Karmakol Festival Returns in December 2021

The second edition of the much-aniticipated Karmakol International Festival is set to take place from 1 to 21 December 2021. Karmakol Festival is the first of its kind in Sudan, showcasing the country’s rich culture and brings together musicians, poets, artists, designers and filmmakers from Sudan and around the world. 

This year’s edition is of the Karmakol Festival: The Nile Edition is taking place under the open sky of Karmakol and the Nile River. The festival activities will focus on the Nile and the diverse cultures from the 11 Nile countries. The focus theme is developed amd implemented with organising partner Nile Journeys.

Applications are now open for musicians, poets, artists, designers, filmmakers and performers as well as organisations interested in holding workshops, film screenings or more. Karmakol Festival invites all individuals, groups, entities, organisations, cultural centers, private sector, clubs, venues, startups, social entrepreneurs, civil societies, NGOs and embassies to be a part of the festival. Apply at karmakol.org/#apply-now.

The first Karmakol International Festival took place in 2017 in the village of Karmakol, the home of the late Tayeb Salih (1929 – 2009), one of Sudan’s and the Arab World’s greatest authors of the 20th century. Sudanese-American singer Sinkane, cartoon artist Khalid Al Baih, girl band Salute Yal Bannot, graffiti artist Assil Diab, make-up artist Sulaf El Amin, designer Mayada Adil and many more well-known Sudanese creatives were in attendance and performed. The festival returns now after nearly four years.

The festival’s goal is to use culture to support social developments, build perspectives for the youth, foster the creative industries, implement women’s empowerment, create job opportunities, strenthen democracy structures, process war experiences, prevent violence extremism and tackle migration challenges.

Due to COVID-19 still remaining a threat, Karmakol Festival 2021 considers the health challenge and already provides for a hybrid event during the planning phase. All events and activities will take place outdoors with the necessary spacing rules. Lectures, masterclasses, panel discussion and concerts will also be available for the public on streaming platforms.

For more information, visit karmakol.org.

*Update:

Due to the current political state of Sudan, the Karmakol Festival 2021 has been postponed until further notice.