adminTrust Khosa-Youth Interactive Writer
Three hundred learners from 15 schools around Zimbabwe will converge at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton tomorrow to showcase their talents in singing, dancing and mastery of various instruments at the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA).
Kicking off this afternoon, the two-day event is being held in memory of the national hero Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.
Tuku succumbed to diabetes complications on January 23, 2019, aged 66.
Five years after his death, Tuku Music Pvt Ltd, which runs the late icon’s business affairs, has decided to honour him with this festival.
The event organisers have set aside a stand for young creatives to be curated by Chipo Bhasopo of Precious Children’s Arts Organisation (PICA).
The kids’ programme runs from 10 am – 1 pm.
In an interview, PICA founding director Bhasopo assured festival goers that children will also honour Tuku.
“It is an honour for me after being given this opportunity to run the children’s programme at OMIFA 2024 from 10 am – 1 pm on Sunday.
“As the director of PICA, I have been working with kids for 20 years now and understand their behaviour and how to handle them.
“The door is still open for other kids aged between six and 18 years to come and join the festival,” she said.
Unpacking the programme, Bhasopo said all the performance will centre on Tuku’s life.
“Being an international festival held in memory of the legend, we are going to have special segments where participants will be asked to come forward and perform Tuku’s songs.
“Kids who can dance and play instruments have been afforded yet another platform to come and showcase their talent,” she said.
Chipo, who learnt performing arts after joining Chipawo in 1994 aged nine, is no stranger to children’s grooming.
“Dealing with children excites me a lot because that is what I have been doing my entire life.
“As the director of PICA, we embrace this festival because it also caters for kids.
“My wish is to see children grow and make a living through performing arts,” she said.
Bhasopo hailed the late Tuku for empowering kids who became stars at his arts centre.
“Tuku was a game-changer in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“He sacrificed a lot for the kids and we should always cherish the love he had for changing young lives.
“As we celebrate his legacy, I urge parents to come with their kids at OMIFA 2024.”
For variety’s sake, there will be performances and productions in theatre curated by SunTu Guild and Thomas Brickhill (Chikwata 263), fashion curated by the Skeyi & Strobo Fabrik Party, art, dance and film curated by First Floor Gallery Harare, Spoken Word by Sibonokuhle Siwawa (Skai) plus a children’s programme curated by Precious Children’s Arts Organisation (PICA).
Workshops and masterclasses for creatives will also mark the day.
Tuku would have been celebrating his 72nd birthday tomorrow (September 22). Over the years, arts promoters used to hold a series of festivities both locally and abroad to celebrate Tuku’s legacy.
Online Reporter