THE opening night of the 15th edition of Zimbabwe’s premier arts event, the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) marked the beginning of the extravaganza with a full house at the Telecel Main Stage on Tuesday night.
Entertainment Reporters
The official opening show of the six-day fete running until May 4 under the theme Switch On, had well-choreographed musicals that invited the audience to switch on the light in the darkness.
Directed by multiple American award winner Brooke Ciardelli, the opening set featured South African legendary music icon Steve Dyer, accomplished pianist Kyle Shepherd, and local artistes like superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, Kirby Chipembere, Amara Brown, Cynthia Mare and Adiona Maboreke, among others.
Mtukudzi, who performed alongside Brown and Mare, demonstrated why he is one of the most highly-rated performers both locally and internationally with a spectacular rendition of his hit track Perekedza Mwana that wowed the crowd that thronged the venue.
Renowned Bulawayo-based jazz group Cool Crooners of Bhulugwe Lami fame also gave the spectators a dose of classic township jazz, while other performers did not disappoint as they performed skilful acrobatic acts switching on the 2014 programme hype.
The audience clapped and screamed during the show and at times went silent in amazement at the talented group of acrobats.
“The opening show is always a spectacular occasion of the entire festival as it is the biggest premiere show and Hifa would like to thank all participating artistes and the audience who made the show a success,” said Hifa head of media and community liaison Tafadzwa Simba.
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He added that they placed great importance on the opening show as it was deliberately structured to promote collaboration between various local and international artistes.
The usual fireworks display at the end of the show was stunning as the crowds had their heads facing upwards as the clear, dark sky was beautifully lit up in exciting designs and popping sounds.
Hifa has grown to be one of the most celebrated festivals in the continent as it brings together Zimbabweans and others from beyond to witness its continued support of local artistes and the display of various cultural exhibitions.
This year’s festival mainly highlights capacities and aims to radiate the communal light around the world
