About 60,000 people are expected to attend a musical extravaganza over the weekend at the Nairobi Arboretum and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in commemoration of Madaraka Day celebrations.

Musicians from across Africa will grace the two-day event, dubbed Celtel Sawa Sawa Music Festival.

International artists, who have confirmed their participation in the festival include Jamaican Reggae sensation Black Uhuru, Senegal's Baaba Maal, South Africa's Mahotella Queens, body percussionists Percus Normades from Benin, Cuba's Habana Sax, Beef of Netherlands and India's Ustad Rafat Kahn.

The artists will share the stage with renowned Kenyan artists namely Atemi, Kanji, Makadem, the Jula Kali Drummers, General Onyx, The Warriors, Heart and Soul, Abbas, Didge and the Sarakasi Acrobats and Dancers.

Celtel Kenya, for the second year running, has sponsored this year's festival at a cost of Ksh 10 million, with co-sponsorship from the Royal Netherlands Embassy and organized by the Sarakasi Trust.

"Once again, Celtel Kenya is happy to be associated with the Sawa Sawa Musical concert, which is a great event in Kenya's musical calendar. We shall continue to provide sponsorship to such concerts in future because they provide a good opportunity for Kenyans to enjoy a global menu of music, and to celebrate our diverse culture," said Mr Michael Okwiri, the Celtel Kenya Director for Communication and Corporate Affairs.

"The Netherlands Embassy is committed to sponsor culture for development and will continue to do so by partnering with Sarakasi Trust to make music available to a wide audience" said H.E. Kees van Baren, deputy Embassador, Royal Netherlands Embassy.

Reggae lovers in Kenya will have the moment of their lives with entertainment from Black Uhuru, one of the biggest names in reggae music globally.