London is arguably the multicultural centre of the world where its renowned tolerance and respect for people of all races and faiths are central to its continued success and dynamism. The city has welcomed immigrants from around the world resulting in an unrivalled cultural vibrancy of which the Zimbabwean community has contributed to during the last decade. While there is justifiable concern over Londons population growth and loss of cultural identity, there is no denying the positive social and economic impact brought by these immigrants, many of whom have valuable skills to contribute to their host society.
Over the last 9 years, this fledging Zimbabwean community in the UK has gathered at the annual Zimfest one day event to celebrate their culture and identity, sharing this with their hosts and local communities. The event has taken the form of an outdoor festival of music and culture and is a joyful day of carefree reverie.
Zimbabwe as a part of the global community
Amongst this backdrop of community building and cultural exchange, the situation in Zimbabwe has been challenging. The thriving Zimbabwean population in the diaspora needs to engage more seriously on issues including how they can remain united while integrating into UK society; how they can contribute to Zimbabwe whilst contributing effectively to life in the UK and on how to strengthen the bonds between Zimbabweans and the rest of the world.
Where governments often fail to find common ground the people often do. Recognising this potential, the organisers of Zimfest have extended the event format to include a networking event: Zimfest Connected: “Connecting Zimbabwe to the world” which will provide a platform for this discourse.
The inaugural event will feature a range of speakers including Zimfest sponsor and CEO of Econet Wireless UK, Marco Signorini who will speak on the recent launch of the Zimbabwean telecoms giant in the UK. Knox Chitiyo, Nelson Mandela Fellow and Chairman of the Britain Zimbabwe Society (BZS) will share the vision of the BZS and its work in improving links between Zimbabwe and the UK. Cricketer Henry Olonga will present his new book Blood, Sweat and Treason and also be available to sign copies. London Olympic hopeful and Beijing 2008 200m finalist, Brian Dzingai will also be in attendance.
The event will be held at the elegant Pacific Oriental restaurant in London on Friday 3rd September from 2pm to 5pm followed by a networking reception. Admission is open to the public however there are limited spaces available. Registration is priced at 10 and with all proceeds going to the Zimfest London charities – WEZIMBABWE, Ndoro Childrens Charities and Count on us. Registration forms are available from www.zimfestlive.com
Zimfest presents Zimbabwe Rocks!
Registration for this event also allows access to Zimbabwe Rocks! a concert on the same night to be held at the Clapham Grand which will feature some of Zimbabwes brightest musical talents. Featured performers include renowned songwriter and mbira artist Chiwoniso, indie band Mann Friday, rising Zimbabwean star by way of Hackney and Universal Records signee Tinashe, dancehall ambassador and African Music Awards nominee Jusa Dementor, UK based band Mashasha and Sam, hip hop duo BKay and Kazz, remixing duo Cassetti, punk rockers Kamikaze Test Pilots and party hitmakers DJ Koichi and DJ Simba.
Post published in: Africa News