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Shamiso Yikoniko recently in CHIMANIMANI
THE Eastern Highlands reverberated to the sounds of the drum, song and dance when the annual Chimanimani Arts Festival burst into life on Friday. The Chimanimani folk were treated to an early Heroes’ Day bonanza when the annual fete opened on a high note. People from all walks of life, young and old, braved the chilly weather of the Chimanimani mountains and thronged the “village” to witness the annual event.
Though the preparation of the festival was marred by financial constraints, the event went ahead as planned.
Festival artistic director Chido Musasiwa-Gutu applauded the turnout by revellers, saying their presence contributed to the success of the event.
“Despite the financial constraints which we faced, I am honoured that the event went on as planned with the little funds that we had,” said Musasiwa- Gutu.
“The organising team of the festival is humbled by the huge turnout of people who came to witness the event. The support from the community makes our event a success.”
The festival opened with gospel tunes delivered by the Roman Catholic and Vabvuwi Methodist choirs.
Ndiyadzo Dance Group, Ngoma Dzepasi Ensemble and Tatanga Dance Group among many others put up a spirited performance to pave way for the chief’s ceremony.
Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa and Mrs Monica Mutsvangwa, who have become regular guests of the festival, graced the occasion again this year.
Mrs Mutsvangwa praised the organisers for such an event but challenged the Government and other stakeholders to extend a helping hand towards the smooth running of the festival.
“I would like to applaud the organisers for a job well done. Even with a stringent budget, they went on with the festival. Honestly, such efforts must be applauded,” said Mrs Mutsvangwa.
“The festival is one of the rare events where people walk in for free and enjoy what’s on offer. I would to make an appeal to the Government and stakeholders such as the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to fund this festival. Not only are the organisers upholding our culture through the arts but they are promoting tourism in Chimanimani.”
The festival, which began on Friday, closed its curtains in the early hours of Sunday.
For many, the festival presents an opportunity to watch well-known musicians and artistes perform in their backyard once in a while, something they really cherish.
The first day of the event saw ragga musician Sniper Storm bringing the house down despite the fact that it was his debut appearance at the festival.
He treated the revellers to his sing-along and dance-able tunes such as the track “Love Yemusoja”, “Mob Psychology”, “Musikana Haarohwe”, “Kuginyabvura” and “Gore Rino Tirikutonhora Mari” among many others.
Soul singer Alexio Kawara also stole the night with his songs that included “Kana Ndauya”, “Chihwande-hwande”, “Shaina” and “Chibhugubhugu”.
Kawara also performed a number of yesteryear hits by musical gurus such as “Wakandinyepera”, “Ramba Murume Timwe Hwahwa” and Thomas Mapfumo’s “Vanhu Vatema” among others.
Other musicians who graced the event include Ba Shupi, Selmor Mtukudzi, Progress Chipfumo, Cheza Giants, Gwamukwamu Band, Kessiah Magosha, Chikwata 263, Buffalo X, Cylone Band, Lion of Judah, Chimanimani Gospel Stars, Radiation Band, Ever Gapara and Ever Light Crew.
The bulk of the acts that participated at this year’s festival were drawn from Chimanimani, Mutare and other parts of Manicaland Province since one of the festival’s main objectives is to promote musicians from the area.
The festival is a non-profit making event which is the country’s biggest free entry arts carnival and it is known for showcasing different art genres ranging from music, dance, theatre, drama, comedy and storytelling.
The event provides a platform for community-based arts and crafts as evidenced by some of the activities like the chief’s ceremony which was held on the opening day and various other cultural activities which took place.
It also aims at promoting culture by exposing the audience to a wider scope of arts and crafts from outside the district.
Online Reporter