Groups such as Mansa from Mutare Remand Prison, Echoes Arts Group based at Mutare Farm Prison, Chivaraidze from Chipinge Prison, Marondera Prison’s MARI and Murehwa Prison Arts Group will share the stage with a star-studded line-up that includes award-winning artist Blessing Shumba, veteran musician Hosiah Chipanga, gospel diva Agatha Murudzwa, urban groover Juicer Mpostori and ragga-manyika ensemble Assegai Crew of the ‘Kanyama Karipi’ fame.
KAFest chairperson Thandani Ndlovu said they had decided to involve prominent stars to inspire inmates and beef up the image of the festival.
“This is a platform on which aspiring artists in prisons can be identified and inspired by renowned artists. It also helps to boost their self-esteem and helps ensure that they make a living independent of crime when they return to their respective communities,” said Ndlovu.
So far, ZPS Manicaland has nurtured 10 inmates to become professional musicians, Elton Bushe being the most notable through his work with gospel star Blessing Shumba.
KAFest was established to use art as a vehicle to fight crime by empowering offenders with artistic skills to keep them from depending on crime for a living. It was initially launched at Mutare Farm Prison in 2005 as the then Sisonke Tiritose Kumakomoyo Arts Festival. It was re-branded in 2009.
Post published in: Entertainment