Madaraka Festival Celebrates 11 Years of Music and Impact with a Seattle-Focused Lineup
Seattle, WA – In an exclusive interview at the Seattle Drum School of Music, Besa Gordon, host of "Almost The Weekend!" and "Back2Besa," spoke with Simon Javan Okelo, CEO and founder of the Madaraka Festival. Okelo shared insights into the upcoming 11th annual event set for this Saturday at Pier 62, expressing immense excitement and gratitude for the festival's longevity and its profound impact, both locally and globally.
The Madaraka Festival stands out as a unique music event, dedicated to fostering music development in East Africa. A significant portion of its proceeds is reinvested into nurturing the "future stars of Africa," a mission that has driven the festival for over a decade.
This year's festival marks a notable shift in its artistic direction. For the first time, the lineup will be "100% Seattle-based," a deliberate choice to highlight the rich musical talent within the city where the festival began 11 years ago. Okelo himself will be headlining, alongside a diverse array of local artists including the Congolese band Rumba DB and Snight Braza from Kenya. The diverse lineup promises something for everyone, featuring rock, jazz, hip-hop artists, and prominent DJs from KEXP.
Reaching the 11-year milestone has been an emotional journey for Okelo, who conveyed overwhelming gratitude for the unwavering community support. He specifically acknowledged key figures and organizations instrumental to the festival's success, including Omari Salisbury and Converge Media, Vivian Phillips from At Art Noir, and Efrem Fesaha from Boonm Boona Coffee, among many others who have contributed to the festival's growth.
Beyond the music, the Madaraka Festival is designed as an all-ages event, offering a wide range of activities. Attendees can look forward to games, diverse food options, and even unique experiences like "cold plunging," ensuring a day of fun for the entire family.
When asked about his greatest hope for festival-goers, Okelo emphasized a desire for them to experience "genuine and contagious love." He envisions the festival as a space for healing, where individuals leave "feeling healed, feeling whole, feeling happy." For Okelo, the music festival transcends entertainment; it's a "process of healing our community, healing ourselves," ultimately creating a positive global impact, particularly in East Africa.
Looking ahead, Okelo highlighted ongoing opportunities for support, including sponsorships and grants for both this year's and next year's events. The 2026 Madaraka Festival is already in the planning stages and will be integrated into the World Cup activities in Seattle. Those interested in supporting or learning more can reach Simon Javan Okelo directly via Instagram at @okelojavan or visit the festival's official website at madarakafestival.com for tickets and additional information.
