adminNkululeko Nkala
IN December generally everyone pretty much has a favourite go-to show.
I found mine last weekend. Funny enough though, the event has been running since time immemorial.
It’s the Nketa Park Christmas Festivities powered by Bulawayo City Council.
I know it may be unfair to compare it with the flopped Mtukudzi and Mapfumo shows because Nketa Park is not a paying crowd, but I will tell you I have not seen such crowds in a while.
But to make it a festival of repute there are other things that could be added to make it a headline event. You should have seen the joy in people’s eyes during the fireworks display.
People watched and appreciated local art from Friday to Sunday. Notable performances being Iyasa, Victory Siyanqoba, Umkhathi, Bambelela, Msiz Kay, Mzoe 7, Harsh Touch and Ramsey K. The lot kept the already frenzied crowd on their feet.
Now picture this, jumping castles, stalls and a longer programme, all at Nketa Park. I noticed how when the programme closed many people stayed behind signalling how they did not want it to end.
I honestly do not know what the formulae for these numbers is, but it was surely packed. The publicity was minimal but the people came in their numbers. I can’t wait for next year’s edition which I believe will even be much bigger.
Still on festivals, BOOM Ibumba is back. After a year’s sabbatical, the Ibumba International Festival of Arts is back in our streets.
The new mini-festival format will take place from Friday until Sunday at the main booming venue of Stanley Hall and Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The last edition of the festival was held in 2016 and featured a lot of local acts in music and theatre. Gary Tight, Dobha Don and a group from Botswana completed the line-up.
As an important fixture in Zimbabwe’s Arts Calendar, the firmly rooted in Makokoba festival is back with the only regard to the harsh economic climate being the scaling down of the days.
On Friday 21 December, Rachel 19, Ezimnyama Arts and a comedy show featuring Mandla The Comedian, Ckhanyiso and Marforty will open the indoor stage.
Later revellers can enjoy Music Clashes which will pit Mzoe 7 against Msiz Kay, Deleukes versus Hwabaraty, Ras Boom and Ace Cutter versu Thuts Harsh Touch and Amakings.
The closing day will begin with high flying high budget production Ukholo The Musical, sandwiched by a clash of Imbube giants Ukukhanya Kwezwe versus Ijongosi with Khaya Arts new production Idabataba closing off the indoor stage.
The clash de la clash will see hip-hop stars Cal_vin and Asaph battle it out. This could as well be the highlight of the festival. To close off the 14th edition will be Zinjaziyamluma and Madlela Skhobokhobo.
Sunday 22 as usual will play host to a football tournament. The tournament carries a prize money of 100 rand.
Until next week, be safe @nkuenkala 0772214373
Online Reporter