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Nkululeko Nkala . .
The 14th edition of Intwasa Festival KoBulawayo has come and gone but it’s still a far cry from what we the organisers want it to be.
Chief among the reasons being the obvious downturn of the economy. But I will say with confidence that it was a good festival.
What was good?
For once we witnessed an upsurge in numbers when it comes to shows. Theatre shows in their numbers were on average over half the house.
Women, wine and words is the ever green show which again did not disappoint. We introduced two comedy shows which both did well in terms of sales. There is also the big one Umcimbi Wabantu with which we collaborated with a local Radio Station Skyz Metro FM and dubbed it Intwasa Shutdown.
It’s only proper to acknowledge the power of radio as the show pulled the numbers. I am tempted to say with or without Soul Brothers from South Africa the show would have sold well nonetheless. Why do I say that? People sang along and danced to local songs, you should have heard them scream for each and every introduced presenter, meaning they related.
Our comedy shows were held at new arts venue Devine Car Wash which is unique and has potential to play host to a lot more arts events.
What was bad?
We cancelled a show pencilled for Friday and dubbed Journey of Ubuntu which featured world travelled Nobuntu and Black Umfolosi. To be honest I am still trying to get around the reasons. The other two events we cancelled were workshops, one a master class in writing and a teacher’s arts workshop.
Both cancelled for low and late registration respectively. I am a huge fan of hip-hop, but the few hip-hop acts that took to the stage on Friday at City Hall Car Park left a sour taste in my mouth. Yes, the Tupacs and Eminems get away with swear words but we are not cultured like that. Most of those boys decided on the swear avenue and we were all shell shocked. That’s bad.
The ugly?
I love comedy to bits but most of the super stars just need to change their ways fast. I spoke to Clive Chigubu around 10am in the morning and he promised he would be available for the show. At 11.45am he then called to say he was going for a crocodile walk but he will still make it. He did not turn up.
Nceku was supposed to play on the second day but he decided to travel to Lupane State University also with no communication. The worst is comic pastor and his drama, at negotiation he had insisted on travelling the same day and going back with late night buses. He later asked for accommodation at late notice which we booked.
On the day of the show he wanted to beat up our administrator in front of a Chronicle journalist. Together we called the Comic Pastor and put him on loud speaker and the good pastor actually confirmed getting money from us but claimed it was an extra. Anyway thank you for the 2018 memories, here is hoping for a better 2019.
Until next week, be safe . . . @nkuenkala
Online Reporter