Dancehall heavyweight Vybz Kartel has been confirmed as the headline act for the newly launched Talanta East Afrika Festival, a regional cultural showcase set to tour three East African cities in May 2026.

The Jamaican star, whose music enjoys a strong following in Kenya, will lead the lineup as the festival makes stops in Kampala, Kigali and Nairobi.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, during a press conference in Nairobi.

Organisers described the Talanta East Afrika Festival as a cross-border platform aimed at celebrating the region’s music, fashion, cuisine and artistic expression, while positioning East Africa as a growing force in the global live entertainment industry.

The regional tour will begin on 1 May 2026 in Kampala, Uganda at Lugogo Cricket Oval, followed by a show in Kigali, Rwanda on 2 May 2026 at BK Arena. The final leg will be held in Nairobi, Kenya on 8 May 2026 at Laureate Gardens.

Speaking during the launch, Bushington of Tunez Records Uganda said the festival is about more than entertainment, describing it as a platform created to unite East Africans through music, culture and shared identity, while showcasing the region’s creative energy to global audiences.

Co-organiser Mayanja Jackson said the festival is structured as a sustainable cultural movement rather than a one-off event. He noted that the long-term goal is to build a regional platform that consistently elevates East African creativity and strengthens cross-border cultural exchange.

Targeting audiences aged 18 to 35, the festival will leverage social media platforms ahead of the May tour.

Beyond entertainment, the initiative is expected to drive tourism, create local employment and stimulate fashion, food and nightlife sectors in each host city.

They confirmed that 100 percent of the festival workforce in each country will be sourced locally.

Additional East African artists are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.