Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
RENOWNED South Africa-based philosopher, academic and author Joshua Maponga believes the inaugural “Mutupo Fest 2025” will serve as an eye-opener in the journey of decolonising the mind.
Maponga, one of the headline speakers at the festival that will take place this afternoon at the Alliance Francaise in Harare, arrived in the country earlier in preparation for the event.
The event is expected to start at 1pm and run until 7pm.
It features an impressive line-up of performers, including poet Albert Nyathi, Clive Mono Mukundu, Tina Watyoka, Josh Meck and Othnell “Mangoma” Moyo, thanks to Yemukono Productions, under Dereck Mpofu.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Maponga praised the festival, which coincides with the Day of the African Child celebrations, as a “must-attend” event for those who cherish their identity.
“This festival is critical for decolonising the mind because totems play a vital role in identity, procreation and national heritage,” he said.
“For example, if you consider the Mukanya totem, you will find them in Malawi using the name Phiri for their identity. They can also be found in Uganda, and the Zhou people are present in Kenya.”
The academic highlighted the importance of totems in maintaining Ubuntu.
“People who do not value their totems are not only clueless, but need help to embrace their identity. Kusaziva kufa (ignorance is dangerous). The use of totems has helped us avoid crossbreeding,” asserted Maponga.
The former pastor praised Mpofu for his vision, which he believes needs national support.
“The organiser’s vision is perfect and this event should be considered a national celebration, with Government support. We also expect those arts administrators who love their culture to be present,” he said.
“It should be a national celebration that attracts representatives from the relevant ministries and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.”
Maponga, who is passionate about cultural and heritage issues, said it was an honour to be invited to attend the festival.
“I was very excited by Mpofu’s beautiful ideas for this festival. Young people with brilliant ideas need Government support to realise their potential,” he said.
Yemukono Productions emphasised 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 and significance,” said Mpofu.
“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,” he stressed.
The affable musician-cum-events manager noted that it is not too late for people to embrace their identity.
“It is 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.
Mpofu noted that 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,” he said.
“Furthermore, the increasing reliance on industrialised food systems has led to a decline in organic food production and preservation methods.”
The Mutupo Festival will address these major issues by promoting organic food production and preservation methods, revitalising traditional village spaces and community gatherings, and strengthening the family unit and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
The event will showcase the traditional dress, symbols and practices, while supporting local artisans and promoting cultural entrepreneurship.
Major events of the day will include storytelling, exploration of the significance of various totems and their role in Zimbabwean culture.
A cultural exhibition showcasing traditional food and drink will also be featured, along with food preservation methods.
