Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TODAY marks the beginning of the Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF), launching with the BAF Extra edition as organisers express optimism for a vibrant celebration of art and culture. The festival coincides with Bulawayo Day on 1 June, commemorating the city’s declaration as a town in 1894 by Dr Leander Starr Jameson.
Bulawayo attained city status in 1943, and in 2019, the City of Bulawayo officially designated June 1 as Bulawayo Day to honour the city’s rich history and cultural diversity through a variety of artistic and cultural activities.
This year’s two-tiered BAF comprises BAF Extra — a series of curtain-raising events — and the main festival. BAF Extra begins today and continues tomorrow, before pausing for the main festival scheduled for June 2 to 5.
It will then resume from June 6 to 7, effectively bookending the main programme and extending the festivities.
Nesisa Mpofu, the City of Bulawayo’s corporate communications manager, said attendees can expect a refreshed and expanded experience, shaped by feedback from the artists themselves.
“The City of Bulawayo is excited that this year, we have a BAF Extra programme, which allows members of the public to participate and enjoy the festivities beyond the normal festival programme of June 2 to 5, 2025,” she said.
This year’s festival also features a theme song — the BAF anthem — titled City of Kings, by celebrated Bulawayo rapper Guluva Se7en (real name Nkanyiso Moyo). The track, which pays tribute to Bulawayo’s royal heritage, is taken from his album Colour of Dreams, released a decade ago. It was produced by the late rapper and producer Mgcini “Cal_Vin” Nhliziyo, with the instrumental crafted by Creed.
Nomashawekazi “Lady Tshawe” Damasane, the City of Bulawayo’s arts, culture, and heritage officer, said this year’s festival promises to be of royal proportions.
“This year, we aren’t just showcasing performances — we’re celebrating the people. Those who lift the name of Bulawayo through their work, passion, and talent. That’s why our theme is ‘Celebrating Royalty’,” said Lady Tshawe.
On the festival anthem, she said: “This is a tribute to the pride, beauty, and rhythm of Bulawayo — this song sets the tone for a celebration like no other.”
The festival will also feature a range of family-friendly events from tomorrow through to Sunday, offering entertainment for all age groups.
Today’s line-up includes a Comedy/Poetry Night at Stanley Hall. Tomorrow, a Family Fun Fair will take place at the City Hall Car Park, alongside the Kasi to Kasi Talent Search Final at the Amphitheatre.
Other highlights include a Gospel Concert on June 1 at the Large City Hall and the Bulawayo Day Commemoration on June 2, featuring a parade and pop-up exhibitions at City Hall and the Bulawayo Art Gallery.
As the festival progresses, attendees can look forward to an Imbube Night and the Bulawayo Culture Month Launch on June 3, followed by a series of workshops and performances throughout the week.
Notable events include the Indandanda Music and Theatre Production on June 4, the all-female Imbokodo Concert on June 5, and the Iph’Intombi Theatre Production running from June 5–7. The festival will conclude with a Youth Concert and the Word-Up Poetry Show on June 7, promising a rich and immersive experience for lovers of the arts.
With these enhancements, the City of Bulawayo aims to make this year’s festival a memorable and inclusive celebration of the city’s artistic and cultural identity. —@MbuleloMpofu
