adminTawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Zimbabwe Youth Festival recently hosted a successful festival that saw a number of artistes participating.
The one-day festival was held at Mutoko centre with the organisation hosting two successful road shows that were well attended.
Running under the theme “Sow a Seed-Encouraging Young People to Contribute to their Community and National Development”, the festival saw artistes — Tryson Chimbetu, Lady Squanda, Shinning Stars dance group and Mayo drama group performing. In an interview, the organisation’s Assistant Artistic director Simbarashe Mahenga said their festival was aimed at nurturing local talent.
“This is a youth-organised event aimed at reaching out to and encouraging young people to contribute to community development through self expression among other means,” said Mahenga.
He said that they started it in 2011 as an event that was meant to be one big single event bringing together young people using performing artistes to celebrate youth.
“Since we started we have been assisting these local artistes and here in Mutoko we have these two groups Shinning Starts dance group and Mayo Drama group and in future we are hoping to have as many groups as we can,” he said.
During their road shows a number of local groups were approaching them seeking assistance.
“At the moment we are working with already established artistes but we intend to engage untapped talents from across the country, curate their acts and bring it to broader attention. We are quite aware of the potential and at the same time curious of what the communities that are usually not in mainstream focus can offer to the creative and youth development sectors,” he added.
Artistes who performed at the event gave thrilling performances. Though Chimbetu seems to be struggling following the departure of his three key band members, the musician tried to keep revelers at their toes.
Lady Squanda was at her best and throughout her act she encouraged woman to use such platforms to showcase their talent.
Online Reporter