From boundaries to belonging, the idea behind iToka Chapter 2

Cultural boundaries are often understood as lines that separate communities, identities and traditions. But for the organisers of iToka – The Crossing, those boundaries can mean something different.

As the multidisciplinary cultural festival returns for its second edition, iToka Chapter 2 is exploring how the things that define people can also create opportunities for connection.

The festival will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Eva’s Garden in Redhill, Limuru, bringing together artists, creative entrepreneurs and culture enthusiasts for a day centred on contemporary African art and heritage.

The idea begins with the name itself.

iToka is a Gikuyu term traditionally associated with boundary markers or plants used to demarcate land.

Rather than treating that meaning as a symbol of separation, the organisers have chosen to reinterpret it as an invitation to cross, discover and connect.

“iToka is not about boundaries as walls. It is about boundaries as spaces of belonging, discovery, and connection,” the organisers stated.

That philosophy sits at the centre of Chapter 2, which aims to create a space where different forms of African creativity can meet.

Instead of placing culture into fixed categories, the festival brings together music, visual art, fashion and storytelling, allowing audiences to experience heritage through contemporary creative expression.

For Tuwashow Media, which produces the festival, the goal is not simply to preserve African heritage but to give it room to evolve.

Founder Chira Njoroge says iToka was created to celebrate African creativity while giving artists, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners opportunities to connect with audiences and new possibilities.

“iToka was created to celebrate African creativity while providing a platform where artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural practitioners can connect with audiences and new opportunities. Chapter 2 is about taking that vision further by creating meaningful experiences that celebrate our heritage while embracing the future of African creativity,” Chira said.

That approach reflects a wider shift in how African culture is being presented. Heritage is no longer confined to museums, traditional performances or historical accounts.

It can also be found in the music people listen to, the clothes they wear, the stories artists tell and the visual language used to express identity.

Chapter 2 will bring together established and emerging performers, including Addeh Prince, Nyawira Siren, iNala, Folk Fusion, Flow Flaani, Leting and CEDO.

Media personalities Aunty Jemimah and Kibunja will host the event, while DJ Maina Rada Safi and DJ J.Y. will take charge of the decks.

Beyond the performances, attendees will encounter curated visual art displays, fashion showcases and a creative marketplace supported by brand partners.