Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AFTER hosting a successful event in 2025, organisers of the Isintu Festival (Fest) are calling on interested artistes to submit their works to be shortlisted as part of performers at this year’s edition of the United Kingdom (UK) edition set to be held on July 19, in Birmingham.
The festival is expected will provide an exciting opportunity of growth to local artistes as they will get a platform to perform abroad.
Isintu Fest is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Southern African heritage, specifically traditional music and dance.
Founded by UK-based veteran artiste Sisa Senkosi, the name of the event “Isintu,” signifies the way of life and identity of the people, rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu.
Sisa Senkosi revealed that they are looking forward to giving a chance to young, exciting musicians, dancers, poets and visual artistes, as they want to connect the audience based in the UK with their roots through African artistry.
“We are looking forward to promoting unique talent from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, as we believe there is a market in the UK that can consume Southern African artistic products.
“Those interested can apply on our website and those who will be successful, will join our line-up of incredible artistes from across the UK and beyond. The application process will be closed on January 31,” said Sisa Senkosi.
Isintu Fest was established in 2023 with the main purpose behind the creation being to address a lack of visibility for Southern African traditional music and providing a dedicated platform for indigenous art forms.
Since its inception, the festival has gained significant traction in the UK, where it serves the Southern African diaspora and those interested in African culture.
In the past three editions held, the festival has worked in preserving African culture as it has worked as a way to safeguard Southern African heritage including language, rituals and customs, ensuring these “living histories” are passed on to future generations.
“The festival has also worked as a way of fostering unity and identity to the diaspora, as we aim to build a sense of belonging and cultural pride, breaking down barriers between people of different backgrounds through shared traditions.
“We have also promoted the intergenerational connection as we prioritise creating safe spaces where elders, adults and youth can interact, ensuring that ancestral knowledge like storytelling and traditional games is not lost,” said Sisa Senkosi.
Southern African artistes who have headlined the Isintu Fest include South Africa’s king of Maskandi Khuzzani, the Qwabe Twins, Msiz’Kay, Hwabaraty, Austria-based muso Vusa Mkhaya, rapper AWA Khiwe as well as LinRic.
