Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube, Online Reporter
TOURISM and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi will officially open the 5th edition of the SEAL and Mapopoma Festivals on December 28th, marking the event as a permanent fixture in the cultural and music tourism calendar.
Running from December 29th to 31st at Baobab Primary School, the three-day festival promises attendees a fun-filled experience celebrating music, arts, and culture.
Organisers have curated a diverse line-up of musicians from various genres to enchant the audience.
The line-up includes renowned artists such as Yo Maps, Murumba Pitch, Nutty O, Boohle, Holy Ten, Tebza De DJ, Baba Harare, Mzoe 7, Jeys Marabini, Gwevedzi, DT Bio Mudimba, Sky Root, Muffia King, Nizhe Desoul, and Travellers Band, Shabach the Band, Novuyo Seagal, Diana Samkange, Gule Motion, TRP, and Asante Mo. The festival will also feature DJs Skimboh, Ashley, Jerry Springer, Lexxy, and Taylor. The hosts for the event will be Simba Saints, SYD, and Vokal.
Leslie Phiri, the festival spokesperson, said preparations are well underway for the highly anticipated Mapopoma Festival.
He said, “All is set for the much-awaited Mapopoma Festival with its 5th edition promising a spectacular celebration of music, arts, and culture. This year’s festival, taking place from December 29th to 31st, 2023, at Baobab Primary School in Victoria Falls, is all set to enchant the general public with an unforgettable experience.”
“The festival boasts a diverse line-up of musicians from various genres, from internationally acclaimed headliners to emerging local talents. The festival promises to deliver captivating performances that will resonate with music enthusiasts of all ages. The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, is expected to officially open the Mapopoma Festival on December 28th while launching the 2024 6th Edition of the festival.”
In addition to musical performances, the festival aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region through exhibitions, traditional dances, craft demonstrations, and art displays that pay homage to the vibrant cultures of Victoria Falls and beyond. The festival seeks to promote cultural tourism and present the Zimbabwean brand to a global audience.
Phiri said there would be several side events, including a Boat Party, Shorts, and Shades at Cotton House. The festival also offers family-oriented activities, interactive games, and performances to ensure an inclusive experience for attendees of all ages. SEAL, a brand associated with Mapopoma, will host Campville at Baobab Primary School, allowing festival-goers to stay in modern tents and savour local traditional dishes, promoting culinary and gastronomy tourism. Various games and activities will also be available at Campville.
Phiri emphasised the festival’s commitment to environmental preservation and urged attendees to responsibly dispose of litter.
Mapopoma Festival embodies unity, camaraderie, and the celebration of life, culture, and music, bringing together people from different backgrounds to appreciate the beauty of arts and music.
Online Reporter