Gweru was last week a hive of activity and a centre for attraction when it hosted the Midlands Arts and Cultural Festival (MACfest). (Pictured: Dhewa Tongai Moyo is without doubt one of the best concert performers in Zimbabwe today and MACfest 2010 was proud to work w
The event, which took place from Wednesday to Saturday sought to provide a platform for artists and cultural practitioners to showcase their products in a carnival and celebratory mood.
According to Artslink, the event is an annual multi-disciplinary festival encompassing music, dance, drama/theatre, visual arts, heritage exhibition and cultural tours.
In most Zimbabwean traditional communities, festivals have been held at different levels to celebrate life. Communities would celebrate harvests, important events and other such activities including deaths, said the organisation on its website last week.
It said in recent years, many organisations had used the festival approach as a means to bring people together in order to pass on certain messages.
The festival opened with a parade through Gweru City Centre by drum majorettes and traditional dancers followed by speeches.
The Midlands State University based Afro Jazz Group Afro Vision also provided entertainment.
There was a tour of the exhibitions, and the Zimbabwe Military Museum.
Zimbabwe is a radiant ancient hearth of art, visually embodied in the national symbol of the Zimbabwe Bird. The visual arts are a recognised national attribute of Zimbabwe. They allude to the country’s national symbol and attest to its originality, creativity, wisdom and foresight as well as strength, said Artslink.
Folktales
The exhibition showcased Ndebele culture through reading. Folktales have been put in books so that children can learn about their culture through reading.
Folktales are an important component of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Non-literate societies used folktales to socialise their young. They have a multifunctional role, especially in African societies where they entertain, educate and bring out critical thought, world view, philosophy and values.
Tour of monuments
There was a tour of the Dhlodhlo (Danan’ombe) National Monument, which was declared a National Monument Number 5 in 1937. Major attractions include a site museum with outstanding artefacts, geological formations and a peaceful and scenic environment.
There was also a tour of the Nalatale Monument, which lies about 50km southeast of Gweru. They are believed to have been designed by the Torwa people early 17th century. The Torwa state is thought to have risen from the declining Great Zimbabwe culture further east, improving upon its architecture and material culture. Nalatale is one of three (Bila and Zinjanja the others) sub-states that evolved in this area.
Nalatale rates among the most articulate of Zimbabwe’s 150 walled ruins. A simple structure on a remote hilltop, it enjoys a commanding view across the hills, plains and kopjes of Somabhula Flats. In the centre of the roughly elliptical complex are the remains of the principal hut, presumed to have belonged to the Torwa king. Its walls radiate from the main complex like spokes of a wheel. All other huts are at least two meters lower.
Nalatale is thought to have fallen to the Rozvi state in the 1680s.
The participants had also a chance to see the Hloseni Arts, formed in 1998 as an initiative to raise school fees for underprivileged children. Hloseni is a Ndebele word which means, “to aim at something.
They also visited the House of Stones, a spiritual music and dance production encompassing all tribes of Zimbabwe who have the same traditional beliefs in times of hunger when they gather to appease their ancestors. In this Production each tribe perform its spiritual dance to invoke the spirits so that it will communicate with the gods.
Dancing was part of the festival. Dance to Zimbabweans is a very spiritual, powerful tool that carries on traditions, and chronicles the important events of their history and culture. Dances to be showcased include Mbira, Mhande, Muchongoyo, Ben Ben, Marimba, Gure, Mbakumba, Isitshikitsha, Jerusarema and Chimutale.
Tongai Moyo graced the occasion. Known as “Dhewa” , he has endeared himself to fans through his popular Sungura sound.
Moyo is without doubt one of the best concert performers in Zimbabwe today and MACfest 2010 was proud to work with him. “Dhewa” was supported by local Urban Grooves Star, “Madiz” of the “Kazevezeve” fame.
Post published in: Music