The Sunday Mail
ORGANISERS of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) have pledged to ensure that during the festival which runs from April 28 to May 3, festival-goers will not be disappointed through any blunders.
Last year, Hifa organisers were left with egg on their face after one of the main attractions, FreshlyGround, was denied entry into the country as their papers were not in order.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure last week, Hifa associate executive director Tafadzwa Simba said the unfortunate incident was not going to recur. He indicated that his team has taken necessary measures to guarantee a smooth flow of events.
“The paperwork needed within the various regulatory agencies pertaining to the artistes’ performances is on the conveyor belt, which leads to all the relevant agencies. It is quite a task to be able to handle each artiste’s application to perform in this country and we are grateful to all regulatory agencies for putting in place systems to deal with all the artistes fully and appropriately,” said Simba.
“The agencies have been amazing in the way they have ensured that everything is done according to the letter of the law. They have put in place systems to make sure this is still done in a manner that takes into cognisance the exact timing requirements for a festival like Hifa.”
The festival is running under the theme “Articulate” in the capital. And as per tradition, it will feature a diverse international programming and participating artistes from more than 10 countries. Mali legend Salif Keita will be the main act at the six-day jamboree.
Last week, a number of Harare residents who follow the festival said they hope the organisers of the festival are not going to let them down this time around.
The annual event 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 all over the world. Apart from boosting international arrivals, Hifa has also played a role in boosting domestic tourism. Furthermore, the event has over the years proved to be an important launch-pad for upcoming and established artistes in Zimbabwe. Through participation at the festival — artistes, directors, music producers and promoters have built strong synergies with their international counterparts.
Fans are already geared for yet another fun-filled festival that will see artistes from different genres, both local and international, showcasing their talents. According to Simba, Hifa is still going to maintain the panache that it has become associated with over the years. The organisers have promised a programme with a wide variety of events to cater for every taste.
“Hifa is unique amongst arts events in the country owing to the sheer numbers of artistes performing. The festival has grown from strength to strength with each passing year and this year will not be an exception. This has been made possible by Zimbabwean citizens (both individual and corporate) with assistance from diplomatic missions and development agencies,” said Simba.
Preparatory work at all venues including the Harare Gardens is nearing completion as the start date for the event draws close. Simba added that advance tickets will help eliminate confusion during the festival.
“Ticket sales have already begun and the interest in the shows is exceptional. The tickets are available at the Avondale Shopping Centre and at the Harare Gardens. We urge audiences to buy their tickets ahead of time as some shows are fast selling out.” Hifa consists of various arts activities that include theatre, dance, music, circus, street performance, spoken word and visual arts.
Various collaborations are lined up for this year’s eventful week.
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.
Hope Masike will share the stage with the visiting Mali legend, Salif Keita, on the closing day, April 3.
