We hosted the opening ceremony of the 16th Kabarak University International Research Conference on Music, Media and Performing Arts, held in partnership with the Pan-African Society for Musical Arts Education (PASMAE) Eastern Africa 2026.
The conference was held under the theme: Convergence of Heritage and Horizons: Navigating Faith, Technology, and the Digital Frontier in African Media and Performing Arts
The conference brought together scholars, educators, media professionals, technologists and industry leaders from across Africa for conversations on the changing face of music, media and the performing arts, with particular attention to Africa’s rich cultural heritage and the opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The opening ceremony was officially presided over by our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat, whose remarks set the tone for a conference centred on scholarly exchange and professional engagement.
Among the distinguished guests was Mr. David Omwonyo, MBS, Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya, who served as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony also brought together Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno, Vice-Chancellor of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and Dr. James Isabirye, PhD, President of PASMAE, alongside other distinguished guests and participants.
A central focus of the opening discussions was the place of cultural arts in preserving, documenting and reimagining Africa’s heritage. Speakers reflected on the need to safeguard cultural expressions while recognising that heritage continues to evolve alongside changes in society, technology and artistic practice.
The conversation also turned to the growing influence of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies on the creative sector. Participants considered both the opportunities and concerns that come with using technology to document, preserve and reinterpret cultural heritage, particularly at a time when some traditional practices and forms of artistic expression face the risk of being forgotten or significantly transformed.
The discussions highlighted the potential of digital platforms and emerging technologies to help make African cultural knowledge more accessible while creating new ways of engaging younger generations with their heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. James Isabirye, PhD, President of the Pan-African Society for Musical Arts Education (PASMAE), underscored the importance of music and the performing arts in education, cultural identity and the wider development of African society.
The opening programme also featured an engaging panel discussion, allowing participants to interact directly with experts and explore some of the issues raised during the sessions. The question-and-answer session generated conversations around heritage, technology, faith, media and the performing arts.
The opening day provided a strong foundation for the conference, bringing together different perspectives on how Africa can remain connected to its cultural identity while embracing new technologies and creative possibilities.
As the conference continues, the conversations around heritage, faith, technology, media and the performing arts are expected to create further opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and reflection on Africa’s cultural and creative future.
