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Trust Khosa

ORGANISERS of the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of Arts (OMIFA) have released a massive line-up to mark the two-day event scheduled for September 21 and 22 at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.

The event is being held in memory of the late crooner Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi who succumbed to diabetes on January 23, 2019.

Tuku was accorded national hero status and was buried at his Madziva homestead in Mashonaland Central.

And, five years after his death, Tuku Music (Pvt) Ltd, which runs the late icon’s affairs, has decided to honour him with an international festival.

In a statement, festival director, Samantha Mtukudzi, released a star-studded line-up where Tuku’s legacy will be celebrated through music, dance, film, theatre and spoken word.

“We are excited to announce the artistes that have confirmed so far and they include Norton-based artistes; Vazukuru veAFRICA, Innosaint Sax, Munya Nyamarebvu, Jay Watta, the Black Spirits featuring Mbeu, Donald Kanyuchi and Sarungano,” she said.

“Joining the line-up are headliners Jah Prayzah, Feli Nandi, Mokoomba, Gemma Griffiths, Bryan K, Mary Anibal, Djembe Monks, Andy Muridzo, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Nisha Ts, Mwendamberi (Solution GC), Taffie Matiure, Gwevedzi ReDefined and Aaron Myers & Trio (USA).

“True to our status as an arts and culture festival, we will announce the final programme next week, which features a commemorative dinner, performances and productions in music theatre curated by SunTu Guild and Thomas Brickhill (Chikwata 263), fashion curated by the Skeyi &

Strobo Fabrik Party, art, dance and film curated by First Floor Gallery Harare, Spoken Word by Sibonokuhle Siwawa (Skai) plus a children’s programme curated by Precious Children’s Arts Organisation (PICA) as well as a series of workshops and masterclasses for creatives.”

The event organisers said advance tickets are now on sale. Fashion and spoken word genres that are now being appreciated will be showcased at the event.

This should come as good news as Tuku used to promote his fashion labels like the “Haikobo” shoe range, which was popular with fans.

The Black Spirits founder would have been celebrating his 72nd birthday on September 22.

Over the years, arts promoters used to hold a series of festivities both locally and abroad to celebrate Tuku’s music

A true mentor, Tuku set up an arts centre in Norton, which is famed for giving exposure to creatives from various disciplines.