

A drum set may be included only in contemporary ensembles. NB. All accompanying instruments must have a volume lower than that of the main instruments.

Primary section includes students from grade 4 up-to grade 7,  then High School section (Form 1-6), Open Section (Includes universities, polytechnics, colleges and Professional bands, non-schooling individuals.) (This applies only to duets trio & ensembles).

All pieces to be performed must be either own compositions or any African song.

Medleys must have not more than two pieces. (The majority of the piece must be one song)

All African indigenous songs in the choir section are strictly in African languages.  You are allowed to mix with (just a bit)English or any other non-African language as long as the piece/song is from Africa(for solos, duets, trios & ensembles).

An institution is only allowed a maximum of two ensemble entries per category.

Ensembles for marimba, drum, mbira, vocals and drums, range from 4 to 12 participants.

Only one accompanying instrument is allowed for solos, duets, trios and vocal ensembles. Accompanying keyboards/piano must be a piano voice no layering or using dual voices for vocals.

Primary section includes students from grade 4 up-to grade 7,  then High School section (Form 1-6 duets, trios & ensembles), (for solos, form 1-3 & 4-6), Open Section (Includes universities, polytechnics, colleges and Professional bands, non-schooling individuals.)

All pieces to be performed must be either own compositions or any African song.

Medleys are not allowed in this section. Mbira players are encouraged to play clear and distinct rhythms or melodies from one musical piece. 

You can only enter a maximum of two ensemble entries per category.

Each mbira group/ensemble must have at least four players (on mbira) or at most 8 (on marimba) and a maximum of 12 participants including drums, shakers and dancers. 

Every participant must be properly dressed. (Costumes that are too much revealing are discouraged). 

All musical pieces (Ensembles) must be of length between 2.30-3.00 minutes long. 2.00-2.30min for solos only.

NB. All accompanying instruments must have a volume lower than that of the main instruments. (See general rules.)

Primary section includes students from grade 4 up-to grade 7,  then High School section (Form 1-6 duets, trios & ensembles), (for solos, form 1-3 & 4-6), Open Section (Includes universities, polytechnics, colleges and Professional bands, non-schooling individuals.)

Dancers may only use songs from Africa for their dance routines (medleys are allowed).

An institution is only allowed a maximum of two ensemble entries per category.

Dance ensembles must have a range of 4 to 10 participants.

All instrumentals must be submitted 40min before the class to the festival Dj or MC. 

Primary section includes students from grade 4 up-to grade 7,  then High School section (Form 1-6 duets, trios & ensembles), (for solos, form 1-3 & 4-6), Open Section (Includes universities, polytechnics, colleges and Professional bands, non-schooling individuals.)

All pieces to be performed must be either own compositions or any African song.

Medleys are allowed and must be appropriate and relevant to the style or dance to be presented. 

You can only enter a maximum of two ensemble entries per category.

Primary section includes students from grade 4 up-to grade 7,  then High School section (Form 1-6 duets, trios & ensembles), (for solos, form 1-3 & 4-6), Open Section (Includes universities, polytechnics, colleges and Professional bands, non-schooling individuals.)

All back tracks must be of good sound quality and of the any of the following formats; mp3 or m4A.