Carnival time in the City of Kings

Bulawayo residents are expected to paint the city in vibrant colours and traditional wear today as they gather for the annual Bulawayo Day commemorations, which will be marked by a carnival parade and a series of entertainment activities in the city.

The celebrations honour June 1, 1894, the day Bulawayo was officially proclaimed a town. The city subsequently attained municipal status in 1897 before being granted city status in 1943 through Proclamation 21 of 1943.

In recognition of Bulawayo’s historical journey and enduring cultural importance, the City of Bulawayo officially designated June 1 as Bulawayo Day in January 2020.

Today’s festivities will begin with a carnival parade scheduled to depart from the Large City Hall Car Park at 10am. The procession will wind its way through the city centre, passing prominent heritage sites and monuments, including the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Statue, among other landmarks that reflect Bulawayo’s rich history.

The city’s Mayor Councillor David Coltart is expected to lead the parade alongside council officials, cultural groups, Ibutho members, and residents from various parts of the city. After the parade, revellers will be treated to a showcase of music, poetry and dance performances by local artistes at the Large City Hall Car Park.

The Bulawayo Day celebrations will also usher in the much-anticipated Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF), which begins tomorrow and runs until June 6, under the theme, “Building Bridges: Preserving Connections”.

The theme underscores the importance of fostering unity in an increasingly fragmented world. It acknowledges that despite social, economic, generational and geographical divides, the arts remain a powerful force capable of bringing communities together, with culture serving as the glue that binds society.

Many activities have also been lined up throughout the week. Poetry In Motion will be held at the Large City Hall on June 2, while the Food and Heritage Workshop is scheduled for the Small City Hall on June 3.

On June 4, Thabiso Youth Centre will host an Inganekwane session, while the Small City Hall will be the venue for the British Council Workshop (SOCREATIVE).

Still on the same day, the Large City Hall will host the Kings and Queens concert, which will feature performances by Mzoe 7, Mandie Mae, Bhila, Macala Macala, MJ Sings, Matojeni Melo Maniacs and Phathi Ncube. Fans of traditional music will be in for a treat on June 5 during the Imbube Night showcase, which will feature celebrated groups Black Umfolosi, Amaqaqa Music, Indosakusa The Morning Star, Udonsi LwabaPostoli and Great Stars Ijongosi.

Earlier that day, the Kasi2Kasi Finale and Youth Concert will be held at Nketa Park in Mpopoma from 10am, bringing together young artistes and community members for a vibrant celebration of talent and culture.

On June 5, a Music Business Workshop, facilitated by veteran Hip-Hop practitioner Naboth Rizzla in partnership with Austria-based musician Vusa Mkhaya, will take place at Stanley Hall, from 10am.

The festival will draw to a close on Saturday with a Rhumba/Tshibilika extravaganza at White City Stadium featuring Godolude, Themba “Boyoyo” Mathe, Phikisani Maqedimbuzi and Santoyizo, among others. Acclaimed soul musician Vuyo Brown will also perform at the City Hall Car Park.

In a statement, the City of Bulawayo said this year’s edition is designed to go beyond showcasing talent by promoting meaningful engagement, collaboration and social cohesion.

“The festival will present an intersection of activities through a series of gala concerts, flagship performances featuring high-profile collaborations. The festival is also focusing on intergenerational dialogues where master classes by living legends in music and theatre will be shared with young artistes, with a focus on digital arts.

“Baf also has a strong focus on the community bridges concept with decentralisation and co–creation. The theme will be showcased through satellite hubs of the festival where programmes will be held in various suburbs, such as the Inganekwane programme at Thabiso Youth Centre, Music business workshop at the Stanley Hall, Kasi to Kasi Final in Cowdray park which will see the co creation of performances that tell local stories and community curators ensuring that the festival is relevant, desired and represents local culture,” reads the statement.

Established to celebrate Bulawayo’s distinctive heritage while providing a platform for contemporary creative expression, Baf has grown into an important fixture on the city’s cultural calendar.

Beyond entertainment, the festival continues to play a critical role in stimulating Bulawayo’s creative economy.