Harare will this weekend come alive when the inaugural edition of the Zimbabwe Arts Festival set for Alexandra Sports Club kicks off.
The Festival is the brain child of Rumbidzai Mudenge and owner of Bumris Entertainment, a Zimbabwean company dedicated to promoting all forms in Zimbabwe and internationally.
Mudenge believes art is a powerful instrument used to heal, educate and bring joy.
“The inaugural Zimbabwe Arts Festival will officially be launched December Friday 8 and Saturday 9 at Alexandra Sports Club from 8 am to 2 am. The Festival has a plethora of artists from music, dance, theatre, sculptors, poetry, fashion designers, martial artists and a stand up comic.
“I believe that it is vital that all Zimbabweans have an occasion to be exposed to all the great art work that has been created by its own people. Our Zimbabwean artists are very hard working and making ground breaking achievements worldwide. It is time that they are not only celebrated in foreign lands but in their own home Zimbabwe. It is in this vein that The Zimbabwe Arts Festival has been created for all Zimbabweans to enjoy,”said Mudenge in a statement released ahead of the festival.
She added that the Festival will have different events to entertain people from morning to mid-night
“The program sees workshops in dance, art and music from 8am where all ages can learn these disciplines and have fun. The Zimbabwe Arts Festival has made sure it is a fun filled day for the family. There will be a big list of up and coming artists displaying their art achievements throughout each day.
“Soul Jah Love will perform at 1 to 2 pm on Friday the 8th.The program allows for a whole day of entertainment for those families who do not want to stay out late.
“The official opening is at 6 pm on Friday with a powerful explosion of art talents showcasing Ammara Brown at 6:30 pm, these will be followed by star performances from Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Jibilika Dance Academy, Afrikera Arts Trust.
“The Zimbabwe Arts Festival Fashion Extravaganza show from Zuva School of fashion in partnership with Bumris Entertainment with 10 established local designers showing their proudly Zimbabwean garments. MC Chita,” said Mudenge.
The official closing is at 6 pm on Saturday with a stunning mixture of musical theatre and dance. Sulumani Chimbetu will perform at 6:30 pm.
Zuva School of fashion will host the second Zimbabwe Arts Festival Fashion Extravaganza which is a competition for 10 up and coming Zimbabwean artists with the winner bagging $500 while the first runner up will pocket $250.
