Mombasa to host 6th edition of Firi Cultural Festival over the weekend

Mombasa City will over the weekend host the 6th edition of the Firi Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture and business, expected to draw over 5,000 attendees.

The three-day event kicks off on Friday with a gala dinner, followed by electrifying performances, local cuisine, and a dynamic business panel at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park on Saturday and Sunday.

The festival, organised by Asmali Media Events and PR Company under the leadership of its founder Ahmed Mohamed, provides a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and community inspiration.

Having started in Nairobi in 2018, this will be the third time the festival is hosted in Mombasa, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a coastal melting pot and a hub of economic activity.

“This year, we aim to promote Mombasa’s rich heritage while offering businesses, from small enterprises to major corporations, an opportunity to showcase their products and services,” Mohamed explained.

“Our mission is to inspire, preserve, and promote culture and business leadership across all communities, especially in populated areas.”

Culture and business

The Firi Cultural Festival is a blend of captivating cultural displays and business engagement. Attendees can expect thrilling dance performances, moving poetry recitals, tantalising local delicacies, and sensational live music.

Entrepreneurs, government officials, scholars, and artists will converge to foster cultural appreciation and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the community.

“The festival is more than entertainment. It’s a business expo. Corporations and small businesses will immerse themselves in the local culture while connecting with the community. This synergy is crucial in highlighting the best of Mombasa and driving meaningful change,” said Asmali.

Giriama dancers performing during last year's Firi Festival in Mombasa. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

For small business owner Fatma Khalid, who specialises in Swahili snacks, the festival is an unmissable opportunity.

“I have participated before, and it is a great place to gain new customers and showcase our local recipes. It is exciting to see our culture celebrated on such a big stage,” Fatma told The Eastleigh Voice.

Why Mombasa?

Asmali notes that Mombasa, with its rich history and cultural diversity, is the ideal host for the festival.

Known as Kenya’s gateway to the Indian Ocean, the city epitomises unity and diversity. Hosting the Firi Festival in the coastal city underscores its importance as a critical cultural and economic hub.

“Events like this remind us of the beauty and richness of our heritage. It is also a chance to showcase Mombasa as a tourism destination, which benefits everyone,” said Mombasa resident Yusuf Abubakar.

The festival’s unique focus on Somali-populated areas also aims to shift perceptions and celebrate positive stories from these regions.

“We are often overshadowed by negative publicity. Through this event, we are highlighting innovation, outstanding citizens, and the healthy cultural values within our communities,” said Asmali.

The festivities will commence with a gala dinner on Friday evening, bringing together top entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to celebrate achievements and foster networking opportunities.

Over the weekend, attendees will explore interactive brand experiences and engage with a dynamic business panel addressing critical issues facing the community.

Something for everyone

“It is an event that has something for everyone. From the young to the old, businesspeople to artists, everyone finds a way to connect and benefit,” Mombasa resident Halima Saidi noted.

The organisers have urged sponsors and partners to join the journey.

“We are grateful to our previous sponsors who have championed cultural and business leadership. We invite new sponsors to celebrate the vibrant potential of our communities and drive impactful change,” said Asmali.

The festival promises significant brand visibility, with prominent logo placements on banners, merchandise, and digital platforms. Companies can engage directly with attendees through interactive experiences, creating meaningful connections while enhancing media coverage.

With its dynamic mix of cultural showcases and economic dialogue, the Firi Cultural Festival not only celebrates Mombasa’s rich heritage but also builds a bridge between businesses and the community.

“This event is about more than just the weekend, it is about building lasting relationships. We are excited to see the impact it will have this year,” Asmali said.