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Traditional dances portray culture

Tawanda Marwizi : Arts Correspondent

AN Important week on the arts calendar in Zimbabwe, the Culture Week is drawing closer and artists are geared up for the event. Culture can be defined as the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people. Art is the most efficient vehicle of portraying culture and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe organises Culture Week annually to celebrate different cultures.With the national launch set for Godlwayo Culture Centre in Filabusi on May 21, different communities and the artists have been urged to prepare for the event that upholds Zimbabwean cultural values.

Running under the theme “Culture Week: Towards Increased Community Participation” the week-long celebrations involve various cultural activities.

NACZ has urged different communities to come together in celebrating one of the prestigious events in the country.

“The participation of communities in Culture Week will result in harmony and ownership of the programme by communities who are involved in the transmission processes as well as the enactment of culture forms,” reads a statement from NACZ.

Activities during the week include traditional food and herbal exhibitions, dances from different ethnic groups, folk story-telling sessions that are part of Intangible Cultural Heritage, praise poetry and fashion show of ethnic wear among other cultural and artistic expressions.

“Culture forms are an integral part of the people’s existence hence the importance of celebrating culture.”

Several artistes yesterday said they were prepared to celebrate Culture Week through various activities.

Taurai Tigere who is the Chitungwiza arts centre chairman said they were geared up for the event that reflects Zimbabwean culture.

“That is an event that gives every Zimbabwean time to have cultural interactions as well as giving artists from several disciplines a platform to showcase their talent,” he said.

Asimita Bokosha a craftswoman from Masvingo said it was the role of the artists to complement the important week of culture display.

“We as artistes have a big role to play in celebrating the important week in our country. We have a big role to play in urging our communities to take this week seriously,” she said.

The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity by UNESCO in 2001 proclaimed 21 May of each year the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

Cultural diversity is a defining characteristic of humanity that when cultivated and respected can create a well-developed nation.

It nurtures diverse human capacities and values and in the process promotes national growth that fosters unity and identity.

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has been hailed for its effort to take the celebrations to different provinces.

Last year the official launch was held in Chinhoyi with Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko was the guest of honour.

Several artistes including musician Alick Macheso performed at the event.