The Sunday News
Raisedon Baya Arts Focus
CULTURE Week was launched this past week. The national launch took place in Chinhoyi while Bulawayo, as a province, launched its own celebrations at Inyathi Youth Centre in Mpopoma last Wednesday. To be honest there was no “bling bling” at the Inyathi launch, perhaps so because our culture has no place for show-offs. But moreso because there was no budget for celebrating this week that is set aside for the nation to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our cultures. However, even without the “bling bling” the Bulawayo launch was a feast for the eyes. Rarely have I come across such a diverse and well balanced performance line-up.
I want to single out Siyaya Arts’ performance and talk about the energy and the professional approach they brought on stage that afternoon. The influence from their numerous overseas tours was evident. Having talked about Siyaya it will be unfair not to talk about Bambelela Arts Ensemble and their humorous take on how some religious sects continue trampling on the rights of the girl child. Leonard Phiri was at his hilarious best, ably supported by the brilliant ensemble. Their performance showed why they are one of the top theatre ensembles in the city.
And then there was Umkhathi Theatre, the national Neshamwari Traditional Dance champions, giving out a breathtaking performance that can only be described as champion performance. Clad in eye-catching Batswana traditional dance regalia, they performed setape dance to wild cheers and clapping from the crowd. Not to be outdone was Sungura Masters. I have never seen a group of young people enjoy being on stage like what I saw with Sungura Masters. Looking around the packed auditorium I was left with only one wish — for more people to have witnessed these powerful performances.
It is important to note that without a budget Bulawayo was able to pull out a top of the class event. All this because local artistes donated their services. What would it take to have more people not only watch the event but celebrate our culture just for one week?
The Inyathi launch was watched by roughly 300 people. This is too small a number. Remember the province has more than 600 000 citizens. Three hundred is too little a figure to even talk about. So what would it take to get more people coming to celebrate Culture Week every year?
I am sure culture does not need to wear a colourful attire to be noticed and neither does it need a spokesperson.
Culture does not need a politician to make a speech about it for people to embrace it. Culture is the people, our way of life.
It is very sad to note that while important celebrations like culture week happen without funding some events that celebrate individualism get state support. Really? The day we start to understand that a people’s culture is more important than some of our so called national events will be the day we all shall know what to be Zimbabwean really means.
After the national and provincial launch of Culture Week it is expected that the celebrations will then move into the different communities across the country. Unfortunately, the only places where it looks like there will be some cultural activities are schools. So far I have several invitations from different schools in Bulawayo. But there is a worrying silence from other communities. Of course we will all blame it on the state of the economy. No money to celebrate.
Good people, if you have time and space then it’s still possible to celebrate culture week.
For those who would want to do something and do not know what to do please go and watch Zambezi Express. It is musical dance drama that will wow you. I attended the premiere night last Wednesday and all I can say is that the piece was well received and is good entertainment for the entire family. The music is good. The dances very energetic. Please take your family or your friends to theatre and have a wonderful time. Happy Culture Week!
