adminEmmanuel Ndlovu Saturday Leisure Correspondent
THE just-ended United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly which was jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia has proved a success not only to the nation’s tourism sector but to Victoria Falls artistes as well.
Little had been known about arts from this resort town let alone the artistes who hail from this town of natural wonders.
This could have been caused by lack of necessary exposure locally and internationally.
However, the UNWTO general assembly seems to have offered a platform for artistes based in Victoria Falls to get the required exposure they have been dreaming of for years.
After all, the whole purpose of this mega event was to promote tourism and showcase the culture of indigenous people to the international visitors.
This could not be done effectively without the involvement of artistes, especially those locally based in Victoria Falls.
These artistes from the resort town have expressed profound gratitude to the organisers of the UNWTO saying it put them in the limelight.
Speaking to Saturday Leisure this week, Ndabezinhle Sibanda, the spokesperson of Victoria Falls Arts Association (VIFAA), an association representing artistes from Victoria Falls, said they were now geared to take arts to greater heights following their experience gained from performing at the UNWTO general assembly.
He said out of 21 artistes based in Victoria Falls, eight groups were given the opportunity to showcase their talent by Tourism Minister, Engineer Walter Mzembi.
“Initially as artistes from Victoria Falls we thought that the organisers of UNWTO were not going to offer us a chance to showcase our talent considering the magnitude of the event.
“However, we were the ones who welcomed the UNWTO secretary general at the airport. And some of VIFAA members performed at the music gala that was held at Victoria Falls Primary School last Saturday,” said Sibanda.
The music gala which was dubbed “Welcome Tourism Night” was meant to welcome delegates to the UNWTO general assembly.
Established artistes such as Alick Macheso, Suluman Chimbetu, Mercy Mutsvene, Sandra Ndebele, Jah Prayzah and Albert Nyathi, among others performed at the gala.
Some of the artistes hailing from the resort town who also entertained delegates at the gala included groups such as Mokoomba, Victoria Falls Ubuntu Bomuntu, Simunye Arts Ensemble, Black Amakhwezi, Vuka Mthwakazi, Umkhankaso Wamajaha and Chicken Bus band.
Sibanda said it was important for Government and other stakeholders to continue supporting up-and-coming artistes.
“As VIFAA, we appreciate the Government support at UNWTO general assembly. It is our hope that the Education Ministry and other arts bodies will continue supporting us in our endeavour to grow and uplift the flag of Victoria Falls,” added Sibanda.
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