Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
THE inaugural UMzingwane Festival is positioning itself as a platform to help emerging artistes from across the Matabeleland region unlock new opportunities and showcase their talents.
The festival’s debut edition will be held on December 24 at Mlomoliwoto in Umzingwane District. It is the brainchild of Anele Hleza, popularly known as D Major General, Silibaziso Sibanda, aka Ingane Yabapostoli, and Desire Masina.
The festival will bring together entertainers from Esigodini, Nkayi and Tsholotsho, among other areas.
The line-up includes D Major General, Ingane Yabapostoli, Abalandeli Bokholo, Amasiko Akithi, Amakholwa Enkosi, Sisters of Paradise, Umfana Wodumo, Diva Mahlahla, Isoka Lentombi, Madubula and Desire Masina.
In an interview, D Major General said the festival was conceived with the aim of providing emerging talent with a platform to showcase their art while encouraging youn people to consider the arts as a profession.
“UMzingwane Festival was founded on July 4, 2026, in a bid to encourage our youth to participate in arts and music. Our line-up includes artistes specialising in cultural music, gospel, Afro-pop, rhumba and disco music.
“As artistes from Umzingwane, this event will help us grow in the music industry. It will help people recognise us and enable our music to reach a national audience. The line-up is inspired by the positive impact that our committee wants to make in the Umzingwane community,” said D Major General.
He said the festival would also seek to give back to the community through various social initiatives.
“People can expect good deeds from the UMzingwane Festival committee, such as assisting the elderly and people with disabilities, including providing wheelchairs and other necessities. UMzingwane Festival is also about keeping our youth occupied so that they stay away from crime and early pregnancies.
“We wish to guide the youth of Umzingwane and equip them with life skills while promoting discipline and self-care,” said D Major General.
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