The Sunday Mail
PREVAILING challenges and difficulties will not take away the spirit and glamour that has characterised past editions of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa), organisers have said.
The organisers insist that this year’s edition running under the theme “Articulate” from April 28 to May 3, will be gripping.
Hifa associate executive director Tafadzwa Simba said some of their traditional sponsors had dropped from this year’s edition. He attributed the development to prevailing economic challenges.
“The event is being done in a very difficult economic environment. There will be changes to some of our events sponsorship. Some of the companies have been unable to support the festival but roughly I can say close to 90 percent of the traditional sponsors have come on board this year,” he said.
Simba was, however, quick to point out that a “splendid” festival was on the cards.
Arguably one of the best organised annual events in the country, Hifa has set standards that have not only made it a brand in the region but across the globe. Every year the festival attracts thousands of visitors and performers from around the world.
According to the Hifa official, the event is still going to maintain the panache that it has become associated with despite the “minor” changes. He said the organisers have made sure that they come up with a programme with a wide variety of events to cater for every taste.
The six-day annual festival and workshop programme showcases the very best of local and international arts and culture in a comprehensive festival programme of theatre, dance, music, circus, street performances and spoken word.
“On our side we have done everything that we think can be done. Evidently the last two editions were not easy but we are confident that people will still come, but obviously without much disposable income. We cannot predict turnout but because people want variety and something positive, I’m sure they will still attend,” added Simba.
And the organisers have enlisted the services of Legendary African superstar Salif Keita of Mali. Keita is billed to perform on the closing day together with local mbira princess Hope Masike on May 3.
It would be the second time that the internationally acclaimed musician graces the Hifa main stage after another closing act in 2010.
Observers say that the decision to host the Malian giant was a clear indication that Hifa officials are not in a gambling mood. A positive result can only be guaranteed by a tried and tested veteran, which is what Hifa is looking for.
The Hifa official confirmed this school of thought. He, however, indicated that their decisions were inspired by public interest.
“It’s two things, obviously when Salif Keita came in 2010, it was a sold out show meaning the public loves him and would love to watch him in action again. We work to please the public. When we bring people back it is because the public wants them,” said Simba.
“But also it is because this is a project we wanted to do. The plan was to bring a global African icon onto main stage to perform on an African stage and impart their musical legacy to another generation, in this instance, being represented by our very own, Hope Masike,” he added.
Hifa organisers have promised the festival to be much of a collaborations affair. Ugandan female dancehall queen, Kaakie is billed to share the stage with Buffalo Soul Jah and Guspy Warrior on the second day of the event, the CABS day, dubbed “Dancehall Alliance”.
A new act, the DJ Collaboration Party, will also be introduced on the same day. Hifa continues to connect international artistic directors, music producers and promoters with local artistes thus helping the growth of the local arts scene as well.
A lot of artistes have used Hifa as a launch pad for their careers.
Meanwhile, the 2015 festival and additional events that will be staged at Hifa will, as has become the tradition, serve to maintain the critical momentum of employment creation.
