Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
It was a hive of activity during the Buja Annual Arts and Culture Festival held in Mutoko centre as the district celebrated the rich indigenous Buja culture preservation.
The two-day activity saw thousands of people enjoying sterling performances from various traditional dance groups, enjoyed traditional cuisine as well as outstanding creativity and displays from individuals.
The auspicious event kickstarted with a series of interactive events which included the Nhanga/Gota where boys and girls were being educated on various societal and cultural issues.
During the evenings, a Buja Cultural Gala provided a performance platform for local artists like Dumie Matomboanokosha of the Nice Cool Band who mesmerised the crowd with an outstanding performance.
Other artists who performed include TMan Mwanamutoko, Biggerz Wakapiwa, Chief Splash and Courage and the Miracle Team. Traditional dance groups also performed outstandingly, showcasing the rich Buja culture.
The groups included the Ngoma Nyagore, Tsotsa Dehwe Group, Mutoko Prisons Arts Group as well as the Zimbabwe Open University Culture Arts Group.
Besides promoting the rich Buja culture, the festival also provided a platform to bring awareness to the people of Mutoko on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Officiating during the event, prominent Mutoko born businessman Dr Benard Kasekete highlighted the importance of such festivals in promoting the Buja culture, which he said is unique. He also took the opportunity to denounce drug and substance abuse.
“I am humbled to be here at the Buja Annual Arts and Culture Festival which is a platform showcasing how rich the Buja culture is. It is important to note that the Buja culture has a teaching on how to overcome societal challenges even those that we face today.
“There is a serious problem we are facing not only in Mutoko but the whole nation, that of drug and substance abuse. This problem is destroying our youth at an alarming rate. Even some of our elders are not being spared.
“We did not have all these drugs and substances before, and those who came before us drank traditional beer which did not have any negative health impact.
“But now we have dangerous drugs and substances that are killing people everyday and if we do not take action now, a generation will be wiped out.
“The time to act is now. President Mnangagwa is on record calling for every Zimbabwean to join in the fight, so let s support him by fighting drug and substance abuse form this district.
“I want to call on the youth to desist from drug and substance abuse. There is no trophy to be won after abusing drugs, the only reward is death. President Mnangagwa said our youth should meaningfully contribute to the development of Zimbabwe and they can only do that if they remain focused, disciplined, loyal, hard working and avoid drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Dr Kasekete said it is vital for the people to always continue observing culture which is critical for own identification.
He commended traditional leaders from Mutoko for organizing such an event. “We have our traditional foods, our traditional ways to conduct ourselves. I am glad to have seen traditional foods on display here. We should teach our children to embrace all these for their own good. Let us encourage or children to eat even our traditional fruits.
“We should also embrace innovation and add value to these fruits to make juices. Innovation is a key pillar in the economic development of our nation.”
Headman Nyakabau who is the Buja Festival organising committee chairman said the turnout for this year was excellent.
He went on to say as traditional leaders, they organised the event to celebrate the rich Buja Culture and also educate people on the importance of culture preservation.
Headman Nyakabau did not mince his words on the issue of drug and substance abuse.
“We should join hands as a people to conquer this war. We should act now. The Buja Festival gave us a platform to interact with the youth and enlighten them on the dangers of drug and substance abuse. Youth are the most affected and as traditional leaders, we cannot fold our hands and watch our children perishing.
“We call for law enforcement agents to arrest anyone found selling drugs or anyone found in possession of these illicit drugs. Arrests should be made without fear or favor,” he said.
A youth who also attended the event, Tafadzwa Mazorodze said she learnt a lot from the festival.
“I learnt that early marriages are not good for us. We should always value ourselves especially to avoid indulging in sexual activities before marriage. I want to thank those who organised this event because I learnt a lot as a girl child.” Another youth Melody Chimusoro said the platform gave her insights on how drug and substance abuse has already destroyed youths.
“I learnt a lot. Drug and substance abuse is dangerous and is destroying this nation and it must be stopped now. As youths, we should encourage one another to desist from drug and substance abuse.
“I also learnt the importance of consuming our traditional foods. They are healthier and I am happy to say I will always eat traditional foods going forward. One thing that I enjoyed the most is our traditional dances and performances, surely the Buja culture is rich,” she said.
