Celebrated musician Pah Chihera will take center stage at this year’s Let Them Schools Arts Festival, which kicks off today at Churchill Boys School in Harare. The two-day festival, running from July 26 to 27, promises a vibrant celebration of arts and culture with a rich lineup of performances and activities.
Chido Musasiwa, Director of Let Them Trust, revealed that this year’s festival theme, *Tamuka*, meaning “we have awakened” in Shona, will spotlight a crucial societal issue—drug and substance abuse. This theme will be explored through various art forms, aiming to spark awareness and dialogue around this pressing global challenge.
Musasiwa shared the excitement at the recent Tambai Dance Festival, emphasizing that the event will not only feature Pah Chihera but also esteemed poet Chirikure Chirikure and acclaimed author Ignatius Mabasa. Attendees can look forward to a range of artistic expressions, including traditional ngano (storytelling) and a special performance of the Jerusalem mbende dance by a guest group.
A highlight of the festival will be a unified moment where all voices present will collectively declare “no to drug and substance abuse,” reinforcing the event’s commitment to addressing and mitigating the impacts of drug abuse.
Let Them Trust, a child-oriented initiative established in 2010, has continually strived to foster creative, educational, and cultural development among young people. Musasiwa noted that the festival aims to build strong connections between schools and communities by engaging youth in creative endeavors that enhance their artistic skills and career prospects.
The festival will be segmented into five key art categories, each addressing different sub-themes:
1. **Poetry, Visual Art, and Drama**: Focused on raising awareness about drug abuse.
2. **Fashion**: Featuring designs that incorporate traditional cultural elements.
3. **Music**: Celebrating the legacy of late musician Gary Mapanzure, with participants required to include at least one of his songs in their performances.
The festival schedule is as follows:
– **July 26, 2024**: Theatre, poetry, traditional music, and dance. Visual arts will be on permanent display.
– **July 27, 2024**: Music, dance, and fashion. Visual arts will remain on display.
Musasiwa highlighted that the festival provides a valuable platform for schools to receive feedback from seasoned adjudicators and will be covered extensively by local media. The event, over the years, has paid tribute to Zimbabwean music legends like Oliver Mtukudzi, Zexie Manatsa, and Soul Jah Love, integrating their influential music into mainstream education and celebrations.
“The festival’s multifaceted approach aims to benefit all participants, fostering a deeper appreciation for Zimbabwe’s artistic heritage and addressing critical issues through the arts,” Musasiwa concluded. As the festival unfolds, it is set to be a significant cultural event, reinforcing the role of the arts in both personal development and community engagement.
In other news – Reality star Gogo Skhotheni undergoes cosmetic surgery
South African DJ and traditional healer Gogo Skhotheni has recently shared her journey of body transformation through liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. In a video posted by the surgeon who performed the procedures, Gogo Skhotheni opens up about her decision to undergo the surgeries and her anticipation of the results.
The video provides an intimate glimpse into her thoughts before the surgery, revealing her desire for change and her commitment to enhancing her body. Read More
