adminAuxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
MAKOKOBA suburb in Bulawayo is set to reverberate in song and dance as the Ibumba Festival bounces back with a three-day fiesta lined up. The festival, set to kick off last night, was initially planned to span six days from the 17th to the 22nd of this month but has since been scaled down to three days from 19 to 21. The festival was waived last year due to financial constraints after sponsors withdrew.
Nkululeko Nkala, press liaison officer of Sabela Music Projects, said the festival had been reduced to three days due to lack of funds, again this year.
“2013 had already showed signs of difficulties for the festival and we had considered cancellation, but against all odds Makokoba is set to be rocked by a celebration of music, dance, theatre and the arts,” said Nkala.
“Our theme for this year is ‘Celebrate Living’ an expression of the way we expect our work, audiences, partners and the community to feel as we aid the regeneration and branding of Zimbabwe and take a role in the transformation of local arts.”
Nkala said despite the few days that the festival would run, Ibumba would revert to its original set-up of specific days being dedicated to a certain genre.
“The nights will be Imbube and theatre night at Stanley Hall on Thursday which will also incorporate the official opening ceremony. Friday would be dance night which will feature prominent dance groups specialising in various forms of dance from traditional to contemporary. The music extravaganza will wrap up the festival on Saturday.
“Local, regional and international fans are expected to visit Makokoba and Bulawayo in support of this highly anticipated calendar event. There will be a lot of music and games during the day for families wishing to take a day out and enjoy a festive moment at the festival,” said Nkala.
Ibumba Festival would be marking its 15th anniversary this year and is one of Bulawayo’s premier arts carnivals. Focus was on supporting local artistes although South African and German artistes would also participate. The festival was last held in December 2011.
Online Reporter