On Tuesday, October 6th, 2026, the African music event “PolePole Talk & Live 2026 Nagasaki” was held at Nagasaki University’s Bunkyo Campus.
The event featured Masaya Onishi, a performer of the ngoma, a traditional African percussion instrument; vocalist Chiaki Hayakawa, who is based in Kenya and has long been dedicated to supporting the education of children in Africa; and Professor Ken Masuda of Nagasaki University’s School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, who performed on keyboard.
Mr. Masaya Onishi spent about 8 years living in a Duruma community in Kenya, where he learned about the community’s traditional music and culture. He is now based in both Japan and Kenya, working to preserve and promote these traditions. Ms. Chiaki Hayakawa has been engaged in educational support and exchange activities for many years, including helping to operate the Magoso School for children in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya. In 2005, the two founded JIWE, a project that supports African traditional culture and local communities through music. Since then, they have continued their activities through music and intercultural exchange.
The event brought together many Japanese and international students, as well as faculty and staff members, who enjoyed the vibrant rhythms and performances of African music, along with talks by the guests about Africa, music, and their experiences. Participants also joined in dancing to the rhythms, making the event a valuable opportunity to experience and appreciate African culture through music.
