adminManicaland Province on Friday.
The three-day fiesta will see sensational Botswana songbird Slizer returning to Zimbabwe where she is expected to headline the event.
This is the first time that Slizer – who has turned Zimbabwe into her second home – will be performing at the festival.
The “Rasta Man” hit-maker and dancer is billed to set the stage alight what with her growing fan base in Zimbabwe and this time the people of Chimanimani will have a chance to see the diva live in their backyard.
Another star attraction at the festival is none other than the grandmaster himself, Oliver Mtukudzi, who makes a comeback at the festival after his guest cameo appearance at last year’s festival.
Tuku performed together with the Ay Band – the late Sam Mtukudzi’s group – as a special tribute to his late son.
But this time, the granddad of Zimbabwean music will perform with his backing group, Black Spirits.
Chimanimani folk will have a chance to sample Tuku’s two albums, “Rudaviro” and “Abiangu” which he launched in South Africa.
It will be a mixed bag for revellers at the festival as there will be something for everyone.
“Shaina” hitmaker Alexio Kawara, who is out to prove why he is one of the best young musicians in the country, is also part of the star-studded line up.
Apart from “Shaina”, Alexio is billed to play a catalogue of other crowd favourites like “Karwiyo” among others.
Club Shanga, will make their debut at Chimanimani Arts Festival and prove why they were voted the 2010 Music Crossroads winners.
Mbira Dzemutupo, “Cde Fatso and Chabvondoka” and afro-punk group Chikwata 263 among others, also make part of the entertainers at the fete.
Poet Ishmael Penyai will also launch his latest Ndau and Manyika book “Nhekwe Dziri Kanyi” at the event in an effort to promote minority languages.
“This is a free event which brings both local and international performing artistes to the mountains of Zimbabwe.
“The weather in August is usually warm in the day and cunningly chilly at night . . . so if you braved the shocking May weather of Festival 2010 . . . you’re in for a treat this year,” said one of organisers.
Online Reporter