Jukwaa Arts Productions, a trailblazing theatre-based production company in Mombasa, marked its 10th anniversary with the unveiling of Wimbi la Sanaa, a bold new five-day international festival set to run from October 28 to November 1, 2025.

The launch event, held at Alliance Française in Mombasa, blended celebration with soul, featuring compelling performances by Coast-based artists and a dynamic panel discussion exploring the role of arts in society.

At the heart of this milestone is Caroline Ngorobi, founder and artistic director of Jukwaa Arts, whose decade-long journey of building inclusive creative spaces is now culminating in this landmark festival.

“Wimbi la Sanaa is the embodiment of all the work we’ve been doing in Mombasa over the past ten years,” Ngorobi said during the launch.

“It’s a celebration of our learnings and our growth, from our beginnings with theatre plays to launching platforms like Art Cocktail and Bahari Huru. This festival is a natural progression—a platform for diverse, underrepresented art forms to shine.”

Founded in 2015, Jukwaa Arts has been a hub for performance, dialogue, and cultural preservation.

Ngorobi spoke with pride about the organization’s role in archiving culture and nurturing emerging talent.

CarolineNgorobi speaking during the launch of Wimbi la Sanaa festival at Alliance Française de Mombasa

She highlighted the importance of representation in the arts—especially for women, who remain underrepresented in the Coast’s creative scene.

“As a woman in the arts, I feel I have an obligation to raise the flag for women artists. One of the festival days, FemFusion Day, is dedicated entirely to showcasing women-led arts.”

Wimbi la Sanaa will feature a vibrant lineup including intergenerational concerts, visual art exhibitions, creative workshops, and food tours.

“This annual isn’t just a theatre festival—it’s a full celebration of performing, visual, and culinary arts,” Ngorobi noted.

She added: “This is an annual festival, and 2025 will be our inaugural edition.”

However, Ngorobi also emphasized the challenges behind the scenes.

“The biggest challenge is how to finance it,” she admitted. “We have the artists, the spaces, and the ideas. What we need now are financial sponsors and collaborators who believe in the vision of Mombasa as a global cultural hub.”

Veteran writer, scholar, and theatre-maker Ogutu Muraya, who has worked with Jukwaa, praised the festival's ambitions.

“This festival is a gathering place of different knowledges, ideas, and cultures. It's not just about showcasing art—it's about growing artists. We need more platforms like this that decentralize the arts from Nairobi and root them in community,” he said.

“In the creative economy, we're beginning to see that it's possible—though still challenging—to live off your art. But it's a marathon, not a sprint,” Muraya added.

Writer and Scholar Ogutu Moraya shares insights on the growing creative economy

He also lauded the recent formation of an arts task force in Mombasa County.

“We need artists running artistic programs—not just technocrats. Government support should be national, regional, and individual. That’s how arts ecosystems thrive.”

Performing artist and poet John Suma Mumba—better known as Masufuria bin Mabakuli, mjukuu wa Simambichi, the King of Maharagwe—shared his deep-rooted connection with Jukwaa.

“I’ve been with Jukwaa for eight years. This festival is a celebration of the arts in all forms. Last time we focused on the ocean. Now we’re saying Mombasa to the world,” he declared.

Masufuria, who is part of the festival team, will lead the artist engagement department and sees Wimbi la Sanaa as a major opportunity for collaboration, learning, and visibility.

“What we need now is space—space to perform, to be heard. And media must also come through, like you have today. Showcase artists just as you showcase politicians.”

Masufuria moderates a dynamic panel discussion on the arts' societal role in the region

Martina Ayoro, a performing artist and head of communications at Jukwaa, echoed these sentiments.

“This is a platform especially for emerging artists to showcase and grow. Sometimes international festivals feel so far away or inaccessible. Wimbi la Sanaa brings that stage here, to Mombasa.”

For Ayoro, FemFusion Day is particularly meaningful.

“Female artists are rarely given time to fully explore their craft before being expected to settle into traditional roles. This day recognizes our existence, our consistency, and our commitment.”

She called on stakeholders, sponsors, and policymakers to first acknowledge the work already happening before prescribing solutions.

“Come see what we do. Attend our shows. Walk the journey with us, then ask how you can support.”

With its bold vision and grassroots foundation, Wimbi la Sanaa promises to be a new tide of artistic celebration, collaboration, and transformation—coast-born, globally minded.