Thrills as Hifa opens

exhilarating act simply titled Treasure.
Unlike last year’s opening act Carmina Burana, structured on the idea of the turning wheel of fortune taken from Orff’s most famous works completed in 1936, Treasure was more engaging as the theme suggests.
The six-day festival runs until May 1 in Harare under the theme “The Engagement Party”, which according to Manuel Bagorro, the founder and artistic director, is an invitation to “give a damn” as well as “engaging our hearts and minds, to those closest to us, with the compassion, courage, imagination an hope for the future . . .”
Basically, Treasure was reflective of the Zimbabwean social and geo-political spheres. But on the whole, Treasure was a “party, a joyful celebration of an extraordinary programme encompassing more diversity and innovation than any of the previous festivals.”
Presented by Osisa in association with BancABC Limited, Treasure resonated with the multi-cultural audience on the opening night.
Featuring a jewel-studded cast of local and international performers, Treasure goes to the depths of the Zimbabwean psyche in a dazzling display of song and dance.
Some of the songs performed included “Ishe Komborera Africa”, “Billionaire” featuring Bruno Mars, “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Diamonds and Pearls” by Prince as well as Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s “Homeless”.
As is always the case, there was a strong Zimbabwean component in the line-up of performers adding some local flavour to the international stars visiting the country.
The production was directed by South African Brett Bailey after a year’s absence for the fifth in his series of opening shows.
Tich Makalisa was the music director while Pardon Mutsago of the New Life Covenant Church directed the choir while choreography was by Natalie Fischer.
Another highlight at the opening was the fireworks display that illuminated the skies while the Crowne Plaza Monomotapa Hotel, which acted as a backdrop, reverberated to the music.