Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Each September, the heartbeat of Bulawayo quickens with creativity as the city comes alive with the sounds, sights, and stories of the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo. But behind the magic of theatre, music, dance, and poetry lies a hard truth, the festival, like many arts initiatives, needs more than passion to thrive. It needs funding.
To keep the festival going, the organisers have started the “Become a Friend of Intwasa” campaign. They are asking people and companies to help by donating money. This is more than just raising funds, it is a way for the community to support and take pride in one of Bulawayo’s most loved cultural events.
The idea came from experience. In recent years, funding constraints forced Intwasa to stray from its traditional September slot, with some of its programming pushed to December in both 2023 and 2024. This shift, though managed with resilience, underscored a deeper need for consistent support.
This year, however, festival director Raisedon Baya and his team are determined to rewrite the script.
“The dates are set, and from September 24 to 27, we’ll be holding the festival under the theme ‘Imagine it, Experience it,’” he shared.
“The idea is that all artistry starts from the mind, and then it’s conceptualised and created for a great experience. To ensure that we host a successful festival, we’ve come up with the ‘Become a Friend of Intwasa’ concept, which is all about us reaching out to the general public to be part of the festival by supporting us financially.”
It is a straightforward and open appeal. As Baya says: “It’s like asking them to put their money where their mouth is.”
So far, the support has been promising.
“We’re doing well with this scheme so far. People are coming forward and offering support. We believe by September, we’ll have reached our target.”
Among the early supporters are some of the country’s beloved creative names, Mantate Mlotshwa, Suku Phakathi, Vusa Mkhaya, Um’Africakazi, and Samantha Vazhure, to name a few. Their support comes not only in the form of funds but also in offering their time, skills, and mentorship.
“The initiative has managed to attract a decent number of individuals who have pledged financial support to the festival. Others have pledged to contribute their talent and experience, something that will improve the quality of this year’s festivities.”
Renowned poetess Um’Africakazi has committed to mentoring emerging poets in the run-up to the festival.
“She wants to mentor young poets for Intwasa as part of her friendship pledge. So we have entrusted her with her expertise to play a significant role in grooming those who’ll be part of Intwasa in September.”
True to its inclusive spirit, Intwasa 2025 is shaping up to be a celebration of all artistic disciplines. This year’s edition will feature dance, theatre, music, poetry, visual art exhibitions, film, and comedy, offering something for every cultural palate. With genres like Imbube and Tshibilika proving to be perennial crowd-pullers in the City of Kings and Queens, Baya revealed plans to stage a dedicated show to honour these styles, a move that will surely excite local fans.
Intwasa is more than a festival; it is a cultural movement. It is a stage where artistes are discovered, stories come alive, and communities grow closer. But its future depends on all of us.
By becoming a Friend of Intwasa, supporters are not just giving money, they are investing in the heart and soul of Bulawayo. They are making sure the city’s rhythm, poetry, and spirit keep inspiring generations ahead.
Whether through financial support, sharing skills, or simply being present, every Friend of Intwasa is vital. Because when art flourishes, the spirit of a people shines bright.
