2024 Special Cultural Event: Visit of the Japanese Drum Performance Group “SAI” to Lusaka
From 30th August to 4th September 2024, as a special cultural event to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Zambia, a group of performers of Japanese traditional drum (wadaiko) “SAI” visited Zambia and gave their first ever performances in Africa.
On 31st August, "SAI" took part in the National Arts Festival on its final day, performing to an enthusiastic audience of around 2,000 and receiving thunderous applause.
On 1st September, “SAI” visited the Chawama community and interacted with local drummers, dancers and children. "SAI” also gave open-air performances in the square of the community centre. Around 500 local people gathered and surrounded the performers, enjoying the rhythm of "SAI" and singing Japanese chants in unison. There was a wonderful sense of unity.
On 2nd September, “SAI” visited Lusaka International Community School, where 300 Zambian students study with 200 international students. Once again, “SAI” wowed the children with an impressive performance. Representatives of the students tried their hand at taiko drumming with “SAI” members, who also jumped into the students' classes for a fun exchange.
On 3rd September, “SAI” gave their last performance at Alliance Francaise, to the representatives of the Zambian Government, diplomatic corps based in Lusaka and various partners of Japan-Zambia cooperation. The concert was honoured by the presence of H.R.H. Chief Chamuka VI, Hon. Elvis Nkandu, M.P., Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts as our Guest of Honour, Hon. Princess Kasune, M.P., Minister of Justice, and Hon. Brenda Tambatamba, M.P., Minister of Labour. Ambassador Takeuchi underscored that the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations provides a unique opportunity for the peoples of Japan and Zambia to deepen mutual understanding of our respective cultures, and to come closer to each other, which was the very objective of inviting “SAI” to Zambia. Honourable Minister Nkandu, on his part, commended Japan’s initiative and encouraged both countries to make arts and music a new frontier of cooperation.
The 6-day visit of Wadaiko “SAI” to Zambia was a wonderful highlight of the 60th anniversary, bringing the peoples of Japan and Zambia closer together.