Ibumba fest disappoints artistes

Running under the theme “Smaller But Bigger” the festival has been described by many as one of the worst in the history of festivals in Bulawayo.
This year’s edition of the scaled down festival lacked variety compared to the previous years.
Some described it as a “‘musical” festival as seen by the prominence given to musical groups.
Participants and spectators say despite being well-organised, low attendance and lack of variety deflated enthusiasm.

Some artistes who spoke to Chronicle Entertainment on condition of anonymity said the organisers should have shelved this year’s festival and mobilised resources for next year.
“It was better if they had cancelled the festival because it is pointless to host a festival focusing on music only at the expense of other genres,” said the artistes.
They emphasised that the focus of hosting a festival was to promote art of all genres.

“We have artistes such as comedians Clive Chigubu and Ntando who were thrown into limelight through festivals and so by sidelining other genres we are suppressing talent in the community,” said a director of a local dance group.

This year’s festival was scaled down to four days due to lack of sponsorship and Siyaya’s botched Europe tour due to the Air Zimbabwe strike a few months ago.
The festival, however, had kicked off on a high note with a colourful and touching ceremony that was held to honour fallen artistes.
The artistes, before starting the festival activities, paid tribute to fallen artistes from the country and beyond.

Individuals took turns to light candles in memory of late artistes that include Norman Takawira, Mqoqi Nkomo, Mackey Tickeys, Beatar Mangethe and Tongai Moyo.
Some opening acts came from Umdumo Wesizwe who lost their leader and anchor Nkomo early this year, Siyaya Arts, Iyasa, Umkhathi Theatre Works, Cool Crooners and Jeys Marabini who all paid tribute to fallen artistes.

This year’s festival honoured David Khabo, a city council official who has worked with several artistes in the city.
It was such a touching moment when United States based artiste Oscar Mlotshwa presented the Lifetime award to a tearful Khabo who has nurtured a number of the city’s renowned artistes and groups.

Some of the top artistes who have passed through Khabo’s hands are Nhimbe Trust director Josh Nyapimbi, National Arts Council programmes officer for Bulawayo William Nyandoro, renowned actor Fortune Ruzungunde, Iyasa director Nkululeko Dube, Intwasa director Raisedon Baya, jazz musician Jeys Marabini and Sam Banda.