adminLiberty Dube
LIFE in Chimanimani became a roller-coaster expedition at least for two days for small-scale miners, farmers, residents and villagers in the sleepy town and surrounding areas after an array of musicians and other entertainers gathered for the Chimanimani Arts Festival last weekend.
More than 8 000 people — mostly from Chimanimani, Chipinge, Mutare and Harare — were treated to a mixed bag of film, music and theatre, in an event which was described by show organisers, Government officials and artistes themselves as the best ever edition since its inception in 1998.
The glaring absence of theatre wonder-group Sabhuku Vharazipi, who could not attend because of other commitments, was outshone by stunning performances of Njube kids from Bulawayo, Junior Bantan, Memory Madekurozva, Sniper, Ba Shupi, Oliver Mtukudzi and The Black Spirits, Assegai Crew, Supa Nova. Interestingly, Daniel Mirisi, Ragga manyika outfit, Assegai crew, and Tsitsi and the Eastern Gospel, maximised on the electric platform to launch their respective new projects.
Eastern Gospel group’s 12-year-old drummer was blessed with two sticks by veteran drummer Sam Mataure.
The town’s perennial chilly weather which chocked through day and night could neither spoil the mood of the revellers nor dampen the spirit of vendors, shop owners and corporate organisations who made good buck by selling their wares as well as marketing their products.
Deputy Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Supa Mandiwanzira, officially opened the festival and applauded the organisers for preserving Zimbabwean culture and bringing people from all walks of life together through the fiesta.
“Music plays an integral part in spreading the message of love and unity. We hail the festival director and her partners for advocating this and making the festival a perennial success,” he said.
Online Reporter