adminShowbiz Correspondent
The Ibumba International Arts festival roars to life tomorrow in Bulawayo with over 40 theatre, music and dance shows taking place during the week-long fete.
Now in its 7th edition since they went international, the festival being held under the theme “Full On” will be headlined by South Africa’s Black Coffee, Cal_Vin, Dumi, Creme Voices, Iyasa, Siyaya Arts, Umdumo Wesizwe and Keith Nkosi among others.
“This year’s edition marks our seventh year presenting an international programme to Bulawayo,” organisers of the event said.
“We’ve a jam-packed selection of outstanding and eccentric shows and have lined up the best comedy in town. New writings will be on offer, both literary and on stage as adaptations. Some of Zimbabwe’s new voices, sounds and talent will be revealed at Ibumba 2015.”
Home of the festival, Stanley Square in Makokoba will host most of the events.
“The festival will be seven days of first-class music, dance, film, literature, arts, poetry, and theatre performances in this historic township of Makokoba.”
A “Sing Zimbabwe” show will be presented at the opening show tomorrow on the Stanley Square main stage from 7PM. It will feature a select band comprising Hudson Simba, Blessing Stotombe, Sam Siwela, Tice, Rainbow Blaze, Leone Sivako & Themelani Mdlaziba who will work with dancers from Vocal Ex, Siyaya, Ezimnyama. Sing Zimbabwe is a concept written and directed by Saimon Mambazo Phiri.
Ibumba Festival is presented and hosted by Siyaya Arts from funds raised through performances.
The festival is supported by Sabela Music Projects (Ltd) and the recently-formed Friends of the Festival.
The first Ibumba Festival was held in Bulawayo in 1996, with the major support of World Vision Zimbabwe.
The festival saw the participation of Black Umfolosi, Savannah Arts, Sunduza, the hosts Nasa Theatre (now known as Siyaya), and representatives from more than 20 local arts organisations and groups.
Online Reporter