Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The recently held Isintu Festival in the United Kingdom proved its resilience and cultural significance, drawing a vibrant, multicultural crowd despite persistent rainfall.
Now buoyed by its success, organisers are planning to host the first-ever Zimbabwean edition, possibly later this year or during the 2026 Easter or festive season.
UK-based festival founder Sisa Senkosi said she believes the time has come to bring the festival to Zimbabwe.
“We’re working toward hosting Isintu Festival in Zimbabwe, likely during a holiday period when many in the diaspora are home. This way, families can enjoy quality time together, dancing and singing along to their favourite local acts.”
She said the event’s latest edition, held at Fillongley Hall in the UK, attracted a diverse audience that braved the wet weather to celebrate traditional food, music, and family-friendly activities.
“The festival was a true reflection of the community’s diversity, with attendees of different cultures and ethnicities present throughout the day. It was a multi-generational event – children, adults, and elders all had something to enjoy,” said Senkosi.
Children were especially drawn to the animal petting and horse-feeding zones, which many described as the highlight of their experience. Food stalls dished out a wide variety of traditional delicacies, including samp, inkobe, meat, isitshwala, and umfushwa, while traditional market stalls offered handcrafted garments and unique indigenous fruits such as mnyi and baobab.
“The stage was a hub of cultural exchange with artistes from Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the UK sharing powerful performances,” Sisa Senkosi added.
The line-up featured names such as Busi Mhlanga, Linric Toto, iBulawayo, Nokuthula, Sisa Senkosi herself, and Hwabaraty.
“It wasn’t just a music show, it was a cultural gathering where like-minded people and curious onlookers came together to learn, connect, and celebrate. Rain or shine, the energy and joy were incredible.”
Looking ahead, the event organiser revealed that another South African edition is on the cards, with plans underway to finalise logistics. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
derick.khumalo