Isintu Fest UK set to celebrate Southern African heritage

IN the vibrant city of Coventry in the UK, a cultural phenomenon is about to unfold. Sisa Senkosi, the highly-adaptive musician is curating the inaugural Isintu Festival UK on August 26 at Fillongley Hall.

This momentous event promises to transport audiences to the heart of Southern Africa, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Born in Bulawayo, Sisa Senkosi’s artistic journey began in the dusty streets of Magwegwe, where she performed in school clubs as a young girl.

Her passion and dedication have since taken her to international stages, sharing the spotlight with African luminaries and showcasing her beloved Maskandi music.

In an interview, she highlighted how the festival stalled but is set to continue.

“The Isintu Festival UK, though delayed by visa issues and the passing of Queen Elizabeth, has finally arrived. The inaugural one was meant to be in 2022 but then we had issues including the unfortunate passing of Queen Elizabeth, so we had to postpone as a sign of respect, to join the world in mourning. It was stressful for everyone but akulahlwa mbeleko ngokufelwa. We keep at it and so in a way, yes, this is the inaugural one,” she said.

Sisa Senkosi’s perseverance and passion have culminated in a dream line-up featuring Austria-based Vusa Mkhaya, Germany-based Awa Khiwe, DJ Zee and more acts yet to be unveiled.

To Sisa Senkosi, “Isintu Fest UK bridges the gap where most big festivals and events have mainstream genres of music and some genres like rhumba, Maskandi and traditional cultural music never get a chance to shine on world stages and we hope to change that. Advocacy for artistes that preach tradition and culture through music and dance is a must.”

According to her, the Maskandi genre is one of Southern Africa’s oldest traditional genres and it resonates deeply with her.

Her albums, Thandolwethu (2016) and Sekumnandi (2022), recorded in South Africa, pay homage to this rich cultural legacy. Her tribute to Highlanders Football Club, Amahlolanyama, exemplifies her connection to her roots.

Sisa Senkosi’s performances have graced esteemed festivals like Glastonbury, Womad and Llangollen, as well as private events across the UK, Europe and Africa.

Having toured internationally with Siyaya Arts before, Sisa Senkosi amassed experience and believes that she is the cornerstone.

Her dream is to become a renowned performing artiste, sharing the stage with industry greats and taking her heritage globally. “Bulawayo to the world” is her mantra, as she bridges cultural divides and showcases the beauty of Ubuntu.

“I’m very passionate about promoting our culture abroad and I try my best to push. It’s not easy but nothing comes easy so a journey of a thousand miles has to start with a single step.”

Though Sisa Senkosi has dabbled in diverse genres out of fun, she conceded to that experience showing her that she can be flexible and versatile, as well as thinking outside the box, challenging herself.

Before year-end, she promised to release visuals for one of her songs. — @MbuleloMpofu