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Villa Nyau dancers were part of the performers during the festival

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Outside the record crowds that thronged this year’s Mashonaland East Cultural Festival held at Murewa Culture Centre, the showcase was an eye-opener to those who wanted to unlock value within the creative industry.

More and more performing artistes are beginning to professionalise their operations, some are now teaching in several schools (what is often known as training of trainers) and others are in the middle of diversifying their products.

Running under the theme “Artists against HIV and AIDS”, the festival took place from October 29 to November 2 in cognisance of the effective role that artists play in HIV Prevention and Behaviour Change messaging

There were workshops for performing artists on how to manage themselves and their products as well as making themselves known through the use of various social media.

Then there were exhibitions held throughout the five-day festival where villagers and festival goers learnt how to start a business in batik, tie and dye as well as fabric prints. The festival drew performers from a wide range of art disciplines which include live music performances, traditional dances, drama, children’s performances, fun and games, to mention a few.

The activities kicked off with an “Artists against HIV and AIDS” procession followed by a dialogue on the same theme.

Other workshops included “A Value Addition and Packaging Workshop” for business women; a “Dialogue on Indigenous Methods of Conflict Resolution” with traditional leaders and a tour of scenic sites (Murewa Caves and The Nature’s Food Haven Project).

Particularly exciting were demonstrations on pottery and basket making which the visitors were able to take part in.

Another first was the participation of Nigerian Embassy that exhibited the west African dishes using locally produced food.

Another major attraction was the display by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority where they showcased wild animals including the zebra, leopard, hyena and the pythons which drew scores of people to the stand.

More than just entertainment for the young and old, the festival was also served as a platform for disseminating information on HIV and AIDS. The National Aids Council was visible and they made sure festival goers were educated on HIV and AIDS through several plays that were staged by groups such as Together As One from Highfield, Blue Stars, Penzura, Pagomo Arts and Shumba Arts.

On dance aspect the festival drew well known groups such as Ngoma Dzepasi, the Chibuku Neshamwari Dance champions and Umkhati Arts from Bulawayo, Guruve Marimba and Swerengoma.

A number of musicians who were billed to perform among them Zimdancehall chanter Seh Calaz and Rute Mbangwa failed to turn up for the event. However, Willis Wataffi, Portifa Mopo and Kapfupi thrilled the receptive audiences.

Cuthbert Maziwa, who is the advisor of the festival , said he was elated that this year’s festival was bigger than the previous year.

“We have had record crowds this year. The Opening show at Murewa Caves lived to its billing but we were quite impressed that most of the artists took part and the festival has been without incident,” Maziwa said.

He, however, said with enough funding there was still room for improvement considering that the festival was still in its infancy.

Organised by the National Training and Conference of the Arts in Zimbabwe in conjunction with Murewa Culture Center, MECUF gives a befitting homage to the traditional leaders who are the custodians of culture, values and serves as a true celebration of Zimbabwean cultural heritage.