Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
The overwhelming success of last year’s sold-out Rhumba Festival has inspired organisers to bring the event back for a second edition, with plans to establish it as a permanent fixture on Bulawayo’s entertainment calendar.
Set for Saturday at Palace Gardens, the festival returns after a debut edition that exceeded expectations and drew strong support from music lovers across the city and beyond.
Festival organiser Tapiwa Gandiwa said the enthusiastic response to the inaugural event convinced organisers that there was a need for a dedicated platform celebrating Tshibilika and Rhumba music.
“The response to last year’s festival was overwhelming. That encouraged us to bring it back with the vision of making it an annual event. Rhumba remains one of Matabeleland’s leading genres, and this festival provides a platform for fans and artistes to celebrate it together,” said Gandiwa.
He added that the festival’s mission extends beyond entertainment, as it seeks to preserve and promote Tshibilika music while honouring the pioneers who laid the foundation for the genre.
“We want to create opportunities for emerging artistes to showcase their talent and connect with wider audiences
while keeping the Tshibilika legacy alive,” he said.
Headlining the event will be popular group Insimbi ZeZhwane, who will share the stage with Amathonga Amahle,
fast-rising outfit Maqedimbuzi and secular artiste King Adiza.
Insimbi ZeZhwane frontman Meluleki “Brema” Moyo said the group was proud to lead a festival dedicated to celebrating local identity.
“We’re excited to headline this year’s Rhumba Festival because it celebrates a sound that defines our identity and cultural heritage.
“As artistes, we have a responsibility to preserve Tshibilika music, and platforms like these ensure the genre continues to thrive,” said Brema.
King Adiza, whose style falls outside the traditional rhumba genre, welcomed the opportunity to be part of the festival’s diverse line-up.
“I’m honoured to be part of this year’s festival and grateful to the organisers for recognising my work, despite my music falling outside the rhumba genre. This opportunity shows that music has no boundaries. I’m looking forward to giving fans a memorable performance,” he said.
Adiza is expected to perform his latest single, Ama GD6, featuring Tshibilika star Godolude. The song has been gaining momentum in Bulawayo and surrounding areas, receiving significant airplay on local radio stations.
