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Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE Chimanimani Arts Festival which was last held in 2014 due to financial challenges is back.
This time it is bigger and better.
Breaking the news to Weekender Entertainment this week, one of the organisers, Sam Mataure, said a galaxy of visual and performing artistes from across the country are lined up to perform at the festival which is set to be held from April 15 to 17.
The leisure fete will see local traditional leaders, as per norm, leading the proceedings of the opening ceremony and blessing the event that usually brings together more than 5 000 people of all ages.
The event also gives artistes a platform to promote their brands regionally and internationally.
“We are taking it nice and slow. We are happy that most of the artistes we engaged have confirmed their participation. We will be having a series of meetings with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to come up with resolutions that will ensure that the event becomes a success.
“Previous editions were successful and we need to maintain that.
“This festival comes after a lot of devastating events that happened in Chimanimani, the likes of Cyclone Idai where hundreds of people were displaced, while many others lost their lives. So this event will bring warmth and smiles to their faces.
“It is a community event that will be attended for free and will be open to all ages. During the event, sub events will be happening simultaneously,” he said.
Mataure said the event also seeks to honour godfathers and godmothers of traditional music, the late Dumisani and Chioneso Mararire, the prolific mbira players who hailed from Chimanimani.
Artistes expected to perform at the three-day jamboree are Victor Kunonga, the Nyabinde family, Diamond Musica, Black Spirits, Peter Moyo, Sulumani Chimbetu, Tocky Vibes, Nyamasvisva and Maungira eNharira, Gemma Griffiths, Steve Chikoti, Albert Nyathi and Chirikure Chirikure.
Manicaland will be represented by Brian Samaita, Hosiah Chipanga, Blessing Shumba, RUNN Family, Rutendo Jackie and Wachari neShamwari Dzerwendo.
Artistes who have performed at previous editions of the festival include Alick Macheso, the late national hero, Oliver Mtukudzi, Sniper Storm, Agatha Murudzwa, Blessing Shumba, Joshua Sacco, Assegai Crew, Aleck Muchayi and Ngangu Band.
Established in 1998, the Chimanimani Arts Festival provides a platform for visual and performing artistes to promote their brands regionally and internationally.
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