Upstage Gears Up for European Debut of 'Jananga – A Man of Cloth'

Between July and September 2025, Upstage is preparing for the European debut of Jananga – A Man of Cloth, an original performance exploring African identity, resistance, and dress through dance, music, and projection.

The piece is a duet featuring dancer and choreographer Adam Chienjo and renowned Nyatiti musician Kake Wakake. Together, the duo will premiere the work this October at Ehrenfeld Studios in Cologne, Germany. 

Currently in rehearsals at Nairobi's Artzone Studios, Jananga investigates the evolution of African clothing from pre-colonial times to Afrofuturism. It explores how dress has mirrored power, politics, class, and culture, while unpacking the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization and globalization on African textile economies and cultural identity.

The show weaves movement, spoken word, image, and sound into a layered, reflective performance. It also builds on Upstage’s growing commitment to producing socially relevant work that resonates both locally and globally.

The performance in Cologne is part of Upstage’s efforts to expand artistic exchange across borders and bring East African stories to new audiences. More details, including performance dates and documentation, will be shared in the coming weeks.