POPULAR South African Afro-fusion band, Stimela, are set to rock Harare with their jazz music as they headline this year’s seventh edition of Protest Arts International Festival (Paif) that roars into life today at Pamberi Trust Gardens in Harare.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
The two-day arts fiesta, running under the theme Break It, was organised by Savanna Trust.
The star-studded line-up of performers includes Gary Tight, Talking Guitars, comedian Doc Vikela, Tumbuka Dance group and Twice, an outfit from Durban, South Africa.
The festival’s chairperson, Sydney Chisi, said they were expecting an exhilarating event.
“This year we are expecting more exciting events that will see the participation of artistes and groups like Wushwini from South Africa, who will stage their play, Refugees, and local groups like Expressive Arts presenting their much-travelled Water Games at the festival,” Chisi said.
He said there will be some workshops on domestic violence and how to use the arts to fight the scourge.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
South Africa-based director Roel Twijnstra is expected to host the theatre directors’ workshop.
Chisi, however, bemoaned the lack of funding which he said has greatly affected the arts sector.
“The festival has grown steadily over the years despite a difficult period for arts in Zimbabwe particularly because of the harsh operating environment for business,” Chisi said.
He said their resilience and support from a few partners that still believed in the arts has kept them going.
Savanna Trust programmes officer Leonard Matsa said some of the foreign acts are expected in the country today ahead of the potentially explosive event.
“Stimela from South Africa will be jetting into the country tomorrow [today] ahead of the official opening of the festival,” Matsa said.
“This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better for our audience with a mixed bag of performances from comedy, music, dance and poetry. People must come in their numbers as all our productions are family friendly.”
The festival organisers have introduced a new programme called Stars of the Future, an initiative that provides a platform for young and emerging artistes to showcase their talent and rub shoulders with established artistes.
