Intwasa dates set

Showbiz Correspondent
ORGANISERS of the annual Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo have said this year’s edition will run from September 26 to October 1 under the theme Expressions. Now in its 12th edition, the festival has seen people like Dorothy Masuka, Selmor Mtukudzi, Dudu Manhenga, Tariro Negitare and Winky D performing.

Festival director Raisedon Baya said the theme was derived from the constitution of Zimbabwe.

“With Expressions we look forward to challenging and inspiring social and political debate around constitutional rights to freedom of expression, thought, conscience and creativity. 2016 is the year for artists to engage passionately and honestly in dialogue around the past and present.

“Every person is born wanting to express themselves. Throughout our lives we express ourselves in different ways – the clothes we wear, our hair, literature, art, and other forms. Expression is an inborn instinct, hence our theme this year is Expressions,” said Baya.

He said a true artist reflects truthfully what was happening in his or her nation. “As eyes, the artist must sharply focus on the conflicts and suffering of his or her people and as ears he or she must hear the cries and distressed appeal for equality, justice, and peace. But for artists to be able to be both the eyes and ears of nation, there must be freedom of expression, thought, conscience and creativity,” said Baya.

He said this year they wanted to promote creativity and diversity at the festival.

“Intwasa 2016 will focus on transforming the festival space into an innovative and creative territory for celebrating human Expression, particularly the diversity of Expression. Emphasis will be on creating new and exciting spaces within the festival to promote and advocate for diverse Expressions, but with a major thrust on freedom of expression, thought, and creativity,” said Baya.