adminAuxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
IBUMBA Festival returns with a bang this year as German and South African artistes are expected to be part of the six-day fiesta in Bulawayo.The festival will run from 17 to 22 December and will be held under the theme “Celebrate Living.”
The festival organised by Sabela Music Projects was cancelled last year due to financial constraints. Festival director, Saimon Mambazo Phiri said this year’s theme was in line with the festival’s vision of seeing the arts industry in Bulawayo grow.
“Celebrate Living is the conclusion of the festival’s three year artistic vision which celebrates the beauty of the arts and fosters artistic excellence in the townships and Bulawayo at large.
“It is an expression of the way we expect our people, their work, the artists, the acts, audiences and partners to celebrate their being, their local community and the city as we assist the rejuvenation and re-branding of Zimbabwe and take a role in confirming that Bulawayo is the cultural hub of Zimbabwe,” said Phiri.
He said this year’s festival would also reflect and celebrate the culture and some of the places in Bulawayo that have an artistic history.
“We will explore and reflect the unique identity of our city. Bulawayo and Makokoba have for years been symbiotically connected with music, theatre and other arts.
The festival will respond to this by using music and these arts to inspire new commissions and innovative approaches to staging and rebranding of Zimbabwe’s arts, while the main site, Stanley Hall and Square’s extraordinary location and settings will continue to host stunning performances,” said Phiri.
Ibumba Festival would be marking its 15th anniversary this year and is one of Bulawayo’s arts carnivals. Phiri said focus was on supporting local artistes although South African and German artistes were also participating.
The festival was last held in December 2011.
Online Reporter