Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Culture Month celebrations, scheduled for May 22 at Rusunuguko Clinic open grounds in Chiredzi under Chief Tshovani, are well underway, according to a top arts administrator.
President Mnangagwa will officially launch the event, which runs under the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Voices”.
This theme aims to recognise, honour and promote the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of indigenous communities, as well as encourage self-expression through various forms of art.
In an interview, Dr Biggie Samwanda, the director of arts and culture in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, stated that preparations for the Culture Month launch are progressing smoothly.
“We expect over 20 000 people to attend the official launch of Culture Month in Chiredzi and preparations are going well,” he said.
“On Monday next week, we anticipate a visit from the Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, at the venue. He and his team will meet with other Government departments participating in Chiredzi.
“As hosts of the event, they will discuss important details to ensure that all logistics are in place before the Culture Month launch. A lot will be addressed at the upcoming meeting,” he added.
Dr Samwanda assured the residents of Chiredzi and guests from other parts of the country that it would be a fun-filled day.
“After the launch, there will be a musical gala. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) is finalising the line-up. It will be a big celebration in Chiredzi,” he stressed.
NACZ communications and public relations manager Agga Nyabinde informed this publication that a high-profile gala has been organised, featuring well-known artistes set to exchange notes with their counterparts in Chiredzi.
“After the main launch, attendees will enjoy a star-studded musical gala featuring popular artistes.
“Some of the acts performing in Chiredzi include Mark Ngwazi, Sandra Ndebele, Khaya Arts, The Elysium Dance Group and local groups. We are still finalising the full list of performing artistes, but acts from Masvingo will also be part of the line-up,” Nyabinde emphasised.
“It’s a free event celebrating our diverse culture, and as expected, the musical gala will be part of the festivities.
“We expect thousands of people to show up in Chiredzi to witness this unique event.”
As the countdown to the main launch begins, the Chiredzi community has been encouraged to seize the opportunity to shine.
Creatives in various arts disciplines — such as poetry, spoken word, literary arts, music, painting and other forms — have been given yet another chance to showcase their talents.
In line with the Culture Month celebrations, Zimbabweans are encouraged to embrace the national fabric by donning the national dress every Friday.
Today is a perfect day to start wearing the national dressing as we celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich diversity.
Motivated by the Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, proclaimed by UNESCO as May 21, Culture Month has been endorsed by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, through their implementing partner, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, to host a month-long celebration.
According to the programme’s insights, the national official Culture Month launch is a coordinated event by the NACZ Head Office and implemented by the hosting province.
Activities at the official launch will include street marches by artistes and cultural activists, fashion shows, music and dance performances, art and craft exhibitions, and herbal medicine displays.
Major highlights will include a diverse array of arts and cultural activities from the sub-region and other parts of the world, aimed at encouraging young people to celebrate World Culture and Africa Days.
Culture Month has also been praised for allowing the public to appreciate the employment-generating capacity of the arts and culture industry.
The first week of the month, dubbed “Flavours of Our Ancestors Week,” focuses mainly on historical recipes and cooking techniques, connecting modern eaters to their culinary heritage.
Following that, the second week will highlight indigenous fashion, providing an opportunity to showcase the national fabric and other African designs that reflect the continent’s rich fashion culture.
The third week will culminate in the launch of the National Culture Month.
After the launch, attention will shift to the Indigenous Languages and Cultural Dialogue Week, which will take place in the fourth week of the event. Following the national launch, Culture Month celebrations will also be held in all 10 provinces, with the provincial launches officiated by Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and devolution.
Thus, the Culture Month launch not only highlights the rich artistic heritage of Zimbabwe but also serves as a plat-form for fostering collaboration and creativity within the community.
By actively participating in this celebration, the community can ensure that its cultural contributions receive the recognition they deserve.
