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THE Bulawayo City Council and Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo have partnered in the theatre production of UMbiko kaMadlenya. The production will be showcased on the first and last day of the festival which runs from September 23 to 27. The play Umbiko KaMadlenya was adapted from the timeless 1981 Ndebele historical novel written by the late Mayford Sibanda.
The story is about the crisis of succession that resulted from King Mzilikazi’s death, and how King Lobengula ascended to the throne after defeating rebels led by Mbiko, son of Madlenya.
The festival’s director, Raisdon Baya, said the festival had partnered with the Bulawayo City Council because the two were celebrating significant strides in their history and the play had a relevant story, not just to Bulawayo but the country as a whole.
He said the theatre production was a collaborative initiative between different performing artistes in the city who were hard at work polishing their acts for the show.
“We have taken artistes from Bambelela, Siyaya, Amakhosi, Centre for Talent Development, SPAA and Ezimnyama Dance Troupe among others.
“Independent artistes such as Qeqeshiwe Mntambo have also been roped in. This is a concerted effort by the performing artistes to come up with a wonderful stage play,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo’s top DJs will also prove their mettle on the decks at the festival during a Battle of DJs competition.
The competition, which has proven to be one of the popular shows at the festival, will take place at the City Hall Car Park on September 26.
Baya said this year’s competition, which coincides with the festival’s 10th anniversary, would see some of the city’s top DJs taking part.
“With the continued support of Miller, this year’s Intwasa battle of DJs will be unique in that the top DJs from the previous battles will all feature,” said Baya.
The veteran arts practitioner said stiff competition was expected from the spin masters.
“While the full list of the DJs taking part is still to be finalised, the promise of a possibility of having all the finalists in a battle for the ultimate prize is befitting of a 10th anniversary celebration and will likely be the most hotly contested battle ever,” said Baya.
Previous winners of the battle include DJ Mzoe, DJ Black Cee and Mellow T.
Online Reporter