Murmures

Dendera artiste Douglas Chimbetu and popular comedian Uncle Ritchie of the Zvinombofamba Sei fame will be among the star performers at the inaugural Hurungwe Arts Festival which takes place this weekend.

Joel Zilala, one of the organisers of the arts showcase, told the Daily News that Mashonaland West’s first ever festival will be held at several venues in Karoi including Chikangwe Hall from November 28 to 29.

“As a province, we have done our part and we are happy to hold the first edition of our festival at long last. We have been working on this idea for a long time and it is very satisfying that our idea is now ready for take-off,” said the Hurungwe-born Zilala.

“Everything is now in place and we are just waiting for the day. We have lined up exciting programmes in different genres such as dance, music, poetry and theatre among others.”

In addition to Chimbetu and Uncle Ritchie, the festival organiser said the arts event has roped in several prominent performers.

“On the musical side, we have got Douglas Chimbetu while on the dance front we have Zvido Zvavanhu.

Popular comedian and poet Richard “Uncle Ritchie” Matimba will perform  on Friday,” he said.

“Theatre groups on the bill include Savanna Trust from Harare, Vambelela Arts Ensemble from Bulawayo and Berina Community Arts from Kadoma.”

Zilala wants to see upcoming artistes from the province taking advantage of the annual two-day festival to shine and reach out to a wider audience.

The inaugural festival will feature several workshops to help the Mashonaland West arts community develop its programmes.

“In one of the workshops artistes are going to learn about arts management as well as professionalising the arts. This workshop will be run by Kelvin Chikonzo, a theatre arts lecturer with the University of Zimbabwe,” said Zilala.