The festival season is upon us with a wide range of music and other style fiestas happening across the country, especially in Harare and surrounding areas.
Festivals have always been one of the most important stages for showcasing music talent.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has had several music festivals and the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) at some point was regarded as one of Africa’s largest international arts festival.
Established in 1999 by Manuel Bagorro, HIFA would take place each year in late April or early May in Harare.
The week-long festival would involve theatre, music, dance, fine art and poetry.
Senegalese star Ishmael Lo, Malian, Afro-pop singer-songwriter Salif Keita and South African’s multiple award-winning kwaito group Bongo Muffin are some of the notable international artistes to have performed at HIFA.
However, the 2018 edition, which ran under the theme We Count, was the last and since then, Bagorro and his team have disappeared into oblivion.
The departure of HIFA from the local showbiz scene gave impetus to the Shoko Festival, which has established itself as one of the country’s foremost occasion on the annual entertainment calendar.
Founded by Sam Farai Munro, the Shoko Festival has turned out to be a pulsating rendezvous hosting all forms of entertainment from live concerts, comedy nights, talks and discussions to cutting edge presentations on technology and new media.
This year’s edition of the Shoko Festival was held from September 26 to 28 in Harare and Chitungwiza under the theme Both Sides of Samora.
Songstress Tamy Moyo shared the stage with South African rap queen Nadia Nakai, Young Gemini, Master H, Voltz JT, Kay Flow and comedian Learnmore Jonasi.
The musical talent was supported by an incredible band, including Jairos Hambahamba, Geoffrey Ndekha, Basil Mahachi, Wellington, and vocalists Min’enhle and Sher.
In addition to the musical performances, the event featured a rap battle titled King of Samora, curated by conscious MC Noble Styles.
The battle pitted rappers Donne Jovi and Gilmo against Fund Reezy and Double Jae.
A week before the Shoko Festival, jazz enthusiasts in Harare and Bulawayo were treated to soulful jazzy music at the Zimbabwe Jazz festival, which was organised by the Zimbabwe Jazz Community Trust in partnership with the Alliance Française in Zimbabwe.
Themed Sizzling Rhythms, the Zimbabwe Jazz Festival was held at the Alliance Française in Bulawayo and Harare on September 20 and 21 respectively.
UK-based Zimbabwean artist Paul Lunga and Swiss jazz singer NNAVY headlined the events that also saw performances from George Phahlane and Ngoma iNgoma in Bulawayo as well as Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Agga Nyabinde, Rhythmic Pulse, Steve Chikoti and the Hellenic Academy Big Band in Harare.
The Zimbabwe showbiz scene also saw the birth of the Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts, which was held at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.
The inaugural event, which is now part of the annual entertainment calendar, seeks to honour the extraordinary life of the late musician Oliver Mtukudzi who died on January 23, 2019.
Jah Prayzah, Selmor Mtukudzi, Bryan K, Feli Nandi, Andy Muridzo, Gemma Griffiths, Sarungano and many other musicians performed during the two-day music fiesta.
The ongoing Stanbic Bank Jacaranda Music Festival is turning out to be the biggest celebration of life through music.
Since last Friday, revellers have been treated to a potpourri of genres, ranging from jazz to hip-hop, Afro-beat to rock.
This year’s festival is running under the theme The music, the people and the city and features some of the best artistes on the continent including Mokoomba, Casper Nyovest (pictured), Nutty O, Dlala Tukizn and Mi Casa, among others.
The Stanbic Bank Jacaranda Music Festival is the brain child of founder and director of Ngoma Nehosho Walter Wanyanya.
The festival opened with a two-day business conference, which was held at The Venue in Avondale.
“The Stanbic Bank Jacaranda Music Business Conference is an incredible opportunity for musicians and stakeholders in the creative space to connect, learn, and grow together,” organisers of the festival posted on their Facebook page.
“As a festival, we are dedicated to enhancing the creative sector, placing the growth and development of artists at the core of our mission.”
The curtain to the Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival comes down today.
Last night all roads led to Mashonaland West province for the Kadoma Music Festival, which was headlined by Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz.
The Tembo Brothers, Cheso Boys, Gemma Griffiths, Saintfloew, Jah Prayzah, Winky D and alick Macheso also performed last night.
In its third edition, the Kadoma Music Festival has brought life to otherwise, a sleepy community, thanks to organisers of the fiesta.
“We are looking forward to improve in the coming years and say have two days for the festival,” said one of the organisers.
Meanwhile, preparations for this year’s edition of the Castle Lager Braai Day underway with performances from Winky D, who is returning after being “shut out” at the last two editions.
Kamo Mphela, Saintfloew and Master H will also be part of the festivities to be held at the Old Hararians Sports Club on October 19.
The Victoria Falls Carnival is likely to wrap up this year’s festivities.
