The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
ORGANISERS of the forthcoming Mapopoma Festival opine this year’s edition will be better than in previous years as the event is taking a distinctive twist.
The three-day festival has become one of the country’s biggest New Year’s Eve parties.
It is expected to run from December 29 to 31 at Baobab Primary School in the resort town of Victoria Falls.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Society, event founder Patrick Musonza, who is better known as DJ Spevar, said they were crafting an interesting and unique programme for the fifth edition.
“Mapopoma Festival is more interested in promoting Zimbabwean art for Zimbabweans and foreigners alike.
“We want to teach everyone about the Zimbabwean culture, music, traditions, human connections and, ultimately, foster the unified spirit of Ubuntu.
“The biggest takeaway from the just-ended Covid-19 pandemic was that we can survive on local tourism, thus, this year’s edition will be aimed at marketing our local tourism products, particularly in Victoria Falls and surrounding areas like Hwange,” said Musonza.
The previous edition attracted thousands of revellers from within and beyond the borders.
“Locals also deserve to enjoy and experience what the country has to offer through domestic tourism and we are promoting that through this festival.”
Names of artistes who will be part of the fiesta are set to be announced soon.
“While we are still engaging the best local acts, we are optimistic that this year’s line-up will be epic. We will also have a couple of international acts as part of the programme.
“As we celebrate our fifth year, we plan to bring a unique status to the festival. It will not only be about music and dance, as we will be offering fitness and health programmes, alongside Zorro-trained Fayie Breakout Events, and we will introduce a Campbille — our onsite ‘Camping Village’.”
December 29, which will be the first day of the festival, DJ Spevar said, will have a home-brewed concert.
On the second day, attendees will enjoy a cookout festival.
On New Year’s Eve, an Ubuntu concert will be held, with revellers encouraged to bring their respective countries’ flags.
Mapopoma Festival is co-hosting this year’s edition with CookOut Zw, which is expected to bring a fresh dimension to the event.
“There are still talks and negotiations with other key partners that we feel will bring value and excitement to the festival,” he said.
There will be discounted tickets for Victoria Falls residents and other early birds.
Tickets will be sold in four categories — general access, golden circle, VIP and VVIP.
