adminSome of the promoters felt that only show organisers and their business associates benefited while local artistes, who were the major attractions, were being shortchanged.
This year’s festive is running from April 30 to May 6 under the theme “What’s Next” and more than 1 200 local and international artists are expected to perform.
Responding to questions at a Press conference held in Harare recently, Hifa executive director Maria Wilson said all local artistes were welcome to participate at the festive to enable them to showcase their talent locally and globally.
She said her organisation’s main mandate was to promote local artistes from all over Zimbabwe hence the organisation’s decision to engage those who had shrugged off stiff competition in the arts sector.
“When we started this festival in 1999 our aim was to develop the arts sector in Zimbabwe. That is why we even go to rural areas and in the streets to scout for talent,” said Wilson.
She said artistes often decided on what kind of package they wanted when drafting their contracts.
“It is up to the artistes to choose either a flat fee for the performance or they just want us to help them to showcase their career.”
Hifa’s new artistic manager, Mr Gavin Peter, said all local and international artistes went through the same selection process before they were granted the opportunity to perform at the festival.
Since its inception more than 10 years ago, Hifa has hosted quite a number of big international artistes, which include Salif Keita, Ishmael Lo and South Africa’s Freshly- ground.
Online Reporter