Be part of the fun at Hifa beginning today

These are some of the events that really spark the Zimbabwean pride.

Today the Harare International Festival for the Arts begins in the capital. What a great event it is and this being my eighth year covering the event, I would say that each year has its own highs and lows.

That being said, one of the things that always fascinate me about Hifa is the themes around the festival. I am not sure who and how they coin these themes but whoever it is they are so creative and original.

I remember the first edition of Hifa which ran under the banner “Six Days to Live” it sort of set the tone for all the editions that followed. If you ask the then festival artistic director Manuel Bagorro, how he managed to come up with the concept he would probably tell you that it wasn’t easy.

But thanks to him and other creative minds, Harare, in fact, Zimbabwe now has one internationally recognised arts festival. I have been to places and Hifa is one of the festivals that really send out the message to the outside world.

So this year’s edition dubbed “What’s Next?” appears like the organisers are whistling in the dark and they do not know which way to take the festival.
But, on the other hand, it appears the organisers are clueless of what is going to come and are still pondering their next move. After all, Hifa has grown big, its the biggest festival in terms of participants, sponsorship and organisations as well as numbers that throng the event.

The arts and cultural event has over the years drawn people from all over the world including artists, music lovers and art lovers for six days of fun and entertainment.
Hifa has always left a trail of memories throughout the year. Even after the six days it doesn’t end there.  A good number of artistes have used the festival to launch successful careers.

Others have also gained recognition in the music sector long after the festival is gone.
So as the fireworks light up the skies in Harare tonight we know it is time the capital city regains its glow. However, our dear ZBCTV will not be screening this festival to Zimbabwe.

Time and again we have said Hifa and ZBCTV should work together to show to the world that Zimbabwe’s got talent.

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