Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
NATIONAL Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) chiefs believe the return of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) will reshape the creative community by instilling renewed hope among artists.
After being shelved for eight years, with no clear indication that it would ever return, the festival has provided a welcome boost to both artists and audiences.
As such, organisers offered festival-goers a huge sigh of relief by announcing HIFA’s return in August at the Harare Gardens.
Running under the theme “Up” from August 3 to 9, the upcoming event has been endorsed by NACZ for its impact in fostering collaboration between local and international artists.
In reflecting on HIFA’s return, NACZ spokesperson Agga Nyabinde said the festival’s comeback has boosted creatives’ confidence, particularly because they require exposure.
“After a prolonged hiatus that left a palpable void in the nation’s creative calendar, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) proudly welcomes the return of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA),” he said.
“This iconic festival transforms our capital into a vibrant, 24-hour canvas of expression, and we are particularly moved by the platform it reinstates for our local artists.
“HIFA provides an invaluable window for Zimbabwean talent to perform alongside their international peers.”
Nyabinde believes that HIFA was critical in creating synergies among arts administrators and artists who are longing for international breakthrough through collaborations.
“This creative fusion elevates our domestic art forms and nurtures a critical global dialogue, turning the festival grounds into a bustling networking hub for agents, curators, and producers from across the continent and beyond.
“Beyond the artistic enrichment, the return of HIFA signals a powerful resurgence for Zimbabwe as a premier destination for cultural tourism and a significant engine for economic growth.”
He also highlighted that HIFA’s return was critical in boosting the tourism sector which relies on international travellers and cultural exchange programmes being promoted by this multi-cultural festival which is famed for promoting all genres on a global scale.
“The NACZ notes that the festival’s return results in a complete sell-out of hospitality venues. This surge in visitor spending—on accommodation, transport, dining, and retail—injects money into the local economy, making a significant and measurable contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“By successfully packaging Zimbabwe’s creative excellence into a world-class tourist attraction, HIFA proves that culture is not merely a social good but a sustainable economic driver.”
He added: Founded in 1999, HIFA isone of Africa’s biggest festivals, which has brought international stars to Zimbabwe.
Iconic stars including Hugh Masekela, Youssou N’Dour, and Salif Keita have also graced our shows—an indication that it is more than an event.
