The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
THE highly anticipated arts bonanza, the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) is here and many await to see if it will dazzle like past editions.
Top international acts from countries like the United States of America, China, Germany, India, Portugal, Botswana, Ghana, Spain, South Africa etcetera, are gracing the country’s biggest arts fiesta. However, arts lovers opine the flicker and hype that characterised the past 16 editions has been absent in the run-up to the forthcoming festival that will run from Tuesday May 2 to Sunday May 7, 2017.
Holders of this school of thought argue that apart from a not-so-absorbing programme, the Hifa publicity machine was not at their usual best and lacked aggression. For instance, in previous editions they held weekly Press briefings hosted by sponsors of certain events a month or so before the fiesta, which was not the case this year.
At least two Press conferences took place. Also, they took long to make public the full online programme, perhaps because the organisers were still finalising a thing or two with some of the artistes and festival sponsors. But that aside, Hifa organisers deserve to be commended for their spirited effort in putting together the 17th edition of the arts gala. Financial constraints and donor fatigue almost derailed the festival in 2015.
The challenges continued to mount and the week-long event subsequently failed to take place last year. Thus, the return of the six-day arts fete dubbed “the flagship of the 2017 edition” should be celebrated by all and sundry.
Organisers are calling it the “flagship” as “Hifa takes place throughout the year”, a new and less strenuous format they adopted in 2016, which saw organisers hosting monthly events as opposed to the customary and non-stop thrilling six-day show-piece.
Maria Wilson, Hifa executive director, notes the jamboree will be a significant artistic achievement not only under the prevailing tough circumstances but would still be significant under any circumstances. “Taking up Hifa 2017 has been a difficult decision but made because of an overwhelming belief in what the festival achieves. Exhaustion, discouragement and disappointment are feelings that have dogged the team and its endeavours,” said Wilson.
“I am in awe of the Hifa Team – a team characterised by self-sacrifice. My respect and admiration is unambiguous.The same applies to the Zimbabwean corporate community, the donor and embassy community. The economic environment is beyond harsh.”
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Yes, the festival might not be having an “easily recognisable” international artiste, particularly for the closing show, but organisers’ thoroughness of preparations combined with a revived donor and sponsorship enthusiasm will most likely help revellers attain gross satisfaction. Besides, Zimbabwe’s hosting of the week-long fete is good for a plethora of reasons.
The employment it creates, the money organisations like the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe make, the opportunities for local artistes, the business for hospitality players and the activity in an otherwise dull local showbiz industry, are some of the few reasons.
Muchadeyi Masunda, chairman of the Hifa board of trustees adds the festival is a vital cog of the arts.He further opine will-power from various stakeholders has made Hifa 2017 a success at a time it only made sense not to have the event.“You will no doubt note from the programme that donors and embassy partners as well as key associates from the local business community have contributed towards making Hifa 2017 happen.
“In spite of the debilitating economic crisis, which has bedeviled our country, local companies continue to believe in what Hifa achieves not only for Zimbabwe but also for the communities in which these companies operate.
Our international partners continue to endorse the objectives of Hifa, which is the epitome of their support for Zimbabweans across the board,” said Masunda. Hifa founder and artistic director, Manuel Bagorro weighs in: “I hope Hifa 2017 will be nurturing, emboldening, encouraging and fun for everyone involved. The event is a celebration and reminder of the power of our collective creative will.
“We hope you’ll be part of our artistic intervention as we stage a magnificent programme of powerful, prestigious and unforgettable performances and exhibitions.”This year’s festival is themed “Hifa 2017: Staging an Intervention”.
