Children’s festival to celebrate African culture launches in Nairobi

The event will draw inspiration from Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes, the animated series produced by Pungulu Pa Productions, and aims to offer families an interactive experience centred on African music, art, storytelling, and cultural heritage.

According to the organisers, the festival will include live performances, African nursery rhyme sessions, puppet shows, traditional games, and creative workshops designed for children and families. The programme will also feature Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defence sessions tailored for young participants to promote physical confidence and wellbeing.

A dedicated marketplace will showcase sustainable, child-focused products including locally made toys, fashion, art, and food, highlighting what organisers describe as the best of Kenyan creativity.

A festival inspired by Uli & Tata

The event builds on the success of Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes, which premiered in 2014. The animated series follows two siblings who, after discovering magical instruments in their Nairobi home, embark on journeys across East Africa with Tuki, a mythical turaco bird. Through song and storytelling, the series introduces children to local cultures, languages, and folklore.

Chief Nyamweya, Creative Director of Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes, said the festival was developed in response to audience demand for real-life experiences inspired by the series.

“After the release of the first 11 episodes, we realised families wanted to step into the world of the show,” Nyamweya said. “Parents asked for experiences that could bring the magic to life for their children. That’s how Pungulu Party! was born — a pop-up festival where children and parents can sing, dance, play and discover together.”

Producer Sarah Mallia said the initiative was part of a broader effort to promote cultural awareness and creative learning.

“Many parents want their children to grow up proud of who they are and where they come from, and that’s what we aimed to achieve with Uli & Tata and now with this festival,” she said. “By collaborating with Kenyan artists, musicians, storytellers and cultural practitioners, we hope to nurture talent while ensuring culture remains central to creativity and education.”

Tickets for the event are available via Mookh.