There is excitement in the Chipinge arts and culture industry as preparations for the sixth edition of the annual Ndau Festival of the Arts (Ndafa) continue on a smooth sail.
The annual event, which celebrates cultural diversity and artistic expression, will this year be held on September 22 at Paiyapo Arts Development and Heritage Centre in the Bangira area of the district under Chief Musikavanhu.
It started in 2013 and has proved to be one of the biggest cultural events in the region, drawing enthusiasts from such sectors as education, culture and heritage, arts and tourism.
This year's edition runs under the theme, ‘Ndau Culture: Enhancing the Conservation of the Environment and Natural Resources for Food Security’, with the motto being ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow; Our Concern in the Arts’.
The event will be graced by guests from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), Environmental Management Agency (Ema), Zimbabwe Tourism Agency (ZTA), various government ministries, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), tertiary institutions and researchers.
Ndafa founder, Philip Kusasa Bangira, who is a recipient of Alpha Media Holdings’ 2017 inaugural 100 Great Zimbabweans Award in the arts and culture category, said he expected improved turnout this year as the festival continues to grow.
"The Festival has given an enabling platform for improved display of cultural and artistic communication and has also helped to boost cultural tourism to the host Bangira area and surrounding places.
“The Ndau, as an ethnic group, is now more visible in the national arts and culture discourse, thanks to support from the media. We encourage people from all corners of the world to come and experience this unique cultural magnificence in Chipinge," said Kusasa.entertainment
