Creatives hail Hifa return as boost to arts sector

LOCAL creatives have welcomed the return of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa), describing it as a major boost to Zimbabwe’s arts and culture sector and a powerful catalyst for renewed opportunity and growth.

After an eight-year break, Hifa is set to make its long-awaited return in 2026 under the theme “Up”, running from August 3 to 9. Organisers have also confirmed dates for the 2027 and 2028 editions, a move that has been widely interpreted as a strong signal of long-term commitment to reviving and sustaining the festival.

Nkululeko Dube, founder and director of Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa), said the festival’s comeback restores confidence in the creative economy and reopens doors that had long been closed for local artistes.

“Hifa brings training workshops, international exposure, creative exchange, and increased demand for local services, from stage technicians and designers to caterers and craft producers. Its return restores confidence in the sector and signals that Zimbabwe’s creative economy is ready to rise again,” said Dube.

He said the ripple effects of the festival extend far beyond the arts community itself.

“The return of Hifa is a win for everyone, both within and outside the creative sector. It’s a festival people looked forward to every year, benefitting artistes and the hospitality industry alike. It connected Zimbabwe to the world and remains one of the best-run festivals to emerge from the country.

“It generates not only exposure for creatives but also economic value for artistes, businesses and audiences. Hifa has always reflected the strength of Zimbabwe’s creative sector and its contribution to the national economy, making its return both timely and significant,” he said.

Dube noted that Iyasa had previously benefitted directly from performing at the festival.

“Hifa gave us a platform to market our brand internationally. If it returns with the same world-class standards, then this is not just ground-breaking news but a major boost for the entire industry,” he said.

Filmmaker Percy Soko also welcomed the development, describing the festival’s return as a milestone moment for the country’s arts sector.

“Hifa’s comeback is like a breath of fresh air. It brings back a unifying flagship event that showcases both local and international talent. It will boost the creative economy, promote cultural tourism, and provide a platform for artistes to connect and collaborate,” said Soko.

He said the film industry, in particular, stands to gain significantly from the revival of the festival.

“For filmmakers, this means opportunities to showcase work, network and attract international attention. From a business perspective, it will stimulate tourism, hospitality and broader economic activity. The focus on collaboration and skills development could also inspire new projects and emerging talent,” he said.

Founded in 1999, Hifa grew to become one of Africa’s leading arts festivals, attracting thousands of visitors annually and showcasing a wide range of talent spanning theatre, music, dance and visual arts. Its last edition was held in 2018.

Ahead of the main festival, organisers have lined up build-up activities to reignite public interest, including the “Laughter, the Best Medicine” stand-up comedy series, which will take place in Harare from June 26 to 28 before moving to Bulawayo on July 4.

Creatives say the return of Hifa comes at a critical moment, offering a timely opportunity to rebuild Zimbabwe’s arts industry and restore its position on the global cultural stage.