Our story

About the Culture Acapella Festival

The Culture Acapella Festival (CAF) is a gospel a cappella festival based in Arusha, Tanzania, established to create a dedicated platform for a cappella groups, singers, worshippers and music lovers to come together through vocal music.

The idea behind CAF was developed from a passion for a cappella music, gospel ministry, culture and community service. The festival seeks to give vocal groups an opportunity to showcase their God-given talents while creating an environment where music can bring people together and contribute positively to society.

CAF places gospel a cappella music at the centre of its activities, while also embracing cultural expression, fellowship, creativity, youth participation and community support.

"Every voice raised in worship becomes hope to a child in need."

This reflects CAF's wider goal of connecting music with social impact — particularly support for children with special needs, orphans and vulnerable children, or children experiencing difficult circumstances. Focus: Gospel A Cappella · Music · Culture · Community Impact.

CAF is an independent festival founded and coordinated by Robert Samwel. Season 1 was held on 11 July 2026 at the Arusha Metropole Hall and became the foundation for CAF's development into an annual platform. Season 2 is planned for 17 July 2027 in Arusha, Tanzania.

Rooted in Arusha, Tanzania Gospel · A Cappella · Community

Founder & leadership

The people who lead the festival's vision, coordination and community relationships.

  • Robert Samwel

    Founder & CEO

    Founded and organized CAF, providing the overall vision and direction of the festival, coordinating its development, building partnerships and ensuring CAF keeps its focus on gospel music, a cappella culture and community impact.

    Phone: 0756 290 251

  • Praise Nyombi

    Coordinator

    Supports participant communication, registration, coordination of groups and festival activities, so every group enjoys a smooth journey from registration to the main stage.

    Phone: 0752 312 128

Mission, vision & core values

The principles that guide every season, every group and every song on the CAF stage.

Our mission

To provide a professional platform where gospel a cappella groups and vocal artists can worship, showcase their talents, connect with one another, celebrate culture and use music to make a positive difference in the community.

Our vision

To become a leading gospel a cappella festival in Tanzania and beyond, using music, culture and community engagement to inspire lives, develop talent and create positive social impact.

Core values

  • Faith

    CAF places gospel music and worship at the heart of the festival.

  • Excellence

    High-quality vocal performance, professionalism and continuous improvement.

  • Unity

    Bringing different groups, churches, communities and individuals together through music.

  • Integrity

    Honesty, transparency, accountability and responsible leadership.

  • Service

    Using music as a means of serving and supporting people in need.

  • Culture

    Valuing African and Tanzanian cultural identity and encouraging respectful cultural expression.

  • Talent Development

    Opportunities for singers and vocal groups to develop, perform and gain exposure.

  • Respect

    Every participant, guest, volunteer, sponsor and audience member is treated with dignity.

  • Community Impact

    Ensuring the festival has benefits that reach beyond the stage.

  • Collaboration

    Partnerships between artists, churches, organizations, businesses and communities create greater impact.

CAF objectives

The main goals that shape the festival season after season.

  1. Promote gospel a cappella music.
  2. Create opportunities for a cappella groups to perform.
  3. Discover and support emerging vocal talent.
  4. Encourage young people to participate in positive creative activities.
  5. Promote unity through music.
  6. Celebrate Tanzanian and African culture.
  7. Build connections between different vocal groups.
  8. Create opportunities for artists to gain exposure.
  9. Encourage professional standards in gospel music.
  10. Support children and vulnerable members of the community through appropriate festival initiatives.
  11. Develop CAF into an annual festival.
  12. Build partnerships with sponsors, institutions, churches, businesses and community organizations.
"Singing to Change Lives" — singing is not only entertainment; it is also worship, encouragement, inspiration, unity and service to the community.

What CAF does

CAF conducts activities throughout the year, all built on one platform: the human voice.

  • Festival

    The main annual Culture Acapella Festival.

  • A cappella performances

    Live performances from invited and registered vocal groups.

  • Worship sessions

    Collective worship through vocal music.

  • Talent development

    Training, mentorship and opportunities for emerging singers.

  • Cultural activities

    Activities celebrating Tanzanian and African cultural identity.

  • Community outreach

    Activities supporting children and vulnerable communities.

  • Networking

    Connecting vocal groups, musicians, churches, organizations and potential partners.

  • CAF merchandise

    Branded products supporting the festival — see the range below.

CAF-branded products

T-shirtsCapsHoodiesCapesFlasksCupsDiariesKey holdersBagsAnd more CAF-branded products
Registration open

Ready to take the stage?

Entries close 30 October 2026. Tell us about your group and we'll send the next steps and registration pack within one working day.

Register your group