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Arts Reporters
With the month end just a few days away, July boasts of rich cultural events celebrating our Zimbabwean culture through music, dance and food.
Locally, revellers will be spoilt for choice while Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom won’t be left behind.
A survey by The Herald Arts, revealed that it will be a mixed bag from music, modelling, poetry and theatre as promoters have lined up an array of event to usher the weekend in style.
Below are some of the major events of this weekend:
Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals for Masvingo
The curtain comes down for Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance as the finale to be held tomorrow at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
The groups drawn from the country’s 10 provinces will be vying for the top prize of US$15 000.
These include Khaya Arts from Bulawayo, Budiriro Arts (Mashonaland West) Culture Warriors (Harare) Dzimbahwe Nengoma (Mashonaland Central), Gango (Masvingo), Mkango Malawi Nyau Club (Midlands), Nyaungwe Dance Group (Mashonaland East), Dapurahunanzva Arts Ensembe (Manicaland), Bolamba (Matabeleland South) and Pezhuba Pachena (Matabeleland North).
The annual dance contest is the biggest platform that promotes Zimbabwean culture through dance.
Some of the popular dances in Zimbabwe are Shangara, Dinhe, Mbakumba, Muchongoyo, Jerusarema, Amabhiza, Gule, Inquzu and Mhande.
Meanwhile, superstars Jah Prayzah, Killer T and Tocky Vibes are set to awaken this ancient city from its deep slumber with song and dance as they close the festival.
The trio will perform at this year’s national finals after-party.
Famed for their well-choreographed acts, their inclusion has raised the appeal of this year’s traditional dance jamboree.
Beauty queens host scholarship fundraising dinner
Cresta Lodge in Msasa, Harare is the place to be on Sunday when it hosts a scholarship fundraising dinner spearheaded by Miss Supranational Zimbabwe Yollanda Chimbarami.
Dubbed “Help a Child, Save a Nation”, the scholarship programme was launched in Bindura as part of the beauty queen’s drive to give back to society.
Fashion designer, Hilz Couture, will have a fashion show as part of the programme.
Ordinary tickets are going for US$50 and the VIp tickets will be US$100.
Yollanda, who hails from Mukombachoto Village, Chief Bepura in Guruve, believes in empowering children through education.
Her vision is to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal number four which talks about quality education.
ZimFest celebrates diversity
A celebration of Zimbabwean culture through quality music and food will take centre stage for the UK community at this year’s two-day ZimFest atHertfordshire Show Grounds.
Tomorrow, Winky D and Feli Nandi will headline the opening day of the festival as they share the stage with Shinsoman, ExQ and Poptain.
On Sunday, Suluman Chimbetu will lead an array of performers includingEnzo Ishall, Saintfloew and DJ Tira at the same venue.
Hype-man DJ Fantan and his sidekick, DJ Levels are also part of the bill.
Top South African acts including Felo Le Tee and Daliwonga will give festival-goers a dose of amapiano at the event.
Star FM will be broadcasting live from the Zimfest venue.
According to the organisers, three stages have been mounted at the two-day event set to bring Zimbabweans in the UK together.
Jazz star Maizon croons in H–Town
Consistent jazz exponent, Maizon Tazvitya, might be reaping the rewards for hard work, judging by his growing fan base.
Tonight, he holds a double alongside Gwarimba co-founder Drogba.
Backed by the Ancient Voices, Maison will also be supported by his European friends who fell in love with his music.
Jazz players and session musicians are also part of the bill.
Paradzai Mesi in good spirits
The sungura reformer, who has turned around the corner after rapper Mudiwa Hood’s intervention, is now in a good space.
Mesi will hold a show in Harare at FnG Bar & Restaurant (formerly Dandaro Inn) housed at the Harare Showgrounds.
His currently sampling new songs from his upcoming album due for release later this year.
Young Igwe gyrates in backyard
Utakataka Express heir, Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo, insists he still has the mojo to woo fans.
Tonight, he meets his fans at The Yard (formerly Bar Rouge) nestled in the heart of Long Cheng Plaza in Belvedere, Harare.
He will be promoting new songs off his upcoming album.
The former footballer is also keeping his late father Tongai Moyo’s legacy intact.
Let Them Trust marimba, poetry, fashion festival set
The 12th edition of the Let Them Trust, school’s festival begin today at Churchill High School in Harare. Schools drawn across the country will be showcasing their talent in theatre, visual displays, fashion, poetry and music among other disciplines.
A brain child of Chido Musasiwa, the event is meant to unlock potential of learners through performances.
“By celebrating afrocentric creativity and ubuntu values, this festival aims to inspire young people to embrace their heritage and talents. It brings together students, professionals and the community to foster pride, solidarity and shared purpose,” she said.
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