adminSharon Sibindi Sunday Leisure Correspondent
THE Shangano Arts Festival, which celebrates cultural diversity in Matabeleland North, is scheduled to be held in Ntabazinduna in October. It will be held under the theme My Chance. Organisers of the festival have slatted the 9th edition of the event for October 23 to 25. In an interview with Sunday Leisure, festival director Petros Ndlovu said the event had grown into a provincial event, hence the need to be inclusive in celebrating cultural diversity in the region and the country.
“This year’s festival launch will be at Ntabazinduna as part of efforts to cover the whole province in celebrating cultural diversity. We expect all districts to be represented,” Ndlovu said.
He said the festival act as a platform for youths in rural areas to showcase their talent.
Groups expected to grace the occasion include Vulindlela from Hwange, Ihawu from Lupane, Kwabana, Lusupuko, Binga Sounds from Binga, Idwala, Afro-Bong from Victoria Falls, Black Sea, Black Amakhwezi, Shaba Arts from Tsholotsho, Nkayi performers, poets from South Africa, Umguza artistes and a Zambian group that is still yet to confirm attendance.
The event will feature exhibitions of various traditional foods made from grains such as sorghum and millet, as well as games.
Ndlovu said festival organisers had already started preparations and engaging partners.
“Preparations are going well and we have lined up fundraising activities like Miss Shangano to be held in September. We will have live performances to fundraise in Hwange. We will engage schools in Umguza,” he added.
The event is being supported by Basilizwi Trust, Hwange Colliery Company, Culture Fund of Zimbabwe and Environment Africa.
“The idea of Shangano is celebrating cultural diversity hence we want to move around all districts and create a platform for the sharing of ideas and talent such that we are able to take groups to Intwasa or Hifa,” Ndlovu added.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter