The program will comprise of cultural shows, expositions, ceremonies and performances from noon onwards in the general vicinity of the festival and on the main stage and will constitute the official opening of the festival.

There will be a sunset gathering of the 5 local chiefs in a festival blessing ceremony; the festival will then be opened by the Rev. P Damasane followed by a joint performance encapsulating the “youth and culture in harmony” theme for this years festival.

The evening program will include performances from Mutare based mbira ensemble Ntswaitswai Crew, Mokoomba and Ngangu Band – thereafter DJ Man Souljah will entertain the crowds with a selection of ‘old school’ hits.

Come and enjoy a taste of Zimbabwean cultural heritage and be part of this celebration at this years Chimanimani Arts Festival.

Carlos de France  was the bassist, founder and composer for a  Spanish group called Objetivo Birmania that led a musical explosion in Spain during the ’80’s and were responsible for many of the biggest hits of Spanish Pop in the 80’s and the 90’s.

In 1996, Carlos moved to Miami where he worked for Universal as a producer and for Sony as a songwriter as well as writing music for film and adverts.

He has more than 120 songs published and interpreted by some of the most famous Latin American and Spanish artists; whilst he now enjoys a career as a singer and showman in Spain since his return from America.

Carlos will assist in running a series of workshops with Crossroads groups – from among the participants artists will be selected to perform at the Chimanimani Arts Festival and apply what they have learned in a festival environment,

The promoters of Music Crossroads believe that the skills learned in workshops of this nature can be applied by participating groups to further their prospects both within the Crossroads talent network, as well as for the artist’s personal skill development.

Chimanimani Arts Festival ris committed to providing a platform for emerging talents and in addition to Music Crossroads will also feature groups from the talent  development initiatives set up by Pamberi Trust – the Bocapa and Flame projects.

The festival will take place from May 21-23 and will feature a host of popular Zimbabwean musicians performing at what surely must rank as the most scenic venue for a festival in Zimbabwe.

The festival remains free entry and promises an exciting line-up of music, theatre, dance, poetry, comedy, film and workshops throughout the weekend.

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

MDC-T spokesperson, Nelson Chamisa has attributed the delays in swearing in Roy Bennett as deputy minister to the fact that Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai was on compassionate leave following the death of his wife, Susan.

Asked to comment on reports that President Robert Mugabe was refusing to swear in Bennett, Chamisa over a week ago said the MDC Treasury General’s appointment as deputy Minister could not be stopped.

“The issue is not about whether or not,” he said. “It is about when. The nomination of Roy Bennett is an MDC-T thing and therefore the President cannot interfere with MDC-T business.”

The former commercial farmer is now a non-constituency Senator.

Water Resources and Infrastructure Development Minister, Samuel Sipepa Nkomo told a private radio station that Mugabe was refusing to swear in Bennett citing that he had a pending case in the courts.

Sipepa Nkomo is reported to have said that attempts to frustrate the former Chimanimani legislator were against the spirit of the Global Political Agreement (GPA).

Bennett was arrested on the same day Mugabe swore in ministers from Zanu PF and the two MDC formations as he tried to return to South Africa where he had lived in exile for two years.

This was after he was informed that deputy ministers would be sworn in at a later date.

He was held at Mutare Prison for a month after he was charged for his alleged involvement in acts of terrorism and for illegal possession of firearms.

The MDC-T blamed his arrest on Zanu PF loyalists who were trying to sabotage the unity government.

Last week Bennett said he did not know what was delaying his swearing in and referred all questions to the Prime Minister’s office.