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Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has thrown its weight behind the upcoming inaugural Marimba Festival that is slated for September 27.The festival is a brainchild of rising youthful marimba group Tambarimba. The Zimbabwe College of Music hosted a successful launch of the fete over the weekend at a local hotel.
“Despite the problems that we have as a country, the arts industry remains vibrant, an indicator that those who have skills set in the arts must utilise them,” said NACZ Harare provincial manager, William Ndinde
He highlighted the need for different players to chip in and avail funds for the creative industries, as they have the potential to employ more Zimbabweans.
Participants at the launch included representatives from the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Norwegian embassy, partners from the Zimbabwe College of Music as well as participating schools from around the country.
“We are excited about the response for this festival. This is an opportunity to showcase local talent, especially in our traditional marimba instrument. It is encouraging that both elite and disadvantaged schools confirmed their participation as we want to restore the glory of marimba,” said Tambarimba director Don “Chidaz” Chidavaenzi.
Chidaz said it was through the festival that they were hoping to bring to the fore our local music as opposed to foreign genres.
“The country’s arts sector has been identified as critical, given its potential contribution to the gross domestic product through the creative industries.
“Creative industries include broadcast and print media, film, music, fashion, the visual arts and cultural institutions such as museums and libraries, and all these facets have a potential of making a difference in the country,” he said
The festival is running under the theme “Bringing Marimba to the Light; Creating an Anti-Drug Abuse, HIV-Free Child in a Clean Environment”. Its thrust is to preserve traditional music from grassroots level.
Online Reporter