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Tawanda Marwizi : Arts Correspondent
Bindura Arts Festival roars to life this weekend with several artistes converging for the two-day fête that has a theme against child marriages. The festival has for years tried to uphold cultural values through several programmes that include musical concerts, theatre, dances, training programmes for arts managers and exhibitions.Amtali Saidi who is the festival director said they have partnered Zimbabwe Youth Council Mashonaland Central Province for the festival.
“We have partnered the youth council and 30p ercent of the proceeds will go to them to help in their development initiatives while the other 10 percent will be donated to two young women who were affected by child marriages,” said Saidi.
He said this year they were focusing on awareness against child marriages and they will use the festival to disseminate information to the youths.
Running under the theme “Helping Children Reach their Potential by Ending Child Marriages and Eliminating new HIV Infections”, the festival will see several artists performing acts that are linked to the topic.
Top musicians Alick Macheso, Killer T, Kapfupi, David Hondoyedzomba and upcoming artists that includes Almaxton, Shamiso, Guruve Arts Ensemble and Killer B will be performing on Saturday afternoon.
“We will have workshops with artists and several organisations on Saturday morning and have musical concert in the afternoon. Sunday will be the last day of the festival and we have as well lined up workshops,” he said.
The festival that has been running in Mashonaland Central Province for some years, has been a stepping stone for several artists from the province.
Names that quickly come to mind are the likes of Patso and Rhythm Africa, Nice Time, Swerengoma Arts Production, Almaxton and dancehall chanter Caveman among others who have benefited from the festival.
One of the organisers highlighted that the festival was a big event that needed adequate funding and proper planning.
“We are trying to keep the festival going and we are happy that this year’s event has seen several stakeholders from the province coming aboard. We hope that we will be successful in trying to disseminate information to young people,” he said.
Saidi said art is an important tool that can be used to convey various messages to the society and they tackle topical social issues every year.
Online Reporter