Every year Zimfest is welcomed with fervour and loyalty that verge on the religious. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, with Zimbabwe slipping further into hell, Zimfest is something solid and positive to hold onto. People come each year to be reminded of how it feels to be Zimbabwean … that they actually belong somewhere that they may one day go back to. The second reason is the fantastic vibe of the festival itself. Every year, it is a zone of total fun and goodwill typical of Zimbabweans themselves. From 2003 onwards, Robert Mugabe in his desperate struggle to retain power, stirred up racial hatred in Zimbabwe after twenty years of white and black living and growing together. Zimfest is a reminder of those years. From the members of WEZIMBABWE, the charity that puts the festival on, to the range of music and entertainment available, Zimfest is self-consciously multiracial and multicultural.
Another aspect of the festival that gets buy in from Zimbabweans, is that fact that all the funds generated at Zimfest go towards helping people back in Zimbabwe
Last year they were able to continue their flagship school fees sponsorship programme which saw 3000 school children benefit in school fee support. They have also supported a non-formal educational scheme in Harare which has been helping children that have been excluded from the schooling as a direct result of the failing economy and being orphaned. WEZIMBABWE also help victims of the violence in the current situation where intimidation and terror are rife. They have provided support for hundreds of victims of the political violence who were either admitted to hospitals or had had their houses burnt.
This year the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi headlines the festival, so support looks to continue to increase and reach further afield in the Zimbabwean community and with people who love Zimbabwe. There is also a range of other brilliant musicians, from Siyaya who opened WOMAD this year to Mann Friday, a great favourite of our readers.
Coordinator of the festival Phillip Chikwiramakomo said:
“When you take into account that 90 percent of the work done on Zimfest is done by volunteers, it is easy to see why it is starting to be called ‘Zimfest, The Miracle Festival.”
For more: wwww.wezimbabwe.org
Pull quote: “When you take into account that 90 percent of the work done on Zimfest is done by volunteers, it is easy to see why it is starting to be called Zimfest, the ‘Miracle Festival.”
Why Zimbabweans Need Zimfest
Zimbabwe seems to be an endless quicksand of degradation. Once rock bottom is reached, the Zimbabwe situation reinvents rock bottom and sinks further. The emotional impact on Zimbabweans abroad cannot be measured. For this reason, every year Zimfest is welcomed with fervour and loyalty as something solid and positive. People come each year to be reminded of how it feels to be Zimbabwean … that they come from somewhere they may one day be able to take themselves back to. WEZIMBABWE spend all the profits from the festival on helping those at home, mainly in the fields of education and community support. Learn more...www.wezimbabwe.org
Oliver Mtukudzi Plays Zimfest Charity Festival
This year Zimfest has come of age. The fact that the organisers have secured the Godfather of Zimbabwean music means this festival has made it…and, is here to connect all Zimbabweans overseas: the young, the old, black and white…anyone who deep down knows Zimbabwe is a country to be proud of. The WEZIMBABWE charity organising Zimfest spend all the profits from the festival on helping those at home, mainly in the fields of education and community support. Learn more...www.wezimbabwe.org
Zimfest More Representative This Year
Although the WEZIMBABWE organisation was started by people from across the racial spectrum from Zimbabwe, up until two years ago some people perceived it as a ‘white’ festival. How Zimbabweans were conned into once again seeing themselves as ‘white’ or ‘black’ after ten years of reconciliation is something that Mugabe will have to answer one day.
Nonetheless, in terms of acts, location and entertainment on offer each year, the festival has broadened its appeal and with he inclusion of Oliver Mtukudzi as headliner finally looks like it has broken that perception down, and that all who attend will be making a concerted effort to help those back home with the ticket contribution and on the day spend (WEZIMBABWE is a charity, ploughing all proceeds from Zimfest into helping those at home in the fields of education and community support).
Learn more...www.wezimbabwe.org
Where the Zimfest Money is spent
Through support received by WEZIMBABWE at Zimfest we were able to continue our flagship school fees sponsorship programme. This has seen 3000 school children get school fees support over the last 18months. We have also supported a non-formal educational scheme in Harare which has been helping children that have been excluded from the formal schooling system in Zimbabwe due to the economic situation and being orphaned by HIV.
From March the 29th we also received increased reports of people suffering from horrendous violence; with many of them being displaced from their homes. Through the funds raised from Zimfest 2007 and the Victims of Violence appeal, we were able to:
1. Provide guaranteed shelter for 93 adult women and 27 children for two months on the outskirts of Harare.
2. Issue a short-term grant for the adults and children for supplementary food, sanitation and other basic essentials during their stay at a safe house.
3. Provide direct grants to another 100 victims of the political violence who were either admitted to hospitals, or had their houses burnt.
At the time of going to press the second phase of disbursements to victims of political violence is taking place.
WEZIMBABWE is currently in the process of identifying properties in Zimbabwe to set up as day centres, where a variety of services will be provided for the development of Zimbabwean youth. For more information on WEZIMBABWE projects please visit http://www.wezimbabwe.org/programmes.aspx