International Cowboy Day, observed annually on the fourth Saturday of July, was celebrated at Ngong racecourse in Nairobi, Kenya, with revellers in cowboy attire dancing to country music. The event highlights the growing popularity of cowboy culture and country music across parts of Africa.
Festivities and Attractions
The two-day festival, promoted as 'the definitive cowboy and western lifestyle event in Africa', included line dancing, horseback riding, dance competitions, and crowd-interaction games. Festival-goers could take part in line dancing classes, and a vendor displayed boots and other western attire.
Performers included the Nigerian country singer Okogeri Ochiora, popularly known as the Country Man. The event, now in its second year, attracted an expanding community of enthusiasts.
Growing Following in Africa
Although rooted in the traditions of North America, cowboy culture and country music have gained a growing following across parts of Africa. The celebration in Nairobi showcased cowboy-style fashion, live music, and dancing that continued after nightfall.
