Shangano Festival for Lupane

Lupane will in October host the Shangano Arts Festival as part of the organisers’ efforts to take the showcase across the country.

Lupane will in October host the Shangano Arts Festival as part of the organisers’ efforts to take the showcase across the country. SHARON SIBINDI OWN CORRESPONDENT

The festival, which is in its eighth year, is slated for October 23 to 27 and would run under theme Celebrating Cultural Diversity.

Festival director Petros Ndlovu told Woza Weekend that preparations for the festival were now at an advanced stage. It would be held at Lupane Hall.

Last year the festival was held in Tsholotsho.

“We want every district in the country to be part of it,” Ndlovu said, adding the event will also feature groups from Zambia.

During the festival in the Matabeleland North capital, different workshops targeting artistes would be conducted.

Some of the groups that have confirmed participation include Lusumbami Puppetry, Vulindlela, Shaba Arts, Makishi and poet Likhwa Ncube.

“To make this year’s festival different form the other festivals, we have included artists with disability. There will have a talent search for upcoming musicians,” Ndlovu said.

Some of the organisations funding this year’s festival include The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe, Hwange Colliery and Environmental Africa.

“We are still looking for some more sponsors,” Ndlovu said.

Shangano Arts Festival is an annual event that started in 2007 to provide a platform to exposure of local artistes.