The annual Murehwa Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe Cultural Festival (MUCUF) was launched over the weekend at Chibanguza Hotel in Murehwa.
Report by Jairos Saunyama Own Correspondent
The festival will run from October 24 to 28 at Murehwa Culture Centre.
Speaking during the launch, festival co-ordinator Cuthbert Maziwa said this year’s event is expected to be bigger than before. MUCUF used to run concurrently with the Mbende-Jerusarema festival that was held in August.
“We decided to separate the two festivals after realising that both have grown. On October 24 MUCUF will kick start and various artists from different artistic disciplines will be showcasing their skills and artefacts,” said Maziwa.
“We are expecting artists from Uzumba, Maramba, Pfungwe, Murehwa, Mutoko and other parts of Mashonaland East.
“Guest artists will include Ngoma Dzepasi, Douglas Vambe and other renowned groups from the province.
“A traditional ceremony will be held on the opening day where one of the local chiefs is expected to lead proceedings at Murehwa Caves. There will be ‘seven days’ opaque beer and people will be doing the Dandanda, a dance of the spirit mediums.
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“A beast will then be slaughtered and the festival will roar to life,” he said.
This year’s edition will see a modelling contest taking place where primary schools will compete for Miss Culture 2012.
The launch was attended by Murehwa Rural District chief executive officer Alois Gurajena, MP for Murehwa North David Parirenyatwa and Murehwa senator Tendayi Makunde, among others. MUCUF is directly organised by the community and accommodates various dances and artistic genres.
The festival was founded in 2010 to fulfill Chief Jonathan Mangwende’s desire to have unification, promotion and celebration of the rich artistic and cultural heritage in his area of Murehwa.
