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THE ninth edition of Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo begins today with a promise that the show will be bigger and better as prominent names in the country’s arts sector are expected to feature. The festival is running under the theme “Culture Diversity — The Common heritage of Humanity.”
In an interview, Intwasa director Raisedon Baya said they are ready to host a marvellous spectacle and everything is in place for the successful hosting of the event.
“Intwasa is a festival formed with a specific vision of spearheading arts development and marketing Bulawayo as a cultural hub in the country,” he said.
Baya said more than 50 events will take place during the six-day festival at different venues around Bulawayo, among them Bulawayo Theatre, Art Gallery and Amakhosi Culture Centre.
“For this event to be a success, we need the support of locals, who can show up at different venues to support what we have planned for them. We have done our part and all the acts have arrived, it is time for fans to do their part and support our cause,” he said.
The celebration will feature more than 300 local artistes who will showcase their talents and more than 20 plays will be staged free of charge, to give the general public an opportunity to be part of the show.
“We are not promoting Bulawayo as an entertainment hub alone, but we are endorsing the town as a tourist destination, which is friendly to its visitors,” said Baya.
He said over the years the festival has featured regional artistes from South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Zambia and Botswana.
“This is a programme which allows exchange and networking between local, regional and international artistes. This year we will have Flatfoot Dance Company from Durban, South Africa.
“We will also have local stars such as Willis Wataffi of the Wanga fame, Selmor Mtukudzi and Dudu Manhenga,” said Baya.
Since its inception in 2005, the festival has managed to celebrate the cultural diversity and humanity through the different arts genres it promotes.
The festival is held in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe offices in Bulawayo (NACZ), the office of the Minister of State for Bulawayo Province and the Bulawayo Mayor’s office.
Online Reporter