Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo

Intwasa Roars To Life

2011-09-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

Intwasa Arts Festival 2011 did roar into life yesterday with scintillating performances from the Edith Katiji inspired The Comeback which played at the Bulawayo Theatre to a near full house. The Comeback is a beautifully written and acted story about Eli, who returns home from the UK to rediscover herself and touch base with her roots after a miserable and rather unsuccessful stint abroad. She wants to pick up the pieces of her broken life through a musical show called the comeback. This story is written by Sifiso Mabhena and Directed by Leeroy Gono.

The day finished to a packed Presidential room at the rainbow hotel with Rainbow Blaze and Bismillahi Gargar taking turns to thrill the audiences with their well polished acts, the audiences barely sat down during the show with Rainbow Blaze taking them down memory lane with golden oldies that once rocked and Bismillahi Gargar s performance which will left the discerning listener blown away by the angelic yet so original voices, despite the language difference the crowd was entertained from start to finish . The four piece Somali/Kenyan outfit who are at Intwasa for the first time courtesy of Alliance Francaise presenting ethnic North African melodies. Bismillahi Gargar is a collective group of women of Somali origin from Garissa, North eastern Kenya. The groups name is derived from the Somali words bismillahi meaning “in the name of Allah” and Gargar meaning “joining or bringing together.Today audiences will be treated to theatre and music in Lion and the Jewel and Some soul food in Gospel Truth featuring Family Voices and The Conquers then later theatre lovers can feast in probably the only collaboration and maybe the only new local production Drums the Musical. keep visiting the blog for more info also follow this link for the full programme. http://www.intwasa.org/programme.html

Intwasa Pays Tribute To Corporate World

2011-09-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Many a times the corporate world has been found wanting when it comes to supporting the arts industry in

Zimbabwe

The director of Intwasa, Raisedon Baya, said for the first time in recent years, maybe as a sign of the change in working relations with arts industry, the corporate world has come in full support of Intwasa Arts Festival.

The festival, which begins on the 19 September 2011 and runs under the theme “Art Without Boundaries” an expression which will, buoyed by this support, catapult the festival to dizzier heights.

“We are truly grateful for the overwhelming support we have received for this year’s festival.

“On behalf of the Board and the Festival team we say to all companies, organisations and individuals who have supported us, thank you, tatenda, siyabonga may your support continue to grow and grow some more and more partnerships be fostered” said Baya.

He said the support that Intwasa has received has been in many ways from Institutional support, to costs for events, to travel grants and fees for the artists, to venue hire, some provided prizes for the competitions, some assisted with publicity and publicity material, some individuals and companies are providing facilitation of workshops and seminars.

“The list in exhaustible honestly there is no help too small, these individuals and companies are helping in making us achieve our goal of asserting our selves as an international festival that has a place in the world of arts festivals, Baya said.

He said a special mention should be awarded to to Hivos, Delta Beverages, Africalia Belgium, Culture Fund and the Bulawayo City Council “for believing in us and sticking with us over the years.

Intwasa 2011 Opening day a “Women’s Affair”

2011-09-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

The opening day of the 7^th edition of the Intwasa Arts Festival which kicks off on the 19^th of September 2011 is a day dedicated to the women in arts. The day kicks off with a “women in arts workshop” at Unlimited Connect Centre which will cover the following topics; image and stage craft, cherry factor, internet and publicity, dealing with audiences, musicians and crew,HIV/AIDS and the artist and basic copyrights with question and answer facilitated by top and influential women in the arts industry.

At 6pm a British Council sponsored theatre piece The Comeback plays at the Bulawayo Theatre, The Comeback is a beautifully written and acted story about Eli, who returns home from the UK to rediscover herself and touch base with her roots after a miserable and rather unsuccessful stint abroad. She wants to pick up the pieces of her broken life through a musical show called the comeback. This story is written by Sifiso Mabhena and Directed by Leeroy Gono.

The day is capped by a performance which will leave the discerning listener blown away by the angelic yet so original voices, a clue where the groups soul lives- in the past, now and the future, appealing to all ages and cutting through all genres this is Bismillahi Gargar the four piece Somali/Kenyan outfit who are at Intwasa for the first time courtesy of Alliance Francaise presenting ethnic North African melodies. Bismillahi Gargar is a collective group of women of Somali origin from Garissa, North eastern Kenya. The groups name is derived from the Somali words bismillahi meaning “in the name of Allah” and Gargar meaning “joining or bringing together”.

BISMILLAHI GARGAR TO OPEN INTWASA 2011

2011-09-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Intwasa festival opening day will be graced by a fitting group of Somali origin from Garissa, North Eastern Kenya. Bismillahi Gargar is one of the most decorated acts at the 7^th edition of the Intwasa Arts Festival which kicks off on the 19^th of September finishing on the 25^th of September 2011.

The groups name is derived from the Somali words bismillahi meaning “in the name of Allah” and Gargar meaning “joining or bringing together”. Formed in 2003 with the purpose of reminding people of their traditional culture, Bismillahi Gargar focus on their own empowerment in an area where cultural practices can sometimes marginalise women.

Music is just one of the activities they engage in, besides performing on national holidays, weddings and other festivities the women run a self help group weaving mats and ropes. Their debut CD titled Garissa Express was recorded over a period of 2 years at Nairobi’s Ketebul studios, consisting of numerous trips for the ladies shuttling back and forth between Garissa and Nairobi.

Their music is uniquely pop and ethnical in keeping with Somali Language and singing style, yet arranged and recorded with modern instrumentation their music will leave the discerning listener blown away by the angelic yet so original voices, a clue where the groups soul lives- in the past, now and the future, appealing to all ages and cutting through all genres.

The four piece group is made of Lulu Bashir Muge, Anab Gure Ibrtahi, Amina Basher Elmoge and Asha Ibrahim Yussuf.Bismillahi Gargar recently staged a show at the alliance Francaise Nairobi which was a huge success as they played to a full house grooving to their vocals, harmonies and dancing

SIYAYA ARTS TO PERFORM AT INTWASA FESTIVAL 2011

2011-09-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

Fresh from a European tour, Siyaya Arts the 2011 NAMA Award winners who recently celebrated their 22^nd anniversary in the arts industry will for the first time perform at the Intwasa Festival, presenting their piece “Siyaya in Concert” a colorful, climactic and bursting at the seams with energy presentation. “We are excited to be part of this years Intwasa festival as over the years we have been on tour during this time of the year, we promise our fans a show to remember as we have not performed a full show for our home fans since Zambezi Express at the Ibumba International Festival 2010”.

In this show the West African Djembe meets the Zimbabwean Ngoma and Marimba in an all out vigor, complimented by the lively dances, liquid tones, superb percussion rhythms and the sweet acapella harmonies all resembling the rich cultures and traditions of the townships of Makokoba.

This acoustic set relates the hard times and the joy of life on the African subcontinent. Siyaya’s rousing music and tightly choreographed dance transcends the language barrier. It’s a veritable Tour de force of African forms – traditional and contemporary

Firmly rooted in Makokoba, Bulawayo’s oldest township, Siyaya Arts was started in 1989 as NASA (Nostalgic Actors & Singers Alliance). “We rechristened ourselves Siyaya (On the Move) during our 10th anniversary; a literal description of our journeys all over the world, as well as of an identity, an ethos and a heartfelt belief, the name could not be more apt. The ‘nostalgia’ Siyaya was founded upon refers to the powerful reinterpretation of traditional tales, music and dance, which is often brought to life by relating them to their modern derivatives” said the Siyaya Arts Director Saimon Mambazo Phiri.

Touring throughout Europe and Africa, Siyaya has gained a good reputation particularly for imaginative manipulation and use of social issues in their music. In 2006 Siyaya opened WOMAD Reading to good reviews and took the show Thatha to Edinburgh earning 5 star reviews from Metro & Independent. In 2005 we shared the stage with some respected world music artists at Live 8 Africa Calling concert at the Eden Project organized by WOMAD. Zambezi Express, the recent production is enjoying success the world over.Siyaya took part in the Glastonbury Festival 2010 where they made a record 8th appearance further cementing their place in the world arts circuit. Siyaya to date has 3 albums, Yebo Yes, Kokoba Town and Futhi Njalo the group will perform selected songs from all 3 albums and the audiences will be treated to some new songs and Siyaya s own renditions of popular songs by some local and international music greats.

“As temperature-raisers they are nothing short of spectacular! The jubilant enthusiasm is infectious and, by the end, this crowd is cheering for an encore.” Metro UK

Look out for the 1st day press release and a tribute to our sponsors tommorrow-ART WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

There are no free lunches in the arts anymore!!!

2011-09-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

Many people are not willing to pay for arts events. In fact most are shocked when asked to do so when they attend arts events. It is common to find many people preferring to buy drinks, food, and others things found around the venue and still not comfortable in paying for the actual artistic performance. A lot of us see no reason why we should pay. We believe our being there is good enough. But crowds, no matter how big they are, do not add value to the artist and his performance, particularly when they are not prepared to pay for the performance. What would be the value of screaming and shouting and dancing for hours in front of a big crowd when in the end one goes home empty handed? My belief is that when an arts event takes place it must always be the artists that runs to the bank smiling. But the reality in most cases is that it is the service providers that run to the bank while the artiste is left clutching nothing but fading dreams. Frankly speaking the artistes must benefit most from the products of his or her sweat.

For so long the sector has been struggling to portray itself as a business sector. A sector with some significant influence on the country’s economy. A sector with a reasonable income. For some time now the struggle has been about turning the arts from just being recreational to a serious business sector. Many artistes have been urged to treat their art activities as business ventures. There have been attempts to re-label the sector as the creative industry. The creative business. And we cannot talk business without alluding to the economics of the said activities. The reason why most business sectors have refused to see the arts as a business has mainly been because the sector has failed to show concrete figures of how much they make per month or per year. And without these figures it has been difficult to convince a lot of people about the income generating abilities of the arts.

The arts are not free. That is what we need to take out of the minds of many people, especially many of us. When artistes say they need support they don’t mean audiences must just come to watch them for free, even family members, relatives and friends of the artistes must pay. Proper support should be both financial and moral. Recently some friends of mine were looking at the Intwasa program and their concern was about the gate charges. The festival charges range from $1 to $10 per show. However, there are about 31 free events – almost half the events at the festival. Also the festival has special rates for students and artistes. While the festival has reasonable support from partners such Hivos, Delta Beverages, Africalia Belgium, Culture Fund, Plan Zimbabwe, Habitat Africa Safaris and National Youth Development Trust to name but a few it still needs to generate some funds for the running of Intwasa throughout the year, more so now that Intwasa has activity taking place from January to December. The gate charges are one way of fundraising and meant to help support these other activity that will in-turn add value to future editions of the festival. So if we seriously want to talk sustainability in the arts then surely the public aught to subsidies some of these activities by paying at the gate. Lets also not forget that our partners will not always be there.

The festival strongly believes that art is not, and should not be free. Even the festival’ s 31 so called free shows are being paid for by our partners. In essence they are not free. People, especially those with the arts at heart, must get it out of their minds that arts events, Intwasa arts festival included, are free events. The arts are not for free but a business. And a serious one for that matter.

INTWASA FESTIVAL 2011 VENUES ANNOUNCED

2011-09-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

The countdown to the multi disciplinary spectacle continues with 13 days to go. Intwasa Festival 2011 which kicks of on the 19^th of September and ends on the 25^th of September 2011 will this year use 7 venues spread around the city which will appeal to different audiences and tastes. The theme for this year’s festival is Art without Boundaries an expression that fits the arts disciplines that are featured in this years programming.

The festival director Mr Baya has said that all the venues have been confirmed for the 65 events. Major highlights to look forward at the different venues are the films that are going to be showcased at the John Knight Cinema at the National Art Gallery. This year the City Hall Car Park has been secured and as usual the main attraction will be the Chibuku stage sponsored by Delta Beverages, at the Car Park. Music revellers are going to be treated to musical performances from foreign and local artists. Unlimited Connect Centre and the National Art Gallery will be hosting several workshops in visual arts, poetry and administration. The Bulawayo Theatre Club will play host to theatre productions from seasoned writers, artists and production houses including some productions from outside the country. There is also the Newsday stage which is the Small City Hall another venue which will prove a hit to the audiences as it will host top acts from within Zimbabwe and abroad. People must prepare themselves to have a hearty laugh at the Amakhosi Elite 400 as it will house a comedy show during the festival. The grand Horizon restaurant and bar will host spectacular poetry and musical performances chief are among them a Jazz concert featuring the best in Zimbabwean music and a foreign artist. The arts without boundaries themed festival will go beyond the CBD and extend the fun to the western areas as usual with dance and theatre at the Stanley Hall and Njube Hall, Njube Hall is a first for Intwasa and its part of an extension drive that will see the festival move to other locations and even other parts of the country in the near future.

This year’s festival will see artists, facilitators and acts from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Swaziland, Kenya, Wales, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The Intwasa 2011 full programme is ready and due for release on Friday, watch this space for more info.

CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR YOUNG ARTISTS EXHIBITION

2011-09-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

The arts in Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo are varied in their forms,
imagery and emphasis and are an accurate reflection of the complexity of
the region’s history and culture. The peoples are developing their own
skills and artistic directions. This has been greatly assisted by
government which has actively encouraged the promotion of the arts through
the adoption of progressive policies.

As we embark on this years Intwasa (spring) Arts Festival koBulawayo. The
spring is a time for budding of young and old trees, young and old artists
come together to celebrate a season of joyous occasion after the slumber
of winter. Winter were ideas are brewed and mellowed, then Intwasa with
thematic processes comes in breaking new ground and new shoots come up
ushering in ‘Art without boundaries’. The new shoots with their clean
green colour are mesmerizing to behold. These new shoots are the young
visual artist who will be saying statements in this year’s creative
celebrations. These young artists show all the distinctive features of an
artistic trend; they form a group of artists on firm ground, well on their
way. They are embarking on a long journey, with an established tradition
in their kit, with this equipment their safety during the voyage (life as
an artist) is ensured. These young artists bring in a new signature, an
entirely new visual language.

During Intwasa artists create new bridges which are indispensable. Young
artist have a seeking attitude striving for knowledge at times with or
without a sense of responsibility but the end results is that contours of
life are built. Young artists tend to venture to tread more on holy
ground and dangerous paths because of their vigour and enthusiasm.

Young people play a pivotal role in society. They are today’s leaders in
their own role. It is in this mind that the Intwasa Arts Festival
koBulawayo is approaching you the young visual artist with the hope that
you will participate in this year’s visual art exhibition – Art Without
Boundaries. Bring your work be it sculpture, painting, drawing, textile,
print, batik, pottery etc. to the gallery before the 10th of September 2011

INTWASA SHORT STORY COMPETITION SHORTLIST

2011-09-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last week Intwasa Arts Festival announced the shortlist for its English Short Story Competition. The list was impressive. The judges were very impressed by the entries and this is what they had to say: The Intwasa Short Story Competition has become a significant event on the literary calendar of Zimbabwe. This year there were 104 entries to the senior Intwasa Short Story Competition– for the first time named the Yvonne Vera Award to honour the late award-winning writer from Bulawayo.

The entries had myriad themes and storylines and came from both well-known writers and from those submitting their first short story. Many were of a very high standard – it was certainly extremely difficult to choose the fifteen short-listed entries. There have been excellent submissions to the short story competition in previous years, with memorable stories from the winners: Thabisani Ndlovu, Bryony Rheam, Chaltone Tshabangu, Novuyo Tshuma and Bongani Ncube, but the distinctive feature this year was the number of entries from Zimbabweans outside the country’s borders, with entries from as far away as Greece and the USA, and many from South Africa. And the rest were from across the whole of Zimbabwe, the competition has certainly spread geographically from entries being mainly for Bulawayo writers.

The judges eventually chose the fifteen short-listed stories shown below. The list includes several writers who have been published before, including Diana Charsley, Ivor Hartmann, Blessing Musariri and Emmanuel Sigauke, as well as last year’s winner Bongani Ncube, but there are also many new names on the list. Several of these look likely to become leading exponents of creative writing in Zimbabwe in the future.

The stories were judged on the quality of the writing and the quality of the story, and the judges were generally impressed in both areas. One area that does need improvement from several writers is the checking of work before submission – writers should try to get someone else to look through their story before submission to ensure the language is correct and that there are no inconsistencies in the storyline.

The shorlisted stories, not in any particular order, are:

1. Ango Leonard’s Game, by Mercy Dliwayo

2. A Mouse Amongst Men, by Ivor Hartman

3. A Moment of Madness, by Thamsanqa Never Ncube

4. A Mixed Multitude, by Philip Chidavaenzi

5. One, by Blessing Musariri

6. Chanting Shadows, by Mbonisi Pilani Ncube

7. The Sound of Silence, by Lilian Dube

8. Memories of a past life, by Bongani Ncube

9. The

Last Place

on Earth, by Kathryn Truscott

10. Night Riding, by Sarah Norman

11. Mr Pothole, by Diana Charsley

12. Poor Signal, by Emmanuel Sigauke

13. Ndebele is the new colored, by Tswarelo Mothobe

14. Times Change, People Change, by Tanya Hunt

15 Radio Culture is dead, by Elizabet

Women in Film

2011-07-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION.

Film Production in Africa has long been viewed as a field specifically meant for men with very few women involved in the technical aspect of film production. This has led to the industry being dominated by men, marginalizing women in the process.

IBhayiskopo means Film/Movie. The word is township lingo for Bioscope. The word was popular during the 60’s and early 90’s in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND.

IBhayiskopo Film Project is a program biased towards young women. The project is based in Bulawayo and strives to capacitate and empower young women who wish to pursue a career in film production. It is a development meant to address the sex divide that had seen the film industry in Zimbabwe for years being considered a single sex domain.

Ibhayiskopo Project is operating on Zero Budget. The project is in the process of looking for funding to produce short films and documentaries as part of students’ practical assignments. Facilitators have been helping the project on a voluntary basis.

The training program started in March 2011. The first 15 students will graduate in November. The students are from different backgrounds. Many are not able to pay fees and are only buying stationery and catering for their own transport.

The project will be running film workshops during Intwasa festival koBulawayo. Aspiring filmmakers can register for the workshops at Intwasa offices. 403 LAPF House.

8^th Avenue/Jason Moyo St

Festivals and Schools

2011-07-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

Arts festivals are platforms for showcasing various artistic performances and arts products. Most works brought to festivals are top of the shelf products from local and international artistes. Through art we come to see reflections of our aspirations and fears and we interface with ourselves from various angles as perceived and interpreted by artists. Art is about our humanity in all its complexity, helping us to make sense of the world around us. We see the role of art in learning as a central one, and one which also relates to the holistic growth and development of the child. Art is a crucial part of social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children continuously reorganize and integrate their experience through art, to form their sense of self and worldview.

As humans, children tend to find ways to help themselves through their inherent struggles. They often do this through aesthetic productions such as art and drawing, music, storytelling, poetry, and dance/movement. Through these creative expressive arts, they find a way to release their emotions, divert themselves from their problems, relax their minds and bodies, and get in touch with themselves and others. A few examples of creative/expressive arts therapies follow. The creative art process responds to the created products as reflections of an individual’s development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns, and conflicts. While painting or drawing, one can express him/herself nonverbally, become more self-conscious, and reconcile emotional conflicts.

All mankind shares the ability to be imaginatively creative but children find themselves cut off from their creative selves and denied spaces where they can showcase their creativity. Adults, both at school and home tend to take over children’s creative spaces. It is in this light that I realise how crucial it is for young people to be exposed to festival performances and exhibitions.

Exposing school pupils to artwork may not just enrich their cognitive, social, and emotional abilities but is also therapeutic. It is upon this finding that I believe festivals must have spaces within their programming specifically for children and young people. It is good that young people be afforded an opportunity to be part of festivals and develop a sense of belonging and ownership. Children and young people are tomorrow’s adult audiences which we are missing at many a performance today. These should not be lost but should be nurtured.

All children should be offered equal opportunities to progress and develop, and should have equal access to that provision. Not only are these young people to be seen at festivals as consumers but they should be encouraged to be exhibitors, performers and technical assistants and volunteers. This will help boost confidence in them while giving them the necessary skills and experience for the future. School authorities are hence urged to support pupils and make sure that they respond positively to invitations that are sent out by festival organizers for events.

For instance, they are specific plays that are in school syllabi and these can be showcased in theatre performances to help students consume a relevant product, and stimulate discussions around particular themes and topics. This year Intwasa Arts Festival will be running some of the plays which are part of the ZIMSEC English syllabi. It will be interesting to see how pupils respond to these performances.

Schools that are within the area particular festivals take place and have facilities should be partners with these festivals. This will make sure that performances are at the doorsteps of their pupils who are keen to be part of these festivals. Intwasa Arts Festival 2011 promises to be a feast for the young ones. A number of competitions and workshops in writing, drama and dance have been lined up. I personally can’t wait to see young people fret and strut on stage during this year’s edition. Okhekhe abaze ngobunengi.

Thabani H. Moyo is a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Zimbabwe and works creatively with children and young people.

Habitat Afrika Safaris investing in the future of Arts and Culture

2011-07-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

A local tourist company, Habitat Afrika Safaris, operating from the tourist resort town of Victoria Falls has come in to support the arts by partnering Intwasa Arts Festival koBukawayo in hosting the inaugural primary schools traditional dance competition. Many a times arts organisations have publicly complained about the reluctance of the corporate sector to invest in the arts but Habitat Afrika Safaris’ coming in proves that there are indeed local companies prepared to invest in the arts sector and provide opportunities for talent discovery and nurturing. The competition dubbed Habitat Afrika Safaris Dance Competition is open to all primary schools and focuses on traditional indigenous dances found in all four corners of Zimbabwe.

“We are excited about this partnership. Habitat Afrika Safaris has shown confidence in us. They have put their money where their mouth is. Now it is up Intwasa to make sure this partnership adds more value to the festival. Slowly, the corporate sector is coming to the dance. We are indeed excited about this development,” said Raisedon Baya, the Director of Intwasa Festival. Obviously the dance competition is another opportunity and platform for young people to come out and showcase their talents. Habitat Afrika Safaris and Intwasa are giving this opportunity to young people and hopefully the opportunity will not go unnoticed. With more corporate support the festival can reach its full potential within a few years.

“Habitat Afrika Safaris is proud to be associated with this event. In investing in the children’s arts and culture, we are investing in the future of our country. There is a thin line separating art, culture, and tourism. Investing in the arts for children means the culture is preserved for future generations and surely, people from all the corners of the world will still visit the country to see and learn more of our unique culture. We are looking forward to a successful Intwasa and also a future partnership that will go beyond this festival.” said Rodwell Masotsha Sibanda, the C.E.O of Habitat Afrika Safaris.

The Habitat Afrika Dance Competition is part of an exciting and comprehensive Intwasa schools programme for 2011. The schools programme includes poetry competitions, a drama competition, debate, and performances. Catch the competition at Intwasa 2011

A Short History

2011-06-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

A Short History of Intwasa

The first edition of Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo took place in 2005. The festival was born out a need and desire by the Bulawayo community of artists for a platform to showcase, share and celebrate arts and culture. Discussions on the idea of an all inclusive arts gathering started from the offices of the local Mayor, the Governor, and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. After consultations with local artists the discussions were concretised, giving birth to Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo. The festival covers the following disciplines: Visual Arts, Film, Theatre, Dance, Music, Literary Arts, Spoken Word, and Fashion.

Starting as a community initiative the festival has grown to become one of the premier international festivals in

Zimbabwe

. To date the festival has hosted regional and international artistes from Botswana, Swaziland, South Africa, America, UK, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Zambia.

Family Voices' Got Talent

2011-05-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

The accapella singing sensation Family Voices walked away with the first prize at the inaugural Bulawayo’s Got Talent finals held at the Bulawayo Theatre last Friday. The all male singing group sent both the crowd and the judges into wild ecstatic ruptures with their vocal talents. However, the group didn’t get it easy as Break Equation, a talented dance outfit that fuses contemporary dance with gymnastics, N.G.E, a hip hop artist and Langelihle Arts, from Nketa High and whose act could also have given the likes of Iyasa a good run for their money, could also have taken the prize with easy. The variety talent show, Bulawayo’s Got Talent, is an Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo initiative aimed at discovering and developing talent among the youth. The activities were also meant as audience building exercises in preparation for the one week festival in September.

The talent was there – visible, raw, promising and waiting to be taken to another level. All the 12 acts that were part of the final act proved beyond doubt why they had advanced to the final. Most of the acts came to the finals with new and improved pieces. Their performances were top drawer acts that kept the audiences screaming the whole afternoon. And for Family Voices the extra work paid off with a winners’ cheque. Family Voices’ act was tighter than their semi final act and it was no surprise when Zenzo Nyathi, the hilarious and able master of ceremony for the day, opened the white envelop and screamed the winner’s name – his scream was echoed by the audience. The audiences themselves did not disappoint. They came in their numbers. For the first time an Intwasa event had a mixed audience! There were the young and the old. White, coloured and black. Men and women. It was indeed a colourful mixed audience that sought to reinforce this year festival theme: Art Without Boundaries.

The finals were also graced by the poet Sypho and Friends who gave a splendid rendition of their poems. Siyaya Arts sent the crowds into a frenzy with several of their polished acts. The crowds, in true concert spirits, sang along Siyaya’s version of Tuku’s I was born in the Ghetto.

Watch out for coming activities on this blog and other spaces. June activities include a photography workshop, a drama teachers workshop and a month end performance.

Role of Institutions in Arts Development

2011-05-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

INSTITUTIONS SHOULD PLAY A LEADING ROLE IN ARTS DEVELOPMENT

Municipalities, towns and universities world over have become famous due to different kinds of cultural festivals they sponsor and host. These festivals go on to attract artists and audiences from the breath and length of the globe. This is done as a means of promoting the city’s culture, cultural diversity and helps preserve the city’s cultural trends and develops the creative spirit among its cultural activists. Universities create platforms to expose the talent they are nurturing through sponsoring festivals and conferences that are aimed at enriching the arts and culture industry. Cities have an extra mile of building facilities for such cultural activities that are also availed to the development of the arts by local practitioners and performers.

The development of the arts in Zimbabwe will only effective when academics that do research on cultural and artistic trends of Africa from an African perspective begin to publish their research findings for the young generation to read, learn and develop as part of a cultural and artistic trend that has made them who they are. Most reference books used in colleges and universities are books written by non-Africans. This in most cases did not understand the cultural, ritualistic trends of African life and theatre which to them was barbaric and outdated. My point in this is that our own universities have shelves full of research projects that can be of use to young people doing their studies in the cultural and arts sector. The University of Zimbabwe’s Department of Theatre Arts has been churning out graduates who have done researches ranging from dance, rituals, theatre, theatre for development, stagecraft that can be of use and more applicable to undergraduates in the same department in other teething university departments. There are other researches that were done by Master of Philosophy students that in my own opinion are of great importance to the cultural and artistic industry.

My point in this is that if we look at leading universities in Africa and the world over are the leaders in publishing such works so that it is readily available to everyone who might need to use it. Most of the reference books used by students at colleges and universities are publications by other universities. Our own talented and intelligent people have left our universities to publish their works with other universities because our own universities have no capacity or can not publish their work but can only keep it in its departmental libraries as dissertations and thesis. Our departments of Theatre Arts at the University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, Great Zimbabwe University and the newly created one at Lupane State University should strive to create such platforms if ever, these institutions are serious with developing the arts in Zimbabwe.

Secondly, cultural and artistic conferences that have gone to make definite marks in the artistic and cultural industry have been hosted and funded by universities. These universities have even gone a step further in creating partnerships that have continued to create environments for research, workshops and practical work towards the development of the arts. The University of Zimbabwe used to have a theatre week that was very pivotal in exposing talent and creating an environment for discourse and dialogue. But what happened to it? The Great Zimbabwe University has its own festival that seeks to enable research, discussion as well as the practical application in the arts industry. But in all fairness, this is not enough. This is the major reason why most graduates from these Department of Theatre Arts divert to teaching because in their training and practical grounding they never had a chance to get exposure and break to the professional platform. There is need for our universities to do more, especially the Departments responsible for theatre arts and cultural development.

The arts and cultural sector is a participatory, practical and experiential industry where activists spend much time doing practical workshops and developing their creative works. These workshops form a crucial stage in the development of scripts for plays, dance dramas and television programs. Many professional theatre practitioners have become prominent because they documented their creative works and later published for public consumption. Talk of Wole Soyinka and Athol Fugard. If the creative process followed by Tumbuka Dance group is documented, it would create a long lasting legacy beyond Mathius Julius and Gilbert Douglas and provide alternative creative avenues for upcoming ballet groups and dancers. If the rehearsal process and scriptwriting workshops of the first year students are documented, the creative, mind blowing scripts would not be lost just after the students have earned their marks. This destroys continuity in the development of the young creative students during their stay at the university. Documentation is vital.

Successful and festivals that have grown from strength to strength are those that are mothered and nurtured by their mother cities and towns. Talk of the just ended Port Elizabeth Festival, the Edinburg Festival, Grahamstown Festival just to mention a few. These festivals have grown to become major calendar events in the cultural and artistic industry and put their mother cities on the limelight. Our own cities should take the major lead in the preparation, mobilization of resources and availing spaces as well exploring their twining arrangements with other cities for the development of the cultural and artistic sector. The Harare City Council should do even more than availing the Harare Gardens to HIFA. It should be the major driving seat in the mobilization of resources, negotiation with Zimra, getting clearances for artists among other things. It is Harare as a city that has the star shining bright on when HIFA surpasses expectations. It is Harare as a people that feast on the diverse and engaging productions that show at HIFA. It is Harare as a host city that everyone talks about when they talk about HIFA. I guess that’s why it is called Harare International Festival of Arts.

The same goes for the City of Bulawayo. Intwasa Arts Festival of Arts koBulawayo should be treated as their baby to nurse, grow and nurture. It is Bulawayo and its scenic surroundings that people will go on for years talking about because of the festival. It is the welcoming and friendliness of the people of Bulawayo that visitors will talk about in their way back home. It is therefore Bulawayo as a city that benefits much. It is our expectation as cultural activists based in Bulawayo that the city council should be seen in the driving seat in the promotion, support and growth of Intwasa. The city of Bulawayo is regarded as the cultural capital of Zimbabwe because of the work that the city council has done in developing the arts and cultural sector. Most influential artists such as Victor Kunonga, Albert Nyathi, Dudu Manhenga and Lovemore Majaivana are proud products of Bulawayo as a city. It is this legacy that Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo seeks to preserve and maintain, thus calls for the involvement of the city fathers.

In conclusion, institutions such as universities and town councils should play a leading role in the development of the arts. The towns/ city councils are the major areas with a high unemployment rate with the youths taking the major percentage of this unemployed group. Young people have proved to be artistic, thus, city councils will be creating more opportunities of employment through supporting the arts and cultural sector. Thus, a need to support the arts and cultural sector. Universities should put in place mechanisms that enable local publication of research works which can be made available to the artists locally. Let the Bulawayo City Council lead the pack this year as they support Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo. This is a challenge to you our City Fathers.

Nkululeko Sibanda

Treasure Readings

2011-05-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been with Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo in the literary arts committee since the inception, and proudly so. I feel honored to make a post on this new lovely blog.

I have seen the festival grow bit by bit, stuttering here and there, flaring there, just as one would watch a new concept growing wings.

I have seen it carrying the hopes of all the artists of Bulawayo, that now yes finally there is a local festival in the city that will symbolize the importance of their work, and also give them the confidence to persevere in their calling, as well as open a window of opportunity to the global stage.

I also proudly launched my novel Many Rivers at Intwasa 2009. I have also read at various Intwasa book reading - the point I am trying to make here is that my participation at Intwasa is also part of my ever growing curriculum vitae in the literary arts.

Intwasa has been part of my CV for the two writing fellowships I have been involved in for the past two years, the one in Los Angeles in 2010 where I was guest writer for 10 months at Villa Aurora, and the current one where I am the Nordic Africa Institute 2011 Guest writer in the charming city of Uppsala in Sweden.

As of this date, in this current residence, I have so far featured in five literary events. I have read twice at the Uppsala Library, I have held a talk at Stockholm University, another one at the City Theater in Uppsala, and then another talk and reading in Berlin, Germany.

At the end of May I am attending book events in Norway and

Finland

, all part of my fellowship in the Nordic Countries, where I hope to promote my work and also myself as a writer. I will write about those events when I am from there.

I have written much about Uppsala City in my Sunday News column, the city where I have my base in Sweden, but for this post I will write about my reading in Berlin.

I read there on the 10^th of May, at the Literature House, where I read from my novel in progress, which is still untitled. The reading room was packed, and some of the audience had to stand. I read for a record 15 minutes to an enthralled audience from one text, and then also read two poems, and another excerpt from my other unpublished novel which I completed last year in the USA and titled AUTUMN LEAVES, from which I read just one page. And then after the readings came question time, which all went well.

I must also add that in the past two years I have been reading on international platforms, I have learnt one crucial thing. It is important to rehearse your text before you go for the reading so that you get used to the words in it and also the emotions. You can also be able to plan how you can pace yourself. There is nothing as embarrassing as stammering during a reading. And the audiences also expect some professionalism, audiences regard a public reading as an act – the writer assumes the role of an actor, and they expect to enjoy the listening, just as we enjoy listening to a good storyteller.

It is always disappointing to see the tiny audiences that come to readings in Zimbabwe. And so now how can we cultivate our own people to appreciate book readings? That is the big challenge that festivals like Intwasa are there to address.

And lastly bantu bakithi, please do not embarrass me – if I can draw a full house at a reading in Germany, thousands of miles away from home, then I must draw more in Bulawayo. Don’t make me read to empty venues.

Christopher Mlalazi

Mlalazi will be reading from his collection of stories and presenting his Visualizing Bulawayo project at Intwasa 2011. Make a date with him

A festival must be defined by its Audiences

2011-05-10T03:52:00.001-07:00

There are more than two dozen arts festivals in Zimbabwe. Each province and city has a festival or two of its own. Harare and Bulawayo, by virtue of their size, host more than two festivals per year. This article shall focus on Bulawayo festivals, particularly Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, because of its claim to be the second largest arts gathering in Zimbabwe. A claim that, honestly, is not far from the truth.

The city of Bulawayo has had festivals, and festivals. The city has hosted single day festivals. Two day festivals. One week festivals. One or two festivals that have gone on for more than a week. And with each festival the citizens and residents of Bulawayo have responded differently. The community’s response to these events has depended largely on how they have been pitched to the residents. This response has tended to be decisive. In most cases it has acted as the final judgment on whether a festival survives or dies.

Once, Bulawayo had Linkfest whose main objective was to link local artistes with others artistes from the region, especially those from the SADC region. Linkfest had Macdonald Hall in Mzilikazi township as its centre of activity and for a whole week the festival had sizeable paying audiences flocking to the venue every evening to watch theatre, dance, and imbube performances. It was during this time that the likes of Small Ndaba and his D.E.T Boys High play, Bongani Linda and his Victory Siyanqoba ensemble (both from South Africa) and Kanyama Theatre from Zambia mesmerized audiences with their performances. Those days will always remain etched in some of our minds.

Linkfest had an audience it could call its own. An audience it could rely on. It was a festival that had been accepted warmly by the city, especially people from Makokoba, Nguboyenja, Mzilikazi and Bourberfields who truly believed it was their event.

After Linkfest came Inxusa Festival run by Amakhosi Theatre. Inxusa had Stanley Hall as its base. This was before it moved to the Cultural Centre along Victoria Falls Road. However, for most of us the memorable days of Inxusa will always be the days when it was based at Stanley Hall. Inxusa came at a time when Amakhosi was at the peak of their game. This was when you couldn’t talk about theatre in this country and leave Amakhosi out. These were the days of the musically inspired Stitsha, the hard hitting Dabulap, the hilarious Nansi le Ndoda, and Jazzmen – The story of my wife. Those of us who remember this period will also remember that Amakhosi then commanded a strong following. A loyal and paying audience. People drove from as far as Gwanda, Gweru, and Plumtree for Inxusa or any Amakhosi performance. The support was there as many people believed they were part and parcel of whatever Amakhosi was trying to create or say.

Then there was Enkundleni Festival, a brainchild of Black Umfolosi. This festival was not as successful as the other two mentioned above. This one quickly fizzled out. Enkundleni was launched in Entumbane and died quietly there. Maybe it was not properly sold to the people or maybe it was rushed. Whatever it was Enkundleni did not make an impression as a lot of our artistes don’t even remember it. Now as I write Bulawayo has two important Arts Festivals to talk about. The two are Siyaya Arts’ Ibumba Festival and Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo. But as said before this article is more about Intwasa.

This year Intwasa will be celebrating 7 years on the road. The years have been long and tumultuous. Seven years of experimentation characterized by painful teething problems. This is the year for the festival to consolidate its position as a premier event and the second largest arts gathering in Zimbabwe. The only way to consolidate its position is to attract a sizeable and dependable audience. I say so because the success of any festival is always defined by its audiences.

It is unfortunate that after several years on the road the community of Bulawayo has still to make up its mind about whether to support Intwasa or not. Ultimately, the survival of the festival depends on that decision. Any festival’s survival is dependent upon how well the local community comes out to support it. Audiences from other provinces, cities and from other countries will only become interested when the festival grows in stature. A good reputation always sells a festival beyond a prescribed border or boundary. Before Intwasa or any other local festival can claim international status it must first prove itself among local people. For the roots of any international festival are deeply entrenched in the local people and local infrastructure.

Here are some reasons why the Bulawayo community must support the festival:

· The fact that the festival’s name is suffixed with the phrase ko Bulawayo is not accidental. Here is an event that yearns to be identified with Bulawayo. The city is meant to host the celebrations, and in playing host the city and its people must open their doors and hearts wide open and let the festive mood filter into their homes and beings.

· Once the festival begins to attract cultural tourists the benefits to the city and its people will be substantial.

· Bulawayo has always been called the cultural capital of Zimbabwe. A well supported Intwasa can only help boost the image of Bulawayo as the unofficial cultural capital of Zimbabwe.

· A successful Intwasa will not only boost the image of the city internationally but will also see the growth of our arts institutions and the proper employment of local artistes.

· If Intwasa grows there will be numerous spill offs to other sectors.

To be or not to be part of Intwasa? That is the question I leave you with. Let the build-up begin.

by Raisedon Baya

12 Acts make it to the finals

2011-05-10T02:50:00.000-07:00

Bulawayo’s Got Talent is a project of Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo. The show is designed to identified and groom new and exciting talent. It is one of the build up shows towards the 7 day September event. The inaugural edition of the competition attracted about 28 acts. The acts were different, ranging from comedy, hip hop, poetry, dance and music. The show was a window into the soul of Bulawayo’s arts sector. It was a testimony that there is talent in the city. Talent that seriously needs supporting and nurturing. Out of the 28 acts that went on stage only 12 acts were chosen to progress to the finals which will be held on the 28^th of May 2011. The finals will be held at Bulawayo Theatre. The same venue that was used for the finals.

Though the show considered with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and particularly the Bricks and Winky D show organised by Coca Cola Bulawayo’s Got Talent managed to attract a sizeable audience to the theatre. Among the audience were notable personalities like Cont Mhlanga, Sarah Mpofu – Sibanda, Zenzo Nyathi and Idols winner Eric Moyo. Their presence was encouraging to the contestants and the organisers.

Some of the acts were so polished that they left everyone asking for more. And because of the beauty and energy of the 12 acts going to the final the director of Intwasa announced that these 12 acts will definitely be part of the official opening act of the festival. “The reason for us to have the show was to identify new, fresh and hungry talent. Some of the acts were just that and that is why we are saying after the finals we are going to find a seasoned choreographer and director polish the acts in preparation for the festival in September.

Some of the 12 acts that progressed to the finals are Family Voices, H2 from Eveline Girls High, Bhekimpilo, Street Lakers, Mayibongwe Nyathi, Khoi – Khoi and Crew, Langelihle Arts from Nketa High School, Break Equation, Black Sheep, and X –Cell

As organisers we are hoping that people will come in their numbers to support the 12 contestants during the final. The final will be at Bulawayo Theatre on the 28^th of May 2011.

Intwasa Short Story Competition 2011

2011-05-10T02:46:00.000-07:00

The Competition is an annual literary event seeking to promote original creative writing talent in both English and Isindebele. There re two awards and these are: The Yvonne Vera Award for best story in English and The N. S. Sigogo for best story in Isindebele. A junior section of the competition, open to all high school students, will see winning stories get $200 per category.

Rules:

- There is no particular theme

- Entries must be written in English or in Isindebele

- Entries should be previously unpublished

- Only one entry per person in each language

- All work must be original

- Entries must be typed.

- Maximum words are 3000 words for adults and 1500 for juniors.

- The competition is open to all Zimbabwe citizens and residents

- Entries must be submitted by June 15, 2011

- Late entries will not be accepted

- Only the short-listed candidates will be personally notified

Send stories to Intwasa Short Story Competition, Office 403, 4^th Floor, Lapf House, Bulawayo or Info.intwasa@gmail.com or info@intwasa.org

Intwasa Arts Festival here we come!

2011-05-10T02:43:00.000-07:00

The schools program is targeted at more than 80 schools (both primary and high schools) in and around Bulawayo. Teachers and students are expected to actively participate in festival activities that include performances, workshops, debates, lectures, and as audiences.

Workshops

Several workshops are lined up for teachers and students during Intwasa with visiting artistes expected to facilitate some of the workshops. The workshops include theatre games, storytelling, acting, dancing, drumming and directing.

Debate

The Contemporary Affairs Foundation, in partnership with Intwasa will run a debate competition whose finals shall be held during the festival week.

Poetry

The Power in the Voice poetry competition is back. This is a performance poetry competition for high school students.

Short Story Competition

An open themed writing competition open to high school students with two winning stories walking away with $200 each. Writers can submit stories in English or Isindebele.

High Schools Drama Competition

The competition is open to all schools and encourages creativity, diversity, and free expression. Only stories focusing on young people and children are eligible for this competition.

Performances

These high quality performances will be hosted by Intwasa and are target for schools audiences:

The Lion and the Jewel. This timeless classic was written by Africa’s legendary playwright Wole Soyinka. A highly entertaining piece that is now an O’level setbook.

A doll’s house is a story about love, friendship, marriage, loyalty, betrayal and blackmail, and centres around Nora’s odyssey of self-discovery. Henrik Ibsen’s famous play is now an A’level setbook.

The Most Wonderful of Things . This is an adaptation of Ibsen’s A doll’s house. This Zimbabwean version of Ibsen’s by veteran playwright and Chipawo founder Stephen J. Chifunyise is performed by CHIPAWO’s New Horizon Theatre

Kolobeja – Stories from different childhoods. A presentation of folk stories from both Zimbabwe and Czech Republic performed by Nhimbe SPAA and supported by the Czech Republic.

Enquire or make bookings at the Intwasa.on 09 -63928 or

“Art Without Boundaries”