In a major boost for the local creative industry, Bayimba Foundation, in partnership with Live Traces Producing, has unveiled DOADOA LIVE at ONOMO—a dynamic new live performance platform dedicated to elevating women artists across Uganda and East Africa.
More than just a concert series, the initiative is designed as a career-building ecosystem to help artists gain visibility, secure bookings, and build sustainable careers. The programme is an extension of the renowned East African Performing Arts Market (DOADOA), celebrated for nurturing regional talent through cultural exchange.
The seven-event live music series officially launches on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and will run through October 2026 at ONOMO Hotel Kampala.
What sets DOADOA LIVE apart is its deliberate focus on inclusion. The platform specifically targets young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities—groups that frequently face structural barriers in the creative economy. Through collaborations, touring opportunities, commissions, and professional mentorship, the initiative ensures that talent is never limited by circumstance.
“DOADOA LIVE at ONOMO creates an important space where women artists can showcase their talent, build professional networks, engage new audiences, and access opportunities that contribute to sustainable careers,” says Faisal Kiwewa, Artistic Director.
Each edition will transcend standard entertainment, offering networking sessions that connect artists directly with festival programmers, promoters, booking agents, and creative entrepreneurs.
The programme falls under the broader CREATE initiative (Enhancing Skills and Enabling Financial Inclusion for Young Women in the Creative Economy), implemented alongside the Mastercard Foundation and the International Trade Centre (ITC). Together, they aim to expand skills training and market access for underserved communities.
Music lovers, industry stakeholders, and media are invited to ONOMO Hotel this July to witness the next generation of women shaping East Africa’s sound.