On February 14th, the African Leadership Academy (ALA) campus became a vibrant hub of artistic energy as UMUZI 2025 unfolded. Led by Blank, the student-run creative arts enterprise, this year’s festival embraced the theme Boundless Semay — a call to stretch the limits of creative expression and explore how art can build connection, inspire change, and foster a sense of belonging.
From the moment attendees arrived on campus, they were immersed in a thoughtfully designed environment where art wasn’t just displayed, but experienced. Erika Wangari Ng'ang'a, Head of Project Design, and Wema Wambugo Marandu, Program Director and Head of Logistics, spearheaded this ambitious project, transforming everyday spaces into vibrant stages for creativity. Their careful planning ensured a seamless flow from one experience to the next, creating a festival that felt both cohesive and deeply inspiring.
The festival featured a wide range of workshops and performances, from dance and drawing to live music and visual art installations. Every corner of the festival pulsed with creative energy, each piece reflecting a unique interpretation of the Boundless Semay theme. Simaloi Wanjiru Ndegwa brought the festival’s visual identity to life, blending artistic innovation with cultural storytelling, while Mohamed Soua, as Head of Media and Marketing, captured the spirit of the event through powerful photography and film.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated support team ensured the festival’s success. Sibongo Siphiwayinkosi Ndzinisa managed the financial logistics, Saron Mulu Demoz oversaw resource distribution, and Jane Mahenika Manaja Ny Avo Randrianarisoa handled communications, ensuring the festival’s message reached a wide audience with clarity and impact.
UMUZI 2025 was not just about polished performances or perfectly curated art pieces. It was about the creative process itself — the courage to experiment, the willingness to embrace the unknown, and the power of art to connect and heal. It reminded all who attended that art can speak when words fall short, break down barriers, and build bridges where none existed.
UMUZI 2025 was a testament to the potential of young leaders to dream, create, and inspire. Through their work, the Blank team did more than just organize an event — they created a lasting legacy of creative expression, community, and connection.
Catch the highlights from UMUZI 2025 below!
