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Rute Mbangwa

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Mawungira eNharira, Rute Mbangwa, Willis Wataffi and Seh Calaz are some of the big names expected to perform at Mashonaland East Cultural Festival scheduled for Murehwa Arts Centre from October 29 to November 2.
The other artistes on the line up are Mathias Mhere, Hambakwe Stars, Potifa Mopo, ZCC Mbungo Stars and Lucky Chikuwa.
Afro-jazz diva Rute is an energetic vocalist, songwriter and performer. Her music is mature unique and intimate. Whenever she performs she connects with her fans through her rich and deep voice.

The two albums up her sleeves – “If Only My Heart Had a Voice” (2004) and “Rute Goes Kumanginde” (2007) – reflect what Rute is all about, a versatile artiste.

Her big breakthrough  on the international scene was when she was invited to perform at the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa, in 2008.

She also performed at the Winter Jazz Festival alongside Nigerian Jazz Star, Kunle Ayo and Zimbabwean superstar Oliver Mtukudzi.
In 2009, Rute performed at the Harare International Festival of Arts. She has also shared the stage with the likes of Judith Sephuma, Ringo Madhlingozi and Jimmy Dhludhlu to mention a few.

Organised by the National Training and Conference of the Arts in Zimbabwe, the festival will cover live performances by artistes, food displays, traditional dances, visual arts exhibitions and skills training.

Cynthia Mungofa, the programmes manger, said all the artistes had confirmed to take part and were raring to go.
“We have a mixed bag of performances at the festival. We also have Seh Calaz who is expected to thrill Zim dancehall fans while Mhere will carter for gospel music lovers and Rute will serenade Afro-jazz lovers,” she said.

The festival has been in existence since 2010 and is growing with each year.
The popular Miss Culture contest is also expected to take centre stage as well as an exhibition of wild animals, courtesy of the National Parks and Wildlife Department.

Through its cultural tourism initiative, the festival goers will have a glimpse of the scenic sites in Murewa District such as tour drives to Murewa Caves, Natural Springs, Hurungwe Hill, a herbal project, and a traditional village (built within the precincts of the festival).

The festival will also host a Bira under the auspices of traditional leaders (vanaSabuku, Muchinda) amid pomp and fanfare.
NATCAZ was established in 1994 by artistes, arts administrators, promoters and arts technicians as a non-profit making advocacy, lobbying and training body for the arts.

The arts organisation also contributes to community development through employment creation through skills empowerment in cultural industries in areas such as visual arts, batik, screen printing, tie and dye, crafts making, performing arts, traditional dances, garment making and textile design among others.

One of its main objectives is to foster the growth of the arts, culture industry and improve the status of the artistes and dedicated to the growth of arts and cultural industries in Zimbabwe.