Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
Bulawayo’s creative sector continues to grow with the launch of a new cultural event, the Isintu Nights Fest, which is set to debut on Africa Day.
The festival aims to provide a vibrant space for art, culture and business, bringing together creatives, entrepreneurs and culture enthusiasts under one roof.
Isintu Nights Fest will feature live art exhibitions, music performances from bands and DJs, fashion, food and cultural showcases aimed at promoting African heritage in everyday life.
Held under the theme “Culture Meets Future”, the festival was founded by Andrea Mwanyali alongside co-founders Boithabelo Ndlovu and Thandolwenkosi Moyo.
Moyo said the event is meant to create opportunities for creatives while building a sustainable cultural marketplace.
“By bridging the gap between artistic passion and economic viability, we’re positioning Isintu Nights Fest as a crucial incubator for the city’s creative economy.
“What sets this initiative apart is the deliberate effort to merge the creative sector with traditional economic powerhouses,” he said.
Moyo said the launch will also feature influential guests drawn from different sectors.
“We have Payne Farai Kupfwa, founder of the Young Miners Foundation, whose presence highlights an innovative push to connect youth-driven enterprise and resource wealth with the creative arts, opening doors for unprecedented corporate partnerships.
“We also have Happy Mpofu, the visionary behind Home of Art and Entertainment and the driving force behind the Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards (PRACA). His involvement strengthens the festival’s roots within Bulawayo’s entertainment and grassroots arts scene, ensuring the marketplace serves the needs of local creatives,” he said.
Adding glamour to the event will be Miss Teen Zimbabwe first runner-up Shalom Lerato Geza.
“Her inclusion at the festival underscores our commitment to empowering the next generation of cultural ambassadors and leaders. Geza’s presence not only adds elegance to the event but also aligns with our mission of spotlighting young, trailblazing talent in the region,” said Moyo.
He said the festival is designed to offer both a cultural and business experience.
“From culturally rooted fashion displays to local music and culinary arts, the event provides a platform where creatives do not just perform — they also do business,” he said.
The organisers hope the festival will grow into a major platform that supports Bulawayo’s creative economy while celebrating African culture and identity.
Bongani Ndlovu