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Chimanimani fest: All systems go! ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER - News day Aug 09 2011 16:07

It’s all systems go for Chimanimani Arts Festival and revellers can expect a full menu of the various arts disciplines to be dished out to the full satisfaction of festival-goers. 

This year’s festival promises to be quite an experience from Friday through to Sunday morning. Friday and Saturday will see artists from Mutare, the capital of Manicaland, headlining mid-morning sessions and late night pungwes.

All day Friday, the valleys of Chimanimani will reverberate to a mixture of well-blended sounds of choral music, Afro-jazz music, hip-hop and traditional mbira and marimba music as the people of Chimanimani are joined by others from beyond to celebrate the fruits of their hard work in the valleys and mountains of the Eastern Highlands. 

The tranquil sunset will set the scene for the official festival opening ceremony which will be conducted by Ishe Ngorima accompanied by the elders.

The festival opening is itself quite a momentous and unique experience. Ishe Ngorima is hosting the festival in his area. He will welcome artists, visitors and the locals and commend the festival to the Almighty before declaring the festival officially open. 

Ishe Ngorima’s keynote address will encourage revellers to observe all traditional norms of deportment. He especially encourages the festival to be held in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. 

The local catchment area for the festival includes the areas under chiefs Gudyanga, Mutambara, Muusha and Chikukwa. After the dedication, the festival tempo picks up with drumming for peace.

The festival has been generously supported by Delta’s Lion Lager, the Interchurch Organisation for Development Cooperation (ICCO) and OSISA among others. Special mention must be made of the Chikukwa and Ndiadzo traditional dance ensembles made up of elderly dancers. 

This is over and above the likes of Jusa Mupositori, Senior Musareketa, Ngangu Band and Orchestra Mberiotose to mention just a few.
Various workshops in arts and crafts, theatre, poetry and spoken word for both children and adults will complete the developmental aspect of the festival. 

Of great interest will be the workshop conducted by Thelma Bottrich of AAUWENA who has also sponsored some crafters from outside Chimanimani district. There will be a surprise offering by Tina Watyoka from Pamberi Trust’s Flame project, details of which the festival organisers are keeping very close to their chests.

 CONTINUES BELOW 

All are welcome to Zimbabwe’s biggest free entry festival which promises to be the the best ever.

 

TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE

Chimanimani Arts fest on ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER - News Day Aug 07 2011 17:05

Chimanimani Arts Festival kicks off in earnest on August 12 and will wind up on August 14 under the theme “It’s great for the Soul”. 

Zimbabwe’s biggest free entry festival promises a diversity of artistic genres including music, arts and craft, theatre, dance, film, and poetry/storytelling.

This year’s edition has seen increased financial and material support from Lion Lager in addition to the traditional supporters and includes workshops on theatre, arts and craft as well as poetry/storytelling and a vibrant Youth Zone is on the cards. 

Organisers yesterday confirmed preparations for the festival were at an advanced stage and some of the acts feature Junior Banton and Friends, Tina Watyoka, X Vybz and Chikwata 263 from Harare while several acts from Chimanimani and Mutare such as Ngangu Band, Senior Musareketa and Jusa Mupostori will be part of the exciting programme.

This year, the British Council has made it possible for the two highly acclaimed plays The Comeback by Sifiso Mabhena featuring Edith weUtonga and Colours of Dreams by award winning Christopher Mlalazi featuring Nama Award winner Eddy Mangawa and friends.

Proceedings will begin on Friday with a traditional opening ceremony performed by chiefs from Chimanimani hosted by Chief Ngorima. 

Symbolically the chief welcomes all festival participants and dedicates the festival to the Creator. 
On Saturday musical acts take centre stage, with genres ranging from choral, urban grooves, sungura, afro jazz, afro punk, reggae, hip hop and gospel.
There will also be film screenings throughout the festival. 

Children will be catered for exclusively in the Youth Zone where a talent contest will take place as well as a workshop on poetry/storytelling.

Judging from past editions, attendance at the festival will peak at approximately 9 000 and this year attendees from as far afield as Masvingo are expected. Artists from Harare, Mutare, Chimanimani and surrounding areas are raring to go and have promised fireworks at this year’s event.

Chimanimani Arts fest on ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER - News Day Aug 07 2011 17:05

Chimanimani Arts Festival kicks off in earnest on August 12 and will wind up on August 14 under the theme “It’s great for the Soul”. 

Zimbabwe’s biggest free entry festival promises a diversity of artistic genres including music, arts and craft, theatre, dance, film, and poetry/storytelling.

This year’s edition has seen increased financial and material support from Lion Lager in addition to the traditional supporters and includes workshops on theatre, arts and craft as well as poetry/storytelling and a vibrant Youth Zone is on the cards. 

Organisers yesterday confirmed preparations for the festival were at an advanced stage and some of the acts feature Junior Banton and Friends, Tina Watyoka, X Vybz and Chikwata 263 from Harare while several acts from Chimanimani and Mutare such as Ngangu Band, Senior Musareketa and Jusa Mupostori will be part of the exciting programme.

This year, the British Council has made it possible for the two highly acclaimed plays The Comeback by Sifiso Mabhena featuring Edith weUtonga and Colours of Dreams by award winning Christopher Mlalazi featuring Nama Award winner Eddy Mangawa and friends.

Proceedings will begin on Friday with a traditional opening ceremony performed by chiefs from Chimanimani hosted by Chief Ngorima. 

Symbolically the chief welcomes all festival participants and dedicates the festival to the Creator. 
On Saturday musical acts take centre stage, with genres ranging from choral, urban grooves, sungura, afro jazz, afro punk, reggae, hip hop and gospel.
There will also be film screenings throughout the festival. 

Children will be catered for exclusively in the Youth Zone where a talent contest will take place as well as a workshop on poetry/storytelling.

Judging from past editions, attendance at the festival will peak at approximately 9 000 and this year attendees from as far afield as Masvingo are expected. Artists from Harare, Mutare, Chimanimani and surrounding areas are raring to go and have promised fireworks at this year’s event.

Chimanimani Arts fest on ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER - News Day Aug 07 2011 17:05

Chimanimani Arts Festival kicks off in earnest on August 12 and will wind up on August 14 under the theme “It’s great for the Soul”. 

Zimbabwe’s biggest free entry festival promises a diversity of artistic genres including music, arts and craft, theatre, dance, film, and poetry/storytelling.

This year’s edition has seen increased financial and material support from Lion Lager in addition to the traditional supporters and includes workshops on theatre, arts and craft as well as poetry/storytelling and a vibrant Youth Zone is on the cards. 

Organisers yesterday confirmed preparations for the festival were at an advanced stage and some of the acts feature Junior Banton and Friends, Tina Watyoka, X Vybz and Chikwata 263 from Harare while several acts from Chimanimani and Mutare such as Ngangu Band, Senior Musareketa and Jusa Mupostori will be part of the exciting programme.

This year, the British Council has made it possible for the two highly acclaimed plays The Comeback by Sifiso Mabhena featuring Edith weUtonga and Colours of Dreams by award winning Christopher Mlalazi featuring Nama Award winner Eddy Mangawa and friends.

Proceedings will begin on Friday with a traditional opening ceremony performed by chiefs from Chimanimani hosted by Chief Ngorima. 

Symbolically the chief welcomes all festival participants and dedicates the festival to the Creator. 
On Saturday musical acts take centre stage, with genres ranging from choral, urban grooves, sungura, afro jazz, afro punk, reggae, hip hop and gospel.
There will also be film screenings throughout the festival. 

Children will be catered for exclusively in the Youth Zone where a talent contest will take place as well as a workshop on poetry/storytelling.

Judging from past editions, attendance at the festival will peak at approximately 9 000 and this year attendees from as far afield as Masvingo are expected. Artists from Harare, Mutare, Chimanimani and surrounding areas are raring to go and have promised fireworks at this year’s event.

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Chimanimani Frog and Fern

http://www.thefrogandfern.com/archives/216

Chimanimani Frog and Fern

http://www.thefrogandfern.com/archives/216

THE PLANNING LOOKS GOOD... THE FESTIVAL IS ON 12-14 AUGUST 2011

Steve Sparx July 20 at 7:08pm

The program is shaping up for theChimanimani festival, the grass at the main stage has been slashed and pretty soon the sound of hammer on nail will reverberate around the village green as preparations go into overdrive.
The program kicks off on Friday 12 August at noon – Chimanimani groups will stage a talent show and there will be various cultural groups from the district. The chiefs blessing will begin at sunset, under the guidance of Chief Ngorima, with the main stage program thereafter.

Groups to look forward to throughout the weekend include Club Shanga, Chiwoniso, Kapfupi, Xvybes, Chikwata 263 plus more signing up; Mutare groups include Sunrise Band, Paprikaz and Juice Maposteri, whilst there will be performances from groups based throughout Chimanimani district, including Ngangu Band who recently had their first show in Harare.
This year we welcome Spanish dancehall, hip-hop group Swan Fyahbwoy, comprising Swan, 2 dancers and a DJ – we also welcome graffiti artist “el nino de los pinturas” Raul Ruiz who will paint a mural in Chimanimani.

Theatre shows from the HIFA Direct program, street performers, comedy, clowns, films, craft and workshops will be threaded throughout the venue and program; poet Ishmael Penyai will launch his latest Ndau and Manyika poetry book “Nhekwe Dziri Kanyi”. 
Accommodation is limited in Chimanimani – for those planning to visit you can probably best look at either staying in a local home or camping options at Heaven Lodge, as well as at the hotel and Bridal Veil Falls.
There are available spaces for craft and merchandise stalls…food and drink available at the venue...welcome to Chimanimani...”Zimbabwe’s BIGGEST free entry festival…It’s Great for the Soul”

Chimanimani Arts Festival postponed due to rain fears

Friday, 03 June 2011 07:59

Jairos Saunyama (The Mail) The annual Chimanimani Arts Festival has been postponed to August 12 due to unfavourable weather.   The popular event, which attracts scores of people mainly from the mountainous area of the border town, is traditionally held between May and June. Hector Mugani one of the organisers, said the event was postponed due to rain fears. "Last year the crowd was soaked by the rain and it can also happen this year because the Chimanimani climate is unpredictable. "This year's Chimanimani Arts Festival takes place on August 12-14 and while it may prove cool in the evenings we remain hopeful of avoiding the rain as happened in 2010," he said. Mugani dismissed accusations that the postponement was a result of a funding shortfall. "That is not true, funds are available but we just want the best for the audience as well as participants. This means therefore that this year's event will be the best ever to happen on Chimanimani soil. The principal reason is the weather and it was a pity to see an old woman braving the intense rain and coldness just to be part of the festival," he said. However the event promises to be a great one as superstar Oliver Mtukudzi who was the guest singer last year is expected to grace the occasion again this year. "Proposed artists include Oliver Mtukudzi who last year was our special guest with the AY Band as a tribute to his late son Sam. This year Tuku will return with his full backing band The Black Spirits. "Also proposed to perform are Botswana Afro pop queen Slizer, Alexio Kawara, hip-hop poet Cde Fatso and his Chabvondoka crew, Chikwata 263 and Music Crossroads winners, Club Shanga among others. "As usual we are going to bring a Spanish artist but for the mean time we don't have their names," he said. Chimanimani Arts Festival, which was formed in 1998, has proven to be the best event ever to happen in the province of Manicaland. Apart from music by well known Zimbabwean artists the people of Chimanimani will take the opportunity to participate in every artistic discipline such as traditional dance, sculpture and poetry and others. Dubbed as the "biggest free entry festival in Zimbabwe," the event has done a lot in improving the lives of the people of Chimanimani artistically and socially. The festival has also attracted a lot of tourists attracted to the area by several resorts. It is sponsored by Culture Fund, Spanish Embassy, US Embassy, British Embassy and Embassy of the Netherlands.

Poet to launch book at Chimanimani Arts Festival TINASHE SIBANDA, ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER | HARARE - Jul 05 2011 15:42

Renowned poet Ishmael Penyai will launch his latest Ndau and Manyika poetry book titled Nhekwe Dziri Kanyi at the upcoming Chimanimani Arts Festival.

The annual arts showcase will run from August 12 to 14.

Penyai’s poetry collection will help readers of all ages discover words, accents, tones and nuggets of ethnic expression currently alienated by the Shona language’s so-called “standard Shona”.

“I have composed joint poems of Ndau and Manyika genres with an idea of reviving and finding a way forward for the less-publicised languages,” said Penyai.

He said he had composed about 57 poems which touched on day-to-day aspects of people’s lives like death, politics, age and many more themes.
Penyai said the book was only one of many which he would be writing in form of short stories and folktales to promote the two languages.

“I have been a writer for 25 years and publishing such poems for the past four years because I strongly feel the need to revive the dying languages before it is too late,” said Penyai.

He said his poems were targeted at both children and adults and also meant to inspire people of all ages to write as well so libraries could be beefed up with diverse literature.

Penyai said he was also working on a film which would also be in Ndau and Manyika as it was his way of reaching out to as many people as possible.

“During the festival, together with two other writers, Nyaradzo Charama and Tinashe Muchuri, I will be doing storytelling and poetry performances with young children,” he said.

Penyai said they were set to identify talent, revisit and develop it after the festival, taking necessary steps to eventually have the works published.

“I also wrote an English book titled Scarlet Memories which is an anthology of poems,” he said.

Chimanimani-based Alec Muchayi and Ngangu Band will be performing at The Mannenberg tomorrow night as part of the launch for this year’s Chimanimani Arts Festival.

The group has performed at earlier editions of the festival; this will be their first foray onto the Harare entertainment scene with their brand of museve music.

The evening’s programme will begin with a press briefing on this year’s festival and will be followed by performances by Ngangu Band and will also feature special guests including mbira soul diva Chiwoniso Maraire and Afro-punk group Chikwata 263. 

Performances run from 7pm onwards.

The Chimanimani Arts Festival will be held over the weekend August 12-14. 

This will be the fifth edition since the festival revival in 2007.

Organised by the Chimanimani Arts Festival Trust and under the leadership of festival director Steve Brown, the Chimanimani Arts Festival remains a “free entry” festival and has established itself as a premier national arts festival, the second biggest festival in Zimbabwe besides Harare International Festival of the Arts. 

The past four editions have showcased many of Zimbabwe’s best known talents — from Oliver Mutukudzi, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Brown, Busi Ncube, Albert Nyathi, Chiwoniso Maraire, Victor Kunonga, Dudu Manhenga and Dino Mudondo, Junior Bantan and Friends — the list is extensive. 

The festival places a strong emphasis on emerging talent and regularly features groups from Music Crossroads and the Flame and Bocapa talent development initiatives as run by Pamberi Trust, whilst also placing special focus on including groups and acts from Chimanimani, Mutare and elsewhere in Manicaland and Zimbabwe. 

The festival organisers are committed to showcasing and developing acts from Manicaland Province — tomorrow evening’s press conference and performance by Ngangu Band is a warm-up for this year’s festival — punters are invited to attend for a taste of Chimanimani right here in Harare.

 

TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE

Chimanimani-based Alec Muchayi and Ngangu Band will be performing at The Mannenberg tomorrow night as part of the launch for this year’s Chimanimani Arts Festival.

The group has performed at earlier editions of the festival; this will be their first foray onto the Harare entertainment scene with their brand of museve music.

The evening’s programme will begin with a press briefing on this year’s festival and will be followed by performances by Ngangu Band and will also feature special guests including mbira soul diva Chiwoniso Maraire and Afro-punk group Chikwata 263. 

Performances run from 7pm onwards.

The Chimanimani Arts Festival will be held over the weekend August 12-14. 

This will be the fifth edition since the festival revival in 2007.

Organised by the Chimanimani Arts Festival Trust and under the leadership of festival director Steve Brown, the Chimanimani Arts Festival remains a “free entry” festival and has established itself as a premier national arts festival, the second biggest festival in Zimbabwe besides Harare International Festival of the Arts. 

The past four editions have showcased many of Zimbabwe’s best known talents — from Oliver Mutukudzi, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Brown, Busi Ncube, Albert Nyathi, Chiwoniso Maraire, Victor Kunonga, Dudu Manhenga and Dino Mudondo, Junior Bantan and Friends — the list is extensive. 

The festival places a strong emphasis on emerging talent and regularly features groups from Music Crossroads and the Flame and Bocapa talent development initiatives as run by Pamberi Trust, whilst also placing special focus on including groups and acts from Chimanimani, Mutare and elsewhere in Manicaland and Zimbabwe. 

The festival organisers are committed to showcasing and developing acts from Manicaland Province — tomorrow evening’s press conference and performance by Ngangu Band is a warm-up for this year’s festival — punters are invited to attend for a taste of Chimanimani right here in Harare.

 

TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE

The BIGGEST ‘Free Entry’ Festival in Zimbabwe

This year’s Chimanimani Arts Festival takes place August 12-14 – and whilst it may prove cool in the evenings we remain hopeful of avoiding the rain-soaking from 2010 – so bring your woolies for a mountain spectacular under a full moon this year!

Proposed artists’ include Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits; last year Tuku was a special guest with the Ay Band as a tribute to his son Sam– and this year Tuku will return with his full backing band.

Also proposed to perform are Alexio Kawara, Botswana Afropop diva Slizer, hip-hop poet “Cde Fatso and Chabvunduka”, Music Crossroads winners Club Shanga, Afro-Punk group Chikwata263, Mbira Dze Matupo plus lots of local acts and entertainment – and so much more and all for free!

More updates on package trips for festival visitors, new acts signed on and festival information to follow – till then here’s looking forward to Chimanimani Arts Festival – Zimbabwe’s Biggest Free Entry Festival.

Steve Sparx

Festival Director

Email: sparx@thulani.net
www.chimanimani.com