THE Shangano Arts Festival, which celebrates cultural diversity in Matabeleland, is set to be held in Lupane in October this year.
Sharon Sibindi Own Correspondent
Organisers of the festival have slatted the event for October 23-25 at the Matabeleland North provincial capital.
Speaking in an interview with Southern Eye Lifestyle the festival director, Petros Ndlovu said the event had grown into a provincial showcase hence the need to be inclusive in celebrating cultural diversity in the region and the country.
“This year’s festival launch will be at Lupane hall as part of our efforts to cover the whole province in celebrating cultural diversity. We expect all districts to be represented as we have limited resources,” Ndlovu said.
Groups expected to grace the occasion include Vulindlela from Hwange — Ihawu from Lupane — Kwabana, Lusupuko and Binga Sounds from Binga — Idwala, Afro Bong from Victoria Falls — Black Sea, Black Amakhwezi, and Shaba Arts from Tsholotsho — and a Zambian group yet to confirm its attendance.
The event will feature exhibitions of various traditional foods made from grain such as sorghum and millet as well as games.
Ndlovu said that since the organisation had adopted a broader approach towards cultural diversity next year’s edition was going to be held in Umguza District.
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The event is being supported by Basilizwi Trust, Hwange Colliery Company, Culture Fund of Zimbabwe and Environment Africa.
“The idea of Shangano is celebrating cultural diversity hence we want to move around all districts and create a platform for the sharing of ideas and talent such that we are able to take groups to Intwasa or Hifa, ”said Ndlovu.
He said they will announce the theme of the festival in April.
