‘The Engagement Party’

than the previous editions with amazing collaborations set to whet the appetite of arts lovers.
Dubbed “The Engagement Party”, the six-day festival which runs from April 26 to May 1, is all about engaging and a milestone of “what’s happening both politically and artistically”.
Manuel Bagorro, the artistic director and founder of Hifa, said this year’s festival was about creative engagement.
“This year’s event represents an incredible platform of engagement. There is more diversity, more collaboration and more breath and depth in terms of the coming together of cultural, artistic community and business community,” Bagorro said.
“It creates an environment for people to gather and celebrate. It is an engagement party where people unashamedly gather to celebrate as Zimbabweans.”
Explaining the theme, Bagorro said it was about time people “give a damn”.
“It is an engagement of all sorts and unashamedly think something positive. As we celebrate the cultural diversity we have to keep in mind that there are some people who cannot afford and as active citizens we have to give a damn.
“The Engagement Party” is an expression of the positive co-operation among artists, civil society and business community.
“It is also aimed at celebrating the success story that Zimbabwe has scored in political, social and economic facets, among other areas,” he said.
One of the anticipated collaborations will feature man of the moment Winky D alongside Transit Crew on the main stage.
Born Wallace Chirumiko, Winky D rocked the crowds at last year’s festival.
Also known by such other sobriquets as the Bigiman or Messi WeRaggae, he has enchanted music lovers with his high energy delivery of punchlines and ghetto lingua.
He started off as a DJ and Emcee playing at clubs such as Tropicana, Tube as well as battling at dancehall shows. Only this year, he bagged two Nama gongs for Outstanding Song and People’s Choice Award (Music).
Lokua Kanza makes a welcome return to Harare having thrilled revellers during the La Voix edition and the Congolese will headline at the festival for another dance with the fans.
Mbira songstress Chiwoniso Maraire and percussive jazz exponent Victor Kunonga will collaborate for an amazing delivery of acoustic guitar and mbira.
Both artistes are unique in their own right and their performance is likely to generate heat on stage with a mix of sophistication and absolute magic.
Other highlights set to illuminate the annual arts carnival include stand out exhibitions featuring artists from Zambia, Botswana and South Africa among other curated by renowned curator Raphael Chikukwa.
Also expected to take part at the annual arts event are groups from Holland, France, Indonesia and Britain who will showcase their artistry in the areas of music, dance and theatre.
As in previous years, there will be street performances by various groups along First Street.
This slot has enabled people who can’t afford to attend the major events in the Harare Gardens to watch free of charge some of the performances.
Poet and writer Chirikure Chirikure, who is currently out of the country will facilitate the “Spoken Word” sponsored by Hivos.
The event will also see the likes of Albert Nyathi, Mbizo Chirasha and Chirikure performing their literary works. Hifa Direct is also another area where show-goers should look forward to.
This year, youthful and gifted theatre directors Blessing Hungwe and Chris Mlalazi are expected to direct some of the plays as part of the British Council’s Hifa Direct mentorship programme.
A combination of local and international plays will be in the offing for theatre lovers.