The Best Arts Festivals In Zimbabwe
My love for local music goes back to growing up in the urban grooves era, I was fortunate enough to have grown at the same time urban music grew in Zimbabwe. Since my childhood days was already sold on the potential of local artists and that belief remains up to now. That love grew deeper from the moment I attended my first live show, it opened me up to a different level of appreciation for music. I then understood those who say listening music live in unmatched. Music is entertainment so the artist has to be an entertainer. Being a great entertainer will create a greater legacy for an artist than being one who just makes songs that sound good on radio
As I grew my music taste and preferences also evolved. I began to appreciate more those artists that record and perform with live instruments. There is a certain amount of magic that can only be found from live instruments. As I got into my twenties I ventured into a personal journey of listening to a lot of the so called legendary artists from Zim trying to understand what made them iconic and legendary. That journey opened me up to a lot of genres and created my now open attitude towards local music. I got to understand where we came from as a country musically. One thing all those legends and icons have in common is they were all superb performers, whenever I read reviews from fans and bloggers they always shared certain live shows in which that artist created an everlasting memory in them. I got even more respect for artists who can manage to put up a memorable performance, those who create an experience for their fans.
At the same time when I was exploring more about Zim music, I found myself falling in love with many forms of Art. I became a fan of Stand Up comedy, am a big fan of Zambezi news (the pioneers of satire comedy in Zim) and the various acts that are now coming up. As I indulged in blogging and vlogging I became a fan of written word and cinematography, I aspire to create videos which will bring joy to all who watch in the future. For years I have also been captivated by photography, how one photo can tell a story, how one photo can help change the perception of something. On this journey I have grown to respect artists and various art forms.
At the same time when I was exploring more about Zim music, I found myself falling in love with many forms of Art. I became a fan of Stand Up comedy, am a big fan of Zambezi news (the pioneers of satire comedy in Zim) and the various acts that are now coming up. As I indulged in blogging and vlogging I became a fan of written word and cinematography, I aspire to create videos which will bring joy to all who watch in the future. For years I have also been captivated by photography, how one photo can tell a story, how one photo can help change the perception of something. On this journey I have grown to respect artists and various art forms.
To further my quest for knowledge in the arts world have tasked myself to attend as many festivals and arts events as possible. I also have hopes to creating my own arts festival so this also works as a learning curve for me. Have not managed to attend all the festivals I want but hope to attend all of them in the future. Will now share with you some of the best festivals that I have attended and some which I have heard good things about but I'm yet to attend.
Harare International Festival Of Arts (Hifa)
For many many years this has been the top multi-disciplinary arts festival in the country, it set the standard and had the widest reach. However the economic situation has forced the organizers to skip other years which then opened up a gap for others to take foot and eat into their market share.
Regardless of that HIFA provides the most culturally and artistically diverse festival of them all. The festival is a one stop shop for art fans, it not only showcases music but it tackles nearly the whole broad spectrum of art; music, theatrical performances, film, photography, painting, stand up comedy, dancing..etc. HIFA is internationally recognized hence the organizers have the pedigree to attract some very unique artists from all over the world, their lineup is always filled with many surprises. Despite their now frequent sabbaticals they still possess the pedigree and loyal fan base which will help ensure they will not be forced into oblivion anytime soon.
Unplugged
This hangout now turned festival disrupted the entertainment scene, it set the new standard for having a good time with friends and colleagues. It managed to present itself as a lifestyle rather than just a music festival. Attending Unplugged was sort of a status symbol. The event was birthed by the realization humans are basically social animals, there is need to create space whereby the young people can meet and socialize whilst listening to some good music.
Have managed to witness this event grow from being a picnic show to being the "To Be" place for all young hip urban youths. It was restructured into a festival in 2019 and changed from being hosted at the end of each month to once every 3 months. This now meant the show was getting bigger, giving their fans one big show every quarter.
As the festival grew they however started facing quite a number of challenges which has seen its dominance diminish. Unplugged set the standard for the most hip place for urban youths and many were bound to copy. The CookOut is one of those events that copied Unplugged, they borrowed the whole concept but then added the issue of good food, their emphasis is on Good food, good friends and good music. The Jacaranda Festival also emerged in 2018 and also borrowed a lot from unplugged but they took it a notch further when it comes to the artists lineup and their emphasis on live performances rather than DJ's. The JMF also improved in terms of organization and social appeal which saw them overtaking Unplugged to being the new to be place for young urban youths.
Unpplugegd also did not do itself a favour by their recently underwhelming lineups which many complained about, they definitely need to up their game in that department. Also the festival was now recording incidents of rowdy behavior and cases of thefts which has chased away many patrons. Despite all those issues, the festival still has a cult following and can still regain its edge, they need to restructure and improve on organization and artist line-up.
For many many years this has been the top multi-disciplinary arts festival in the country, it set the standard and had the widest reach. However the economic situation has forced the organizers to skip other years which then opened up a gap for others to take foot and eat into their market share.
Regardless of that HIFA provides the most culturally and artistically diverse festival of them all. The festival is a one stop shop for art fans, it not only showcases music but it tackles nearly the whole broad spectrum of art; music, theatrical performances, film, photography, painting, stand up comedy, dancing..etc. HIFA is internationally recognized hence the organizers have the pedigree to attract some very unique artists from all over the world, their lineup is always filled with many surprises. Despite their now frequent sabbaticals they still possess the pedigree and loyal fan base which will help ensure they will not be forced into oblivion anytime soon.
UnpluggedThis hangout now turned festival disrupted the entertainment scene, it set the new standard for having a good time with friends and colleagues. It managed to present itself as a lifestyle rather than just a music festival. Attending Unplugged was sort of a status symbol. The event was birthed by the realization humans are basically social animals, there is need to create space whereby the young people can meet and socialize whilst listening to some good music.
Have managed to witness this event grow from being a picnic show to being the "To Be" place for all young hip urban youths. It was restructured into a festival in 2019 and changed from being hosted at the end of each month to once every 3 months. This now meant the show was getting bigger, giving their fans one big show every quarter.
As the festival grew they however started facing quite a number of challenges which has seen its dominance diminish. Unplugged set the standard for the most hip place for urban youths and many were bound to copy. The CookOut is one of those events that copied Unplugged, they borrowed the whole concept but then added the issue of good food, their emphasis is on Good food, good friends and good music. The Jacaranda Festival also emerged in 2018 and also borrowed a lot from unplugged but they took it a notch further when it comes to the artists lineup and their emphasis on live performances rather than DJ's. The JMF also improved in terms of organization and social appeal which saw them overtaking Unplugged to being the new to be place for young urban youths.
Unpplugegd also did not do itself a favour by their recently underwhelming lineups which many complained about, they definitely need to up their game in that department. Also the festival was now recording incidents of rowdy behavior and cases of thefts which has chased away many patrons. Despite all those issues, the festival still has a cult following and can still regain its edge, they need to restructure and improve on organization and artist line-up.
This is the premier spoken word festival in the country, whether you love your spoken word in the form of Rap, Dancehall or stand up comedy this is the festival for you. Even the name of the festival clearly tells you what its all about. This festival aims to push urban culture, give it a platform to shine and flourish.
Their Hub Unconference is superb its a platform that is meant to push for innovation and progression withing the youth. It contains many initiatives which are means to create a progressive culture among the youth. They host the Hub Awards whose goal is to promote and rewarding creatives who use the media to tackle problems in their communities. They also host TechTopia which is aimed at promoting the most disruptive startups which have the ability to change the nation and region. They also provide a platform for progressive youths to further their digital skills, they help artists on how to use technology to publish and develop their art. On that conference they also host the Zim Hip Hop Summit which discusses the state of the genre in the nation and how it can move forward.
The festival also hosts Shoko Comedy Night which showcases the best stand up comedians we have in the nation. Also they host the peace in the hood initiative which gives a platform to upcoming spoken word artists' a place to interact with fans. This is a packed festival which has youth culture at its core.
Intwasa Music Festival
Their Hub Unconference is superb its a platform that is meant to push for innovation and progression withing the youth. It contains many initiatives which are means to create a progressive culture among the youth. They host the Hub Awards whose goal is to promote and rewarding creatives who use the media to tackle problems in their communities. They also host TechTopia which is aimed at promoting the most disruptive startups which have the ability to change the nation and region. They also provide a platform for progressive youths to further their digital skills, they help artists on how to use technology to publish and develop their art. On that conference they also host the Zim Hip Hop Summit which discusses the state of the genre in the nation and how it can move forward.
The festival also hosts Shoko Comedy Night which showcases the best stand up comedians we have in the nation. Also they host the peace in the hood initiative which gives a platform to upcoming spoken word artists' a place to interact with fans. This is a packed festival which has youth culture at its core.
Intwasa Music Festival
This festival is the longest running and biggest arts festival in the City of Queens and Kigs koBulawayo. Intwasa means Spring so this festival signals the start of spring, the birth of something fresh and colourful. The festival is like the Bulawayo's version of Hifa, some even call for it to be renamed the Bulawayo Festival Of Arts. It's a multi-disciplinary festival celebrates various forms of art. Its goal is to promote artistic talent locally, regionally and globally.
The City is the arguably most artistic city in the nation and this festival provide a platform for many artists from the region to showcase themselves. The festival also holds various conferences which are meant to nurture and develop artistic talent. Unlike the other festivals Intwasa pushes for tradition as it is the only festival which leaves a platform for African Rituals, it celebrates our heritage and prides in our being African. It is also gives a platform to local designers on their fashion show slot. This is a festival which one attends to further their artistic side.
Jacaranda Music Festival
The City is the arguably most artistic city in the nation and this festival provide a platform for many artists from the region to showcase themselves. The festival also holds various conferences which are meant to nurture and develop artistic talent. Unlike the other festivals Intwasa pushes for tradition as it is the only festival which leaves a platform for African Rituals, it celebrates our heritage and prides in our being African. It is also gives a platform to local designers on their fashion show slot. This is a festival which one attends to further their artistic side.
This is a new festival which has disrupted the industry. Was there at the inaugural Jacaranda Music Festival in 2018 and I had an amazing time.
This festival came to change the standard of how music festivals are held. They upped the game in terms of festival organization, the festivals offer a superb environment whereby its patrons just come to enjoy without worrying about anything else. The festival is now the must attend social even for many urban youth.
In 2018 the show was held over one day, this year they expanded to two days and the organizers were saying next year it will be a 3 day festival plus one day set aside for workshops. For the two years the festival has been operating I have no complains, it has gone on smoothly, no rowdy behavior by patrons, no harassing of patrons by security its a festival where the only problem you will have is nursing a hangover the next morning and resting your sore body from the dancing you did last night.
Vic Falls Carnival
This festival came to change the standard of how music festivals are held. They upped the game in terms of festival organization, the festivals offer a superb environment whereby its patrons just come to enjoy without worrying about anything else. The festival is now the must attend social even for many urban youth.
In 2018 the show was held over one day, this year they expanded to two days and the organizers were saying next year it will be a 3 day festival plus one day set aside for workshops. For the two years the festival has been operating I have no complains, it has gone on smoothly, no rowdy behavior by patrons, no harassing of patrons by security its a festival where the only problem you will have is nursing a hangover the next morning and resting your sore body from the dancing you did last night.
There is a reason why this festival is called the Biggest Party in Africa, its awesome. Its just a wholly satisfying experience. Save up some cash because you gonna need to have some adequate spending money then team up with a couple of friends and you will have the time of your lives. The Vic Falls Carnival is not only about the music but the whole Vic Falls experience. Plan it well in time and you will not regret. This is like a holiday and party all blended into one event, its amazing.
The town as a whole is safe, you will not be fearing for your life and belongings when going back to your hotel in the early morning. The festival is mainly a house party, there are a few live performances but mostly its the DJ's belting out super tunes. The crowd is so diverse making the partying refreshing, the festival attracts people from all over the world so you will meet many nationalities. The train party is superb, having the DJ playing your fav house tunes as the train drives you to a secret location in the forest for the ultimate party is just what you need after a year of hard work. There is much to do at the carnival. Best of all, is that in all the partying one will be drinking Zimbabwe's best lager beer, Zambezi Lager.
Miombo Festival
This is one festival that took a a looong sabbatical break before I managed to attend. This was Zimbabwe's biggest and only hippie festival. It about switching off the outside world and indulging yourself in a good time with family, friends. Miombo Festival was held deep in the forest in Christon Bank and fans had to camp there for the duration of the festival. The camping helped in making sure people escape from the outside world, connect with friends and family, connect with nature whilst enjoying some good music and good food.
The festival is about live performances, it the place where one can listen to some unique and captivating music. Imagine listening to good music as you sit on a log whilst the sun is setting in the a very picturesque background.....that is what the festival offers. The festival has taken a sabbatical since 2017 and promised to be back in 2019 but did not happen as so, hope it returns in 2019, the niche it served still exists, no other festival has managed to fill its gap.
So ya those are the biggest arts festivals in the nation. Feel free to share to share your sentiments on the Zim arts festivals that you have attended, which one was your best, which was your worst. Also share what you feel about the state of festivals in Zimbabwe. Are there any other festivals that I have left out??? tell me in the comments section.
The town as a whole is safe, you will not be fearing for your life and belongings when going back to your hotel in the early morning. The festival is mainly a house party, there are a few live performances but mostly its the DJ's belting out super tunes. The crowd is so diverse making the partying refreshing, the festival attracts people from all over the world so you will meet many nationalities. The train party is superb, having the DJ playing your fav house tunes as the train drives you to a secret location in the forest for the ultimate party is just what you need after a year of hard work. There is much to do at the carnival. Best of all, is that in all the partying one will be drinking Zimbabwe's best lager beer, Zambezi Lager.
This is one festival that took a a looong sabbatical break before I managed to attend. This was Zimbabwe's biggest and only hippie festival. It about switching off the outside world and indulging yourself in a good time with family, friends. Miombo Festival was held deep in the forest in Christon Bank and fans had to camp there for the duration of the festival. The camping helped in making sure people escape from the outside world, connect with friends and family, connect with nature whilst enjoying some good music and good food.
The festival is about live performances, it the place where one can listen to some unique and captivating music. Imagine listening to good music as you sit on a log whilst the sun is setting in the a very picturesque background.....that is what the festival offers. The festival has taken a sabbatical since 2017 and promised to be back in 2019 but did not happen as so, hope it returns in 2019, the niche it served still exists, no other festival has managed to fill its gap.
So ya those are the biggest arts festivals in the nation. Feel free to share to share your sentiments on the Zim arts festivals that you have attended, which one was your best, which was your worst. Also share what you feel about the state of festivals in Zimbabwe. Are there any other festivals that I have left out??? tell me in the comments section.
Proud_Zimbo
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