Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE second edition of the #53 Nkayi Festival is set to roar back to life with an eight-day celebration aimed at promoting music, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for artistes in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province.
The festival follows a successful inaugural edition held last year, which went ahead despite heavy rains that threatened to disrupt some shows.
The event is a brainchild of artistes Intombi Yabelungu, Precious Diana Indlovukazi, Collen Moyo and Bheki Fuzane. It will run from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, taking live music to various communities across the district.
This year’s festival will kick off at Nyathi on December 24 before moving to Good Wood on Christmas Day.
It will then head to Gonye Shopping Centre on Boxing Day, Nyaje on December 27, Gwelutshena on December 28, Nkayi Centre on December 29, Tohwe on December 30 and conclude on New Year’s Eve at Mpumelelo.
A wide range of artistes drawn from different genres will perform at the festival. These include Gospel musician Collen Moyo, Maskandi artiste Intombi Yabelungu, rhumba gospel outfit The Melodius Psalms, Zimdancehall and house musician Master Fan, Maskandi group Amagodonga Amahle, disco and Gospel songstress Precious Diana Indlovukazi, as well as rhumba outfit Mxola and Kusile Brothers. Also on the line-up are comedian and hip-hop act Magwizi The Comedian, Rhumba group Mkhalandoda Express, Gospel musician Mapotholes, Mchasisi Dube and Izwi Labapostoli Gospel Group, Maskandi artiste Iskhali Sensizwa, Maskandi Gospel musician Mathi The Boiling Pot, Gospel act Minister Phenius Mlotshwa, Hip-Hop singer Tromp and Kwasakwasa and Rhumba and Amapiano musician, King Yama2K. Gospel musicians Pastor Elton and Pastor P Nkundla will also grace the festival.
Speaking on preparations, Intombi Yabelungu said organisers were at an advanced stage.
“We’re back this year and we’re promising flames as we prepare for eight days of celebration. This is a seasonal, non-discriminatory event that welcomes all artistes willing to participate,” she said.
She added that the festival’s mandate is to take music directly to the people while serving as a marketing platform for both established and up-and-coming artistes.
Beyond entertainment, Intombi Yabelungu said the festival also focuses on community empowerment, particularly supporting vulnerable children.
“One of our mandates is to give back to the villages by donating stationery to vulnerable schoolchildren.”
She further acknowledged support from local business people and leaders who continue to back the initiative. — @mthabisi_mthire
