Hassan Sunmonu (1990:74), “….The preservation of the best in African culture should be given priority by African countries and people. Oral and written history should be preserved and taught in education
institutions thoughtout the continent. So must African music dance and folklore…”

The 2010  edition of Chimanimani Arts Festival will run under the theme “Youth and Culture in Harmony” and takes place from May 21-23rd.

The festival, held in Chimanimani on the village green, is free entry and the local crowds turn out in large numbers to enjoy 3 days of non-stop music and artistic entertainment involving over 30 acts and
more than 200 artists.

The festival opens with a traditional chiefs blessing ceremony on Friday May 21st; International Day for Cultural Diversity and Development -  this ceremony provides a wonderful opportunity to experience Zimbabwe’s traditions and cultures. The ceremony is led by a traditional chiefs of the 5 chiefdoms from Chimanimani district (chief Ngorima, chief Chikukwa, chief Muusha, chief Mutambara, and chief Ndima).

Traditional song, dance, rites and invocations are delivered by the chiefs and their entourage, whilst seven day beer (masese) is brewed and is shared by everyone attending.

The ceremony is commissioned in order to appease the ancestors of the land that they might approve the gathering; whilst celebrating the divergent culture of the district of Chimanimani .

The festival continues through the weekend with a full program of music, dance, theatre, poetry, comedy, film, workshops and various other exhibitions and events. The full program will be announced
soon..

The annual Chimanimani Arts Festival is a chance for everyone to participate culturally and artistically and we welcome all visitors to the festival.

The festival brings positive contributions to the uplifting of both spirit and the economy of this rural community; providing a platform for community based arts and crafts persons to promote their wares and talents, whilst exposing the local audience to a wider range of artistic influences from outside the district.

Chimanimani Arts Festival continues to expand its influence on the Zimbabwean entertainment calendar – we look forward to sustaining this growth and to a wonderful festival this year and take this opportunity to thank those donors’ and supporters, without who’s help the festival would not take place.

Steve ‘Sparx’ Brown
Festival Director

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