adminBruce Ndlovu Showbiz Reporter
The Beitbridge International Festival of Arts (Bifa) which kicks off on Thursday is set to jolt the border town into life as this year’s line-up can rival any other festival in the country. For the first time since its inception, the arts extravaganza meant to provide a platform for Beitbridge artistes to shine, will be held over three days at Beitbridge Inn, popularly referred to as the BHH.
Various activities from dance, drama, music and comedy will be held. The roster for the third edition of the festival dubbed: “Big Art, Small Town” is packed with top notch entertainment events. Kick-starting Bifa festivities on Thursday will be Ninja President -Winky D, Wadada Theatre and Iyasa, who will join other dance outfits in an ensemble performance that promises to bring the small town to a standstill.
Judgment Yard, Siyaya Arts and Ayanda will perform on Friday night with comedians Babongile Sikhonjwa and Nomsa D headlining the festival’s first ever comedy night. Well-travelled actor Zenzo Nyathi will present a one-man piece titled Under the Mopani Tree.
The festival ends on Sunday night with a performance from Peter Moyo supported by energetic Clement Magwaza, Kupenya Stars and Midlands State University’s Mbira and electronic band which was a hit at last year’s festival. Local performers from Beitbridge will include Jah Christ, Queen Fire, Soul Jah Solos, Reckless, Writers, Murehwa Express and Shoriwa.
Local primary schools will be participating in drama and dance competitions. Festival director Nkululeko Nkala said all was set for the festival which has seen an increase in the number of performers from 15 last year to 50 this year. “The festival has grown which is why we’ve added another day from the usual two days.
“We’ve also added more genres in the form of theatre and comedy which should spice up the entertainment,” Nkala said. “The festival will bring out talent from Beitbridge which like other small towns, had been sidelined in terms of talent identification,” said Nkala. He said with support from sponsors, the festival could even be bigger than what it is.
“We’re not getting enough support to enable us to attract international artistes yet the festival is the Beitbridge International Festival.” Over the years, the festival has featured performances from South Africa’s Professor and Dr Malinga, Willis Wattafi and Alick Macheso.
derick.khumalo