Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE countdown has begun for the 2025 edition of the Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF), running from June 2 to 6, and excitement is almost palpable across the city with organisers rolling out a dynamic programme that promises to highlight the city’s creative spirit and rich cultural legacy.
This year’s festival will be celebrated under the theme “Celebrating Royalty Through Arts”, a nod to the city’s deep-rooted traditions, heritage and community pride. To set the tone, organisers have announced BAF Extra, a pre-festival series of events scheduled from May 30 to 31, serving as a lively curtain-raiser to the main programme.
On May 30, BAF Extra will kick-off with the Comedy Meets Poetry show at Stanley Hall in Makokoba, Bulawayo’s first communal hall and a historic cultural landmark. Hosted by award-winning comedian Ntando Van Moyo, the evening promises a blend of laughter and lyrical finesse. Poets Sgoqa the Poet, Sonkomose and Thaluso Da Poet will take centre stage alongside comedians General Lesley, Nkosi King, D’Jun and Diana Nomsa, creating a perfect mash-up of two vibrant art forms.
After months of township auditions, the city’s top rising stars will compete in the finals of the Bulawayo Kasi to Kasi Talent Search on May 31 at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre. The grand showdown will start at 10am, with a live audience expected to fill the iconic venue.
On June 3, an Imbube concert which will be a soulful celebration of harmony, heritage and African vocal artistry will be held at the Small City Hall. Taking centre stage will be Zimbabwe’s celebrated acappella powerhouses: Amaqaqa, Indosakusa, Sunduza, Black Umfolosi, Great Stars and Ijongosi, with the ever-vibrant Bongelani as MC.
Come June 5, all eyes will turn to the Large City Hall for the Imbokodo Concert, a rousing all-female line-up celebrating women in the arts.
“This powerful celebration features performances by Novuyo Seagirl, Luchi Shiki, Matojeni Melo Maniacs, WeCreate, Lemoniq and Albinism Konnect, with the ever-charismatic TKP as host,” said BAF organisers via social media.
Bringing the curtain down on the festival is the Amakhosi Concert, a showcase of Bulawayo’s most prominent male musicians. Set for June 6 at City Hall from 6pm, the concert will feature award-winning acts such as Msiz’kay, Luminous, Asaph Afrika, Gog’ Bekezela, Guluva 7, Lamas Ellz and Charles Mahlaba. This closing concert is expected to draw large crowds and leave a lasting impression of Bulawayo’s musical depth and vibrancy.
In a welcome move, BAF Extra events will be free of charge, giving locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy the festivities without financial barriers. Organisers say the intention is to foster inclusivity, community pride and greater access to the arts.
With a diverse blend of comedy, poetry, music and female empowerment, the 2025 Bulawayo Arts Festival is shaping up to be a major cultural highlight, not just for the city, but for Zimbabwe’s arts scene as a whole.
Since its inception in 2020, the annual celebration has firmly positioned itself as a cultural cornerstone in Zimbabwe’s arts calendar, with Bulawayo Day on June 2 standing out as a highlight. This city-wide observance invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in Bulawayo’s vibrant cultural life, offering a powerful platform for “The City of Kings and Queens” to showcase its proud heritage, creative spirit, rich diversity and enduring resilience.
Last year’s edition unfolded as a colourful and immersive celebration of arts and culture. From the energetic Street Carnival that lit up the city centre to the World Bicycle Day commemorations and the nostalgic KoNtuthu Legends Concert, the festival offered something for everyone.
In a bid to decentralise the arts, the festival extended its footprint into the communities of Mzilikazi, Nkulumane and Cowdray Park, bringing performances and creative workshops right to the people’s doorsteps. Among the standout features were the Bulawayo Lens Festival, which spotlighted photographic storytelling and the thought-provoking
“Women, Wine and Words” programme, a tribute to women’s voices in literature and dialogue.
Under the theme #RESTART, the 2024 festival laid the groundwork for a rejuvenated cultural movement, one that this year’s edition promises to elevate even further. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Bongani Ndlovu