The festival made its ground breaking ceremony last week at the majestic Golden Peacock Hote, where a cocktail of contemporary and afro-centric artists showcased their unique talents.
Ubuntu Festival, the brainchild of local music promoter Thembi Samupindi, was launched in a bid to keep cultural arts disciplines – from traditional dance to mbira – relevant in modern society.
“Our culture is being diluted, it’s dying and we have to keep it alive. Hence, the festival was established to celebrate all things African through arts. We want to bridge the gap between the modern club trends and our cultural sounds within the country borders and those borrowed from our African neighbours,” she said.
Samupindi mothered the concept, having noted that most cultural arts were declining into oblivion as there were limited platforms to showcase them. The festival will be held annually to coincide with Africa Day. But Samupindi hopes to make it a monthlyr event if funds permit.
The music promoter, who trades under her entertainment powerhouse Warehouse Project Events, has been hosting a series of shows focused on promoting Mutare;s upcoming talent.
She has since ventured into talent scouting in various schools in the city. The passionate promoter has gathered a database of 55 artists drawn from various parts of the city since her quest to tap into new talent.
Post published in: Arts