Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
The countdown has started, but one question is dominating conversations across Zimbabwe’s arts scene:
Who is coming to HIFA?
Ever since the announcement that the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) is making its grand return this August, excitement has been building – but so has the impatience.
Fans, artistes and industry players are now asking the same thing: When is the full programme coming out?
Who are the local stars?
Which regional acts are coming?
Which venues, and who will be the international headline performers?
For many, the announcement of dates was only the beginning.
The real HIFA magic has always been in the surprise – discovering which global names, African stars, theatre groups and creative minds will descend on Harare.
With the festival scheduled for August 3 to 9, anticipation is rising, but the absence of an announced line-up has left many wondering what the comeback edition will look like.
On social media, some fans have been asking: “Who is performing at HIFA?” while others want to know if the festival will bring back the international flavour that once made Harare the centre of the African arts map.
During its glory years, HIFA was famous for bringing together a melting pot of talent.
The festival hosted some of the biggest names from across Africa and beyond, creating unforgettable moments where local artistes shared platforms with international performers.
Regional stars, who have graced HIFA stages include South African musicians, theatre practitioners and dance groups, while international acts from Europe, America and other parts of the world also became part of the festival experience.
From legendary musicians to award-winning theatre productions, HIFA built a reputation as a place where audiences could discover something new around every corner.
It was not just about one concert.
It was about an entire city coming alive.
For one week, Harare became a cultural capital, with venues packed, streets buzzing and people moving from music stages to theatre shows, fashion showcases, exhibitions and creative workshops. That was the magic of HIFA – everything was under one roof.
Music lovers could watch a concert, theatre enthusiasts could catch a stage production, fashion followers could attend a showcase, while art lovers explored exhibitions, all within the same festival atmosphere.
But as HIFA prepares to return, it faces a very different creative landscape.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has seen the rise of several specialised festivals and events.
There are now dedicated music festivals, fashion events, sculpture exhibitions, food experiences and lifestyle showcases attracting different audiences.
The question many are asking is whether HIFA can once again unite all these worlds like it did before.
Can it bring back the days when Harare moved to one rhythm?
Arts analyst and industry players believe HIFA’s greatest strength has always been its diversity.
While other events may focus on one discipline, HIFA created a complete cultural ecosystem where different art forms existed together.
It was a festival where a musician, actor, painter, designer and dancer could all find a home.
The challenge now is bringing that magic back in an industry that has changed significantly over the years.
Audiences have also changed.
They are demanding bigger experiences, stronger communication and programmes that reflect the current creative generation.
The return of HIFA is therefore not just about bringing back an old festival.
It is about proving that its concept still matters.
For many Zimbabweans, HIFA represents memories of Harare at its most vibrant – restaurants full, hotels busy, creatives networking and the city welcoming visitors from different countries.
The festival also played a major role in giving local artistes international exposure and creating opportunities for collaborations.
Its comeback has therefore created both excitement and pressure.
Fans are waiting to see whether the 2026 edition will feature the surprise international guests, regional collaborations and diverse programming that became the festival’s trademark.
The biggest question remains unanswered:
Who will be on the HIFA stage?
Until the line-up drops, speculation will continue.
But one thing is certain – Harare is watching, and many are hoping that the return of HIFA will bring back the festival spirit that once turned the capital into Africa’s creative playground.
