Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]
THE Tshabalala Open Arena has roared back to life as the inaugural Umthombo Wesintu Cultural Festival takes centre stage, transforming the long-dormant venue into a vibrant hub for the city’s Culture Month celebrations.
Organised by Khaya Arts Productions, the month-long festival kicked off at the beginning of May with an endorsement from legendary poet, musician and author Albert Nyathi, the “Senzeni Na?” hitmaker, who served as the guest of honour.
The festival’s opening session, “Ugqozi Lwenkondlo,” offered pre-schoolers a rare opportunity to experience the power of the spoken word. The event featured luminaries such as Mkhululi Imbongi, Victory Mashizha, Lucy and Sonkomose.
Nyathi, who donated copies of his books “My Daughter” and “My Son” (co-authored with Dr Ignatius Mabasa) to rising poets Noxie and Nhlanhla, expressed his admiration for the young talent on display.
“It was a beautiful event where I was honoured by Khaya Arts Productions as the guest of honour at their poetry afternoon. I really enjoyed watching the youngsters perform, and many told me they were inspired by my work.
“That shows that what we do is not in vain, but is helping to inspire the younger generation,” Nyathi said.
He said he was impressed by the richness of language demonstrated by the participants.
“I really enjoyed the proceedings and was fascinated by the richness of language among the youngsters. They should continue doing this good work, because it will naturally inspire others and future generations.”
He added that language remains central to culture.
“Without language, we are nothing. It’s our anchor in terms of culture. Culture and language cannot be separated, and it was amazing to see young people saying, ‘This is us,’” he said.
The veteran artiste was particularly struck by the level of community engagement and the rapt attention of the youngest attendees.
“The other thing that fascinated me was the audience. I saw a mixture of men and women, particularly women. They were plenty and I saw little ones fascinated by proceedings and no one hushed them. Their eyes were glued to the stage.”
For Khaya Arts Productions director Future Dube, the festival represents a mission to reclaim and revitalise local infrastructure.
The Tshabalala Open Arena had remained idle for years before the group secured it for this edition.
“Bulawayo is the nation’s cultural hub, and we felt the city needed to be vibrant, especially with the National Culture Month launch happening here.
“Our goal is to be the first to host a major festival in a high-density area, eventually bringing in international artistes to foster cultural exchange,” Dube said.
While attendance has been steady, Dube encouraged more locals to take advantage of the free programming.
“We have people coming from outside Sizinda and Tshabalala, but we want the immediate community to lead the way in celebrating this revival.”
The festival continues to bridge the gap between legends and learners with a packed programme that began last Friday with Umbong’esaphila, a tribute to fallen arts legends featuring Ramsey K, alongside traditional music discussions for secondary school pupils.
This momentum carries into May 22 with cultural narratives for primary school pupils and an evening performance of Ezamadlabuzani featuring Baby Girl, Lady P, King Addiza and Morosto Fire, leading directly into the official opening ceremony, Usinga Lwesintu, on May 23, which promises a masterclass in the fusion of heritage and modernity.
The month-long celebration will reach its grand finale on May 30 with the Ezomdabu showcase, featuring traditional powerhouses Thandanani and Sekunjalo MaAfrica, before concluding on a high note with the Imbambo Phoqo comedy showcase.
The Umthombo Wesintu festivities serve as a local prelude to the National Culture Month launch on May 21 at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
Held under the theme “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030”, the national event will be presided over by President Mnangagwa. —Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
