Following a successful national launch in Bindura last Saturday, Culture Week events have over the past four days spread to all parts of the country with provincial launches taking place daily.
Bulawayo Province hosted its launch on Monday at St Patrick’s Primary School in Makokoba, while Tuesday saw arts groups from Harare gather at Chitungwiza Arts Centre for the provincial launch. In Bulawayo, arts groups took to the stage at the launch which was attended by people from all walks of life.
Ingwenyama Arts, dub poets, Dumisani Mhlanga and Sithabile Dube, as well as contemporary and traditional dance groups, entertained guests. A number of events are taking place across the country to mark the week that ends tomorrow.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial arts manager for Bulawayo, Charity Nyathi, said people should be proud of their culture.
“As we celebrate culture week, we must ensure that we dress in a way that reflects our culture. Even what we eat should be traditional too,” said Nyathi.
“We should preserve our traditions and culture not only now but always.”
A number of arts groups are expected to perform at Elite 400 tonight at an event dubbed “Culture Night” before the curtain comes down on the celebrations tomorrow at the Academy of Music, where traditional music would be showcased. At Chitungwiza Arts Centre, different schools and artists participated at the launch that attracted a commendable audience.
There was a blend of mbira, traditional dance, drama and traditional music in the performances and many groups left lasting impressions. Mbira group, Madhonza Makuru, led the gathering in a traditional prayer known as kupira vadzimu before giving a good performance.
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Dudzai Primary School children were nothing short of spectacular in their delivery of a traditional dance that originates from Masvingo.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial manager for Harare, William Ndinde, encouraged the public to support arts and culture.
“Let us support our arts and cultural heritage lest our identity disappears,” said Ndinde. He also said artists must learn to be professional in order to realise profits out of their works.
“The arts industry is one of the nation’s biggest employers, thus we want our artists to be professional, to know how to run businesses and to learn the game of investment so as to realise profits and sustainable livelihoods”, said Ndinde.
Meanwhile, Clive Gono, a committee member of Chitungwiza Arts Centre encouraged artists in different genres to make use of the centre.
“We have been having visual artists selling their products, and have practically invaded the space, whereas other genres are not represented.
“I encourage artists in other genres to make use of the centre for free”, said Gono.
Today three provinces will officially launch Culture Week.
In Matabeleland North, the launch will be held at Tsholotsho business centre in Tsholotsho. Matabeleland South hosts the launch in Matobo at Chief Nyangazonke’s homestead while in Mashonaland East the event will be at Murehwa Culture Centre in Murehwa.
