adminTHE 8th edition of the Shangano Festival will this year be held in Lupane where artistes from around Matabeleland are expected to converge for the three-day event.
The festival roars into life on Wednesday and ends on Friday. It will run under the theme, Celebrating Cultural Diversity.
Groups expected to take part in the event include Ibhembe from Lupane, Vulindlela from Hwange, Chilimba from Binga, Afro Bong from Victoria Falls, Chase Skuza and Ndolwane Super Sounds.
Other activities expected at the festival include music, theatre, poetry, and traditional dance.
The project director of the festival, Petros Ndlovu said there was talent in the Matabeleland region but it was being taken for granted, as people opted for foreign artistes.
“There is great talent in Matabeleland but there are very few platforms for them to market and showcase their talent. Shangano and the previously held Rainbow Province Arts Festival are some of the efforts we are enforcing to tap and nurture this talent,” said Ndlovu.
He said the festival had managed to produce notable artistes such as Obert Nyoni.
“We expect all districts to be represented at the festival. The festival has managed to identify and expose talent over the years. A Nama award winning poet, Obert Nyoni is one of the talents discovered at this festival,” said Ndlovu.
The festival is being sponsored by Culture Fund and the Embassy of Sweden.
derick.khumalo