Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
BULAWAYO is once again poised to take centre-stage as the country’s vibrant centre of arts and heritage as it hosts the inaugural Umthombo Wesintu Cultural Festival, scheduled for 8 to 30 May.
The almost month-long celebration aims to reaffirm Bulawayo’s status as the nation’s cultural heartbeat showcasing the rich tapestry of Ndebele culture and Zimbabwean traditions.
The festival will be held at Tshabalala Open Arena in Bulawayo and features a carefully curated programme designed to engage audiences across generations — from young children to seasoned cultural connoisseurs.
Khaya Arts Productions director Future Dube, announced that the inaugural festival will be held in May adding that the initiative grew from Khaya Arts Productions’ vision to revive a long-neglected arts space.
“We are working from Tshabalala Open Arena, which has been idle for years. After many trials, we finally secured it this year and our goal is to bring it back to life. Bulawayo is known as the cultural hub and with the National Culture Month launch happening here in May, the city must be vibrant.
“We also aim to be the first to host a major festival in a high-density area, bringing in artists from abroad to foster cross-border tourism and cultural exchange,” he said.
A cornerstone of the festival is the recurring Sibagola ngesintu sessions, tailored for different age groups.
On May 8, pre-schoolers will be enchanted by traditional storytelling (inganekwane) with the revered Gogo Ellen Mlangeni, alongside captivating performances by Khaya Arts. On May 15, secondary school pupils will take part in performances and discussions focused on traditional music. Finally, on May 22, primary school pupils will explore the power of cultural narratives through dedicated performances and dialogue sessions.
The festival also honours the power of the spoken and sung word. On May 8, the Ugqozi Lwenkondlo session will give pre-schoolers a unique chance to see poetry come alive, featuring luminaries Mkhululi Imbongi, Victory Mashizha, Lucy and Sonkomose, with legendary Albert Nyathi as guest speaker. The following day, harmony takes centre stage with Iphimbo Lesintu, an afternoon dedicated to the powerful sounds of Imbube music.
Pure, unadulterated tradition takes centre stage on May 30 during Ezomdabu, featuring captivating performances by Thandanani, Bambanani, Sekunjalo MaAfrica, Umthwakazi, How Mine, Gwanda and Khami Prisons Traditional Group. The evening will shift to laughter with Imbambo Phoqo, a stand-up comedy showcase starring Mbongeni the Comedian, Mdawini, General Leslie and Ntando Van Moyo.
True to Khaya Arts’ reputation for innovation, the festival includes a meaningful tribute. On May 15, Umbong’esaphila will honour fallen legends in the arts and culture sector, featuring the resonant voice of Ramsey K.
Artistes Baby Girl, Lady P, King Addiza, and Morosto Fire will light up the stage during Ezamadlabuzani on 22 May. The fusion of heritage and modernity culminates at the Official Opening Ceremony, Usinga Lwesintu, on 23 May.
Following a press conference, the Official Opening Ceremony promises a unique fusion of traditional music and modern technology, hosted by the dynamic Um’Africakazi and Umahlabayithwale. Expert performances by Dziba Lemvula, Umkhonto Wesizwe, TiREFAH, Khaya Arts Productions and Ezimnyama are set to electrify the stage.
In an interview, Albert Nyathi expressed his excitement about participating in the festival.
“There’s wisdom in the name Umthombo Wesintu — it suggests a place to drink when we feel thirsty.
I love it. I just pray that our people fill the venue. I am thrilled to see young people embracing their roots. A festival is a space to gather, share socio-cultural experiences and even connect for business networking,” he said.
Future Dube teased more exciting performances at the festival.
“There’ll be a surprise performance from Khaya Arts and the Botswana-based Tjilenje Tje Ngwao Cultural Dance Group,” he said.
Founder of Tjilenje Tje Ngwao, Ngwisiwa Ntogwa, said he is thrilled to participate in the festival.
“I am truly impressed by the invitation from Future Dube, who supports our Nyangabwe Hill Cultural Festival in Botswana. I believe this will be a major event for Zimbabwe and I look forward to a fruitful performance. We’ve already started preparations, having performed in India, Harare, South Africa, Zambia and Bulawayo.
