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PREPARATIONS for this year’s Ibumba International Festival are at an advanced stage with Rural Development, Preservation and Promotion of Culture and Heritage Minister Abednico Ncube expected to officially open the fete.
This year’s celebrations will be held from December 16 to 22 at Stanley Square and Hall, Family of God auditorium, National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and Bulawayo Theatre.
There are over 100 artistes pencilled to offer entertainment in theatre, dance, fashion, music and sport over the seven days.
Festival director Saimon “Mambazo” Phiri said the minister would clarify issues that artistes are uncertain about.
“Most artistes don’t know which ministry we fall under, that’s the reason why we have invited Minister Ncube to come and officially open Ibumba,” said Mambazo.
He said this year’s festival would concentrate on uplifting theatre.
“We feel that theatre is lagging behind and in the past we’ve been concentrating on music. We asked ourselves if people really knew what was happening on the dance side of the festival. We want a person to get here at 6PM and leave at 12AM having watched all the genres we are offering,” said Mambazo.
He said as part of efforts to get people to familiarise with the festival they had organised a tea with the mayor of Bulawayo.
“Next week we shall meet the city’s fathers for tea as we sit down and discuss our challenges and opportunities they can utilise within the festival. It’s crucial we meet with them as they have been helping us a lot for a long time,” said Mambazo.
A visit by Chronicle Showbiz to the main venue revealed that groups were busy rehearsing for their different sets on the stage.
Festival goers have to part with $2 for all day tickets to most events. There will be a few events which will be priced at $5 and $10 per ticket.
Tickets will mainly be available on site: Stanley Hall and Square and the Kodak Centre.
The main attractions for Theatre this year are African Tree production’s The System and a two hander called Gift from God with the Dr Yvonne Vera’s novel Without a Name being turned into a play and also making it on the programme.
Comedy which was a hit last year returns with one off shows for samba the Comic King, Ntando Van Moyo, Keith Nkosi and Nomsa Dee.
Mixtape, a new musical concept introduced this year, will feature performances from Cal_Vin, POY, Guluva 7, Mzoe 7, Mcheznana, Zibozizodwa, Mjox, Lady Thug and Gregory among others.
Wheel spinners will have the chance to enthrall crowds during the nights with DJs Skaiva, Passie, Slamma, King B, Jayza, Jay B, Bryce Classic and Anora on the decks during the seven day festival.
The ever popular Clement Magwaza, Jeys Marabini and Ndux Junior will make a comeback this year.
Gospel lovers will be spoilt for choice as there will be an iGospel Fest with groups like Family Voices, Crème Voices, Dumi Nyongola and Drummers for Jesus participating at the Family of God auditorium.
Jazz legends, Cool Crooners, will join hands with up-and-coming bands such as One Stand Band and Roots Band for a Jazz Night at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
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