The Sunday News
Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
INGWEBU Breweries who had initially pulled out of the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo have bounced back and will be sponsoring the festival’s main stage.
This was after organisers failed to secure a sponsor for the main stage — the festival’s epicentre as usual sponsors, Delta Beverages and Ingwebu had shown no interest in the event.
With a day before the start of the annual fete, it was looking gloomy for show organisers as they had shelved the City Hall Car Park and were now looking for an alternative venue with an in-built stage. The main stage at the car park is always a hit among revellers as they are afforded the chance to enjoy quality entertainment for free while imbibing without restrain.
Festival organiser — Raisedon Baya said, courtesy of Ingwebu Breweries, the PA System and instruments that will be used on the main stage have been paid for. The brewery company will also, besides erecting the stage, pay artistes who will perform there.
“We were thinking of shelving the main stage because things are tough. People and companies we approached initially said they had no money to sponsor the stage and its equipment as well as paying the artistes,” said Baya.
“But, thanks to Ingwebu Breweries for coming to our rescue last minute. Last year, they sponsored us as well and we thank them for supporting the arts.”
The main stage will now be erected on the fourth day of the festival — September 30 and last day — October 1.
Tantalising shows have been lined up for the festival with Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana headlining the Spring Jazz Festival at Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel next week Thursday with Rute Mbangwa, Donna Nc, Lady Tshawe, Rudo Amor and the Outfit Band.
The ever popular Women, Wine and Words will feature performances by Nkwali, Eve Kawaza, Lady Tshawe, Charity Hutete, Tinashe and female poet Nobuntu.
A Save Manqoba sponsored walk will be held next week Saturday with artistes and festival goers walking to raise funds for the baby’s liver transplant in India. A bash will be held at the Large City Hall car park at the end of the walk.
Comedy lovers will be treated to a Stand up Comedy night headlined by UK comedian Viv Groskop, Babongile Sikhonjwa, Q the Boss, Ntando Van Moyo, Gonyeti and Doc Vikela.
Shutting down the festival will be the Bulawayo Bayethe concert that will feature performances by Sandra Ndebele, Mzoe 7 Guluva 7, DJs Mzoe, Sweeto and Slamma, Iyasa, Asaph, POY, Ndux Junior and Ramsey. – @bonganinkunzi
