Nyanga Arts Festival returns

THE Nyanga Arts Festival is set to return to the picturesque Eastern Highlands town of Nyanga from October 17-19, promising an enthralling weekend of music, culture and environmental awareness.

Exciting music acts, from top professionals to emerging talent, will take to stages in three diverse environments: the plush stage of the acclaimed Montclair Hotel & Casino, Ilima Records and Nyangani FM’s Local Emerging Talent Showcase (Lets) and the Chief Saunyama Community stage at Maereka Primary School.

Now in its third year, the festival, organised by Nhimbe Trust in partnership with Montclair Hotel & Casino, aims to enhance the leisure industry in Nyanga by amplifying its eco-friendliness through arts, culture and heritage, while promoting tourism in the Eastern Highlands for both local and international visitors. This vibrant programme of activities makes it an attractive prospect for music lovers and tourists alike.

This year’s line-up features a diverse array of musical talent, including the exciting new Bulawayo-based collaboration “Imvelo”, which brings together some of the region’s most experienced and accomplished singers, dancers and musicians. Also performing is the vibrant young jazz singer-songwriter, Vuyo Brown, who has received critical acclaim both at home and regionally.

Alongside the musical acts, this year’s festival will once again shine a spotlight on the area’s rich cultural heritage. Chief Mbusi Bekithemba Dakamela from Nkayi and his entourage will be on hand to perform traditional praise poetry, further enhancing the festival’s celebration of Zimbabwe’s diverse artistic traditions. More acts are yet to be unveiled.

Bulawayo acts have been an integral part of the festival since thespian, Zenzo Nyathi performed an enthralling one-man theatre piece for a huge rural audience in 2022 and Imbube juggernauts, Black Umfolosi gracing the festival last year.

In addition to the musical and cultural offerings, the Nyanga Arts Festival remains committed to its environmental focus. In a press statement, the festival’s artistic director, Josh Nyapimbi outlined the multi-purpose approach of the festival.

“Alongside the celebration of the arts, artistic collaborations and cultural exchanges, the festival provides a platform for sharpening environmental awareness in both the audiences and artistes and brings to the fore the tourism potential in the awe-inspiring vistas of the mountainous area and the facilities it has to offer.”

Nyapimbi said the festival’s emphasis on eco-friendliness and the promotion of the Eastern Highlands’ tourism potential has earned it the recognition of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe.

Godfrey Koti, head of corporate affairs at the ZTA, praised the festival as “a big boost to domestic tourism” and a testament to Zimbabwe’s diverse offerings as a destination.— @MbuleloMpofu