Fashion extravaganza at HIFA

Articulate Couture – a major high fashion show inspired by design heritage and the rise of contemporary African fabulousness – will take centre stage at the Harare International Festival of the Arts on April 30 starting at 9pm at the Royal Norwegian Embassy Dome.

The show will feature three designers – Tapfumanei Munenge, Ara Kani and David Alford.

Besides the “Articulate Couture” there are several fashions shows lined up for the Royal Norwegian Embassy Dome including “Catching Dreams”, an exhibition and showcase inspired by following and chasing your dreams, am embroidery, knitwear and crochet showcase featuring Golden Hands from Swaziland and vonsdesigns from Zimbabwe.

The exhibition takes place on BancABC Day.

Another must-attend show is titled “For Nature’s Sake” — beading inspired by natural surroundings and who we are as a people.

It is a multi-cultural journey flavoured with traditions from Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe showcasing the work of beading communities from Accra, rural Mahenye, urban Harare, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The exhibition features works by Hlengiwe Dube, Collin Ratisai, Hlengi from South Africa in collaboration with 24 local artisans including the Mahenye community.

On Golden Pilsner Day, the Royal Norwegian Embassy Dome illuminates with “Inside Out”, a show that focuses on the transformation of old clothes into something new featuring Haus of Stone from Zimbabwe, Sibo Moyanaya and local textile artisans.

On Old Mutual Day, there is going to be “Kids Creative”, where young designers inspired by literally making something out of nothing, model and exhibit the most innovative creations. Creativity at its best!

We’re good to go: Bagorro

Manuel Baggoro, the founder and artistic director of the Harare International Festival of the Arts says all was set for the much anticipated arts and cultural showcase scheduled to open on April 28 , BancABC Day.

Bagorro said although 2015 was particularly a difficult year for corporates and Zimbabweans at large, this year’s edition was arguably the best.

“I know I always say this but this year is the best because we’ve managed to pull through during the most difficult time. And in terms of the artists, the donors and sponsors it has been amazing collaboration to be able to be creative and share the inspiration together,” he said.

Bagorro reiterated that HIFA was ready and hailed all Government departments for their support.

“We have had support from all Government departments including immigration, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. We also got support from the Harare City Council and other departments that made HIFA 2015 possible,” he said.

“These departments have been patient with us because HIFA is such a giant festival and at times it takes long before we get confirmation but the departments have been patient with us.”

Speaking at a press briefing held in Harare yesterday, an elated Maria Wilson, HIFA executive director, said all was set for the six –day cultural fete.

Maria hailed the partnerships that exist between the corporates such as ZOL who are sponsoring the Main Stage activities.

“This is it, it’s actually happening, the joyous celebration of coming together and being Zimbabwean. No politics, we come to celebrate our artists and everything good about our country,” she said.

It is just six-days before HIFA illuminates the capital and what a festival it appears to be. With over 100 performances lined up there is every reason to smile as HIFA more than anything else is a platform for artistic expression.

The festival is running under the theme: “Articulate”.

Newbies at HIFA

Tinashe, Chashe and Eve Kawadza are some of the new voices at this year’s Harare International Festival of the Arts who are expected to spice up the programme with their amazing vocal clarity and high energy performances.

One good thing about HIFA is that it allows its diverse audience to marvel at the fresh, raw talent it showcases each year.

And this year is no exception as music lovers will get glued on stage when Tinashe and Chashe join hands to give fans what they need — a touch of class and revelry.

The funky and fresh Afropop duo is the perfect example of musicians collaborating despite distance.

Guided by the skilful production of Anton Morgan, their 2014 hit “Zvekupenga” (We Go Together), was Tinashe and Chashe’s first collaboration (of many to come we hope).

Tinashe Makura recently returned to Zimbabwe while his counterpart Chashe Musarurwa McTaggart recently moved to London from Boston and New Zealander Anton runs the TwoAM Studio in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Some of their hit songs that were on rotation on most radio stations include Chashe’s amazing new single “Like Fire”, “Dhi” while Tinashe’s “Ngatingodanana”, “Koovha” and others did the rounds on the airwaves.

Tinashe and Chase will hit the Lays Global Stage at 12.30pm.

Elsewhere at the NMB Recital Room on May 3 Old Mutual Day, will play host to a fresh, innovative, stylish and multi-genre collaboration offering HIFA audiences a gorgeous programme of original pieces and jazz standards.

Eve Kawadza returns after her spectacular performances at HIFA last year. She is generating enormous praise for her performance and endlessly inventive vocal improvisions.

She has gained a reputation as a charismatic vocalist and effortlessly transcends diverse musical styles.

The Marondera Schools Orchestra comprising instrumentalists from Peterhouse and Watershed College has performed across the country over the last few years as well as winning many honours and awards at the National Institute of Allied Arts Instrumental festival. Music will be directed by Tinashe Jera.

The show is supported by the Culture Fund Trust of Zimbabwe, Old Mutual, and MultiChoice among others — HIFAmedia.

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