Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
Sungura sensation, DT Bio is set to headline this year’s edition of the Shangano Arts Festival running from 22-27 November in Hwange.
Multi-award winning poet, Obert Dube is also set to be a star attraction. The Kujatajata hitmaker is set to belt out his hits during the official opening ceremony with internationally acclaimed poet Dube also unleashing his savour.
The festival which is in its 17th year and has been a vehicle for skills development has been providing a platform for artistes to interact with various stakeholders as well as showcase their talents. Festival director, Petros Ndlovu said all was set for this year’s edition.
“All is set for this year’s edition which is going to be bigger and better. We have an interesting line-up comprising DT Bio, Obert Dube, Jonathan aka Mtakagogo and various upcoming artistes in Mat North. We also have capacity- building workshops to equip our artistes. Great opportunities for upcoming artistes and seasoned artistes to learn, network and opportunities to collaborate,” said Ndlovu.
He said the festival will kick off on 22 November with workshops on Censorship laws and arts management. For the first time, the festival will also play host to a children’s stage where kids will learn new skills and showcase their talents.
Ndlovu said the festival will also showcase Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and cast a spotlight on coal fires awareness through various forms of arts. However, the festival director bemoaned lack of funding arguing that it limited participation of artistes in the regional arts jamboree.
“Lack of funding continues to dog the festival and is our biggest challenge in mobilising resources for all artistes in the province to attend. Hence due to limited funding we are not able to bring everyone on board.”
The festival which is running under the theme “Revive” is being supported by Culture Fund, European Union delegation in Zimbabwe, Savanna Trust, National Arts Council and Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation, among other partners.
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