adminShowbiz Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the annual Ibumba International Festival are underway with the event scheduled to run from December 16 to 22 in Bulawayo. The now expanded Siyaya Arts-organised festival, running under the theme: “No limits”, will see the world converging on Makokoba township with Stanley Square being the home of the festival.
Siyaya Arts and Sabela Music Projects director Saimon Phiri said the week-long festival would see new artistes being born.
“The festival will be seven days of first-class music, dance, film, literature, arts, poetry, and theatre performances. In the midst of so many offerings, the festival sets out to be distinctive by creating a programme that appeals to all,” Phiri said.
“Our comedy programme will be fresh, with your usual suspects and a few new surprises. Thrills and surprises can be expected in this year’s festival. We have doubled our investments and upped our energies to ensure that Ibumba Festival is a reality.”
Over 50 shows will be shown during the arts festival with the country’s most popular dub poet, Albert Nyathi, making a return this year for a performance during the official opening show.
Artistes who have confirmed their participation at the festival include AmaVolunteer, Bambelela Arts Ensemble, Black Umfolosi, Clive Chigubu, DJ Bongz Deeper, DJ Brice, DJ JB, DJ Nhlambazonke, DJ Slamma, Dumi Nyongola, Family Voices, Go Boyz, Iyasa, Imvimbi Arts, Iwisa, Khaya Arts, Kwabatsha Generals, Magwaza, Mjox & Kadder, Ndolwane Super Sounds, Nobuntu, Nomashawekazi Damasane, Otis Ngwabi, Ramsey Kasawaya, Sungura Masters, Umdumo Wesizwe and Vocal X.
The festival, which has been held annually since 1996, will follow on the heels of the sixth edition of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games also being held in Bulawayo next month.
Phiri urged organisations and artistes who are keen on partnering them for the festival to hurry, saying there are limited opportunities.
The festival programme will be released at the end of this month.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter