Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO is set to host the Festival of Song (FOS) on November 22, with more than 20 choral groups expected to perform at the Large City Hall. The event, making its return after a three-year break, will feature live performances, adjudication, awards and a guest appearance by Acquillah K.
The Festival of Song was established to provide a platform for choirs from churches, communities and universities to share and develop their craft. Organisers say the festival aims to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich choral traditions and promote artistic exchange among performers.
The theme for the 2025 edition is “Nurturing Intercultural Peace”, focusing on music as a means of fostering unity among diverse communities.
Festival director Joseph Ndlovu said the event seeks to support musical growth and cultural preservation.
“FOS provides a platform for artistic development and social connection. We also aim to promote performance excellence and use music as a tool for community engagement,” Ndlovu said.
This year’s event will include a Super League category featuring five top community choirs selected based on previous competitive rankings and performance history.
The Super League winner will walk away with US$1 500, the community choirs winner US$1 000 and the church choirs winner, US$500. Winners will also receive trophies and certificates.
Ahead of the festival, regional workshops were held in Bulawayo and Harare to support choir training in areas such as conducting and vocal development. Participation was open through a national registration call, with some groups invited based on their involvement in past editions and other recognised competitions.
Ndlovu acknowledged that staging the event comes with financial and logistical challenges, particularly in transporting and accommodating choirs from different provinces. He said the festival relies on sponsorships, registration fees and partnerships with arts and education institutions to sustain its operations, and noted that efforts to strengthen these partnerships are ongoing.
“We hope the Festival of Song contributes to keeping the choral tradition alive. It is also about encouraging new compositions and giving young singers a platform to develop,” he said.
He indicated plans to make the festival a consistent feature on the national arts calendar.
