Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
IN a bid to celebrate totems and cultural diversity, a new festival has emerged to foster Ubuntu.
Dubbed “Mutupo Fest 2025,” the potentially exciting event is scheduled for June 15 at Alliance Francaise.
Coinciding with the Day of the African Child celebrations, Mutupo Fest will honour totems, identity and cultural diversity under one roof, thanks to Yemukono Productions under the leadership of Dereck Mpofu.
The festival will feature renowned South African-based philosopher, academic and author Joshua Maponga as the headline speaker.
Additionally, an impressive line-up of performers, including poet Albert Nyathi, Clive “Mono” Mukundu, Tina Watyoka, Josh Meck and Mangoma, will entertain guests with their artistry.
In a statement, Mpofu expressed his enthusiasm for the inaugural event, emphasising its potential to leave a lasting impression.
He also highlighted the importance of totems in preserving cultural heritage.
“The Mutupo Festival is a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, bringing together people from all totems to share their stories, culture, and heritage.
“Zimbabwean totems play a vital role in the country’s cultural identity, representing unique histories, stories and significance.
From the majestic eland of the Vahera totem to the revered symbols of others, such as the lion of the Shumba, the heart of the Moyo and the zebra of the Mbizi, Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage is rich and diverse.
“However, the narrative surrounding these totems has often been defined and told by outsiders, leading to negative stereotypes and misconceptions,” stressed Mpofu.
The affable musician-cum-events manager noted that it is never too late for people to embrace their identity.
“It’s time to reclaim and redefine the narrative, amplifying the positives and muting the negatives. The Mutupo Festival aims to promote cultural understanding, national identity and unity while preserving cultural knowledge and supporting local artisans.
“In recent years, Zimbabwe has experienced a decline in traditional village spaces where people used to gather, share stories and pass down cultural knowledge. The destruction of the family unit has also significantly impacted the transmission of cultural values and practices. Furthermore, the increasing reliance on industrialised food systems has led to a decline in organic food production and preservation methods,” he emphasised.
He also highlighted that Mutupo Festival would address major issues, including the promotion of organic food production and preservation methods, revitalising traditional village spaces and community gatherings, and strengthening the family unit and inter-generational knowledge transfer.
What has also raised the appeal of the festival is that it will showcase traditional dress, symbols and practices while supporting local artisans and promoting cultural entrepreneurship.
It starts at 1pm and runs until 7pm.
Major events of the day will include storytelling, exploring the significance of various totems and their role in Zimbabwean culture.
Musical performances will be provided by Pah Chihera, Mpofu, Meck, Nyathi Mukundu and Mangoma. A cultural exhibition showcasing traditional food and drink will also be featured, along with food preservation methods.
The festival coincides with significant dates, including the International Day of the African Child (June 16) and the World Day to Combat Desertification & Drought (June 17).
Some of the aims of this event are to foster appreciation and understanding of Zimbabwean cultural heritage, national identity and unity.
The festival is also expected to enhance inter-generational knowledge transfer through the preservation of cultural knowledge and practices via storytelling and workshops.
Youth empowerment is one of the key areas noted by the event organisers as they seek to raise awareness among youth about cultural heritage and its importance in shaping their identity.
Moreover, Mutupo Festival will act as a game-changer in promoting self-acceptance, encouraging people to take pride in their natural skin tone and hair, thus promoting a positive self-image and self-esteem.
It also aims to promote sustainable living by encouraging the uptake of organic food production, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.
As such, Mutupo Fest 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of identity and unity, reinforcing the significance of cultural diversity in our society.
This festival is not just an event; it is a movement aimed at bringing people together through the rich tapestry of our shared heritage.
