The upcoming Amagugu Africa Day celebrations aim to reconnect young people with African culture amid growing concerns that many youths are becoming detached from their roots.
The event is spearheaded by Yellow World, Home of Arts Entertainment and Victory Siyanqoba using theatre, poetry and performance to promote social transformation and community empowerment.
Arts Entertainment director and founder, Happy Mpofu, said many young people no longer take Africa Day seriously, while elders have stepped back from teaching traditions through folktales and oral history.
“Basically, the Amagugu Africa Day is an event meant to celebrate our African culture,” Mpofu said.
The celebrations will feature traditional dance (isitshikitsha), poetry, cultural exhibitions, modelling, and a walkathon.
Participants will showcase vintage and modernised African dress codes.
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Mpofu noted the event uses arts for education and advocacy, addressing mental health and gender-based violence through performance.
“When these issues are addressed through art, we call it edutainment, where people are entertained while being educated.”
He added that art provides income for creatives, helping tackle unemployment.
Tilbert Moyo, the director of Victory Siyanqoba, said preparations are at an advanced stage.
“With only a few days left, we are at the peak of preparations, mobilising the community and engaging stakeholders.”
Moyo said the event will feature a traditional food expo and aims to encourage Africans to take pride in their identity.
“From my observation, such events are a lifeline for community youths as they give those in the culture business a spot to shine because they get space and platforms to showcase and market their products and businesses,” Moyo said.
Cynthia Maticha, programs assistant at Yellow World, said organisers were mobilising masses to ensure a large audience.
“It seeks to come up with mechanisms in which Gen Z and the older generation can co-exist without forgetting their culture in this technology-driven world,” Maticha said.
She added that cultural initiatives keep young people away from crime, drugs and substance abuse.
“These events serve as safe spaces for development conversations within the community in a creative way,” Maticha said.
Organisers said Amagugu Africa Day promises not just entertainment, but a revival of cultural pride and intergenerational connection.