The inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA) is set to take place on September 21 and 22 at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton, promising a vibrant celebration of music, art, and culture in honor of the late Zimbabwean musical icon Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi. The festival will bring together a rich blend of Afro-fusion and soul artists, showcasing some of the most prominent names in contemporary African music.
Leading the star-studded lineup will be renowned musician Jah Prayzah, alongside Afro-fusion and soul performers such as Feli Nandi, Mokoomba, and Gemma Griffiths. The event aims to pay tribute to Tuku’s extraordinary career and his profound impact on the world of music. Tuku, who passed away on January 23, 2019, at the age of 66, left behind a remarkable legacy with a career spanning over four decades and a discography of 60 albums filled with timeless hits.
The festival will also feature a diverse array of local and international talent, including Andy Muridzo, Bryan K, Mary Anibal, Djembe Monks, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, Nisha Ts, Mwendamberi (Solution GC), Taffie Matiure, Gwevedzi Redefined, and Aaron Myers & Trio from the United States. Norton-based artists will also take the stage, contributing to the festival’s dynamic lineup. Notable local acts include Vazukuru veAfrica, Innosaint Sax, Munya Nyamarebvu, Jay Watta, The Black Spirits featuring Mbeu, Donald Kanyuchi, and Sarungano. In addition to the musical performances, the festival will host a series of complementary events and activities. Highlights include:
– **Commemorative Dinner:** A special dinner to honor Tuku’s memory, featuring performances and productions curated by SunTu Guild & Thomas Brickhill (Chikwata 263).
– **Fashion:** A fashion segment curated by the Skeyi & Strobo Fabrik Party, showcasing innovative designs and styles.
– **Art, Dance, and Film:** Curated by First Floor Gallery Harare, this segment will feature a diverse range of visual arts, dance performances, and film screenings.
– **Spoken Word:** Sibonokuhle Siwawa (Skai) will present a spoken word performance that adds a literary dimension to the festival.
– **Children’s Programme:** Precious Children’s Arts Organisation will curate activities designed to engage and inspire young attendees.
– **Workshops and Masterclasses:** A series of educational workshops and masterclasses aimed at nurturing creativity and skill development among artists.
OMIFA promises to be a celebration of Tuku’s enduring influence on the arts, bringing together a broad spectrum of artistic expressions to honor his legacy and inspire future generations. The festival not only commemorates Tuku’s contributions to music but also highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Zimbabwe and the wider African continent.
In other news – Ugandan Olympic athlete killed in fire set by partner over land dispute
In a deeply saddening turn of events, Rebecca Cheptegei, a talented Ugandan long-distance runner who represented her country at the Paris Olympics, has passed away. She was 33. Cheptegei died early Thursday morning at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City, Kenya, where she had been receiving treatment after a harrowing attack by her partner.
A spokesperson from the hospital, Owen Menach, confirmed that Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries after suffering severe organ failure. The athlete had been in a critical state, with 80% of her body burned when she arrived at the hospital. She was fully sedated upon admission. Read More
