ORGANISERS of the inaugural Chitungwiza Arts Festival believe that the dormitory town is the hub of arts in the country, judging by that thriving careers of stars that came out of the town.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, veteran actor, film maker and playwright Nobert Fero, who is spearheading the festival preparations, said: “Chitungwiza is arguably the hub of arts in the country. We have many artistes who were born in the town, started their careers in the town or were residents at some point, who have thriving careers due to the grace of this place.
“Sungura king and the biggest artiste in the country at the moment, Alick Macheso, started his career here. Nicholas ‘Senior Lecturer’ Zakaria, one of the best bass guitarists of all time, is also from here.”
He added: “Veteran sculptor Henry Munyaradzi is from here, novelist Charles Mungoshi (late) and wife actress Jesesi Mungoshi; one of the pioneers of gospel music Baba Mechanic Manyeruke; gospel music power couple The Charambas and the late actor Mutiro Wafanza, who featured in many international films and doubling as an assistant casting director, (they are all from here).
“At the moment, we have musicians like Michael Mahendere, Saintfloew, Voltz JT, Johnson Zuze, actress Dhafu, socialite Vimbayi Zimuto, sculptors like Tonderai Marezva and Shepherd Madzikatire, who have thriving careers.”
Yesteryear, the town had greats like John Chibadura, System Tazvida, Cephas Mashakada, David “Mr Bulk” Chiyangwa, Marko Sibanda and Diva Mafunga (all late).
The festival is set to be hosted biannually in April and December for three days.
“The festival was long overdue. Other small towns have their own festivals, yet us as one of the places where those artists come from don’t have one,” Fero said.
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“We want to celebrate our own while they are still alive. It will also inspire up-and-coming artists as well as young children to do arts.”
Ahead of the festival, workshops for artistes, auditions to select up-and-coming artistes and screening of classic films in open air settings to build audience, are lined up.
Apart from art displays, there will also be sporting activities at the festival like basketball, table tennis, beach volleyball and swimming.
Fero said they were negotiating with a church to host the gospel concert at their venue.
The festival is organised by Chitungwiza Arts Festival Organisation, a private voluntary organisation, and the festival will be called Chitungwiza Arts Festival of Fun and Care.
