Zimbabwe’s vibrant arts scene is set to come alive this September with the inaugural Oliver Mtukudzi International Festival of the Arts (OMIFA), proudly presented by Tuku Music (Pvt) Ltd. The festival will take place on the 21st and 22nd of September 2024 at the legendary Pakare Paye Arts Center in Norton, a fitting venue to honor the late music icon, Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.
By Plot Mhako
This eagerly anticipated event promises a rich blend of local and international talent. Leading the charge from Norton are homegrown acts VAZUKURU veAFRICA, INNOSAINT SAX, MUNYA NYAMAREBVU, JAY WATTA, THE BLACK SPIRITS featuring MBEU, DONALD KANYUCHI, and SARUNGANO. These artists represent the heartbeat of Norton’s thriving cultural landscape and are poised to deliver performances that will resonate with both local and visiting audiences.
Headlining OMIFA 2024 are some of the biggest names in Zimbabwean music, alongside international stars. Festival-goers can look forward to electrifying performances by JAH PRAYZAH, FELI NANDI, MOKOOMBA, GEMMA GRIFFITHS, BRYAN K, MARY ANIBAL, DJEMBE MONKS, ANDY MURIDZO, FUSION 5 MANGWIRO, NISHA Ts, MWENDAMBERI (SOLUTION GC), TAFFIE MATIURE, GWEVEDZI ReDEFINED, and the internationally acclaimed AARON MYERS & TRIO from the USA. This eclectic lineup ensures that OMIFA 2024 will be a celebration of music that crosses borders and unites cultures.
Festival director and daughter to the late music legend Samantha Mtukudzi revealed that OMIFA is more than just a music festival;
OMIFA is a holistic celebration of arts and culture in all its forms. The final program, set to be announced next week, will feature a commemorative dinner, diverse artistic performances, and cutting-edge productions.”
Attendees can expect an immersive experience with music theatre curated by SunTu Guild & Thomas Brickhill (Chikwata 263), fashion extravaganzas by the Skeyi & Strobo Fabrik Party, and visual delights in art, dance, and film curated by First Floor Gallery Harare. Spoken word aficionados will be treated to the poetic stylings of Sibonokuhle Siwawa (Skai), and families will enjoy a special children’s program curated by Precious Children’s Arts Organisation (PICA). The festival will also host workshops and masterclasses designed to inspire and equip the next generation of creatives.
As we count down to this extraordinary event, OMIFA 2024 promises to be a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Oliver Mtukudzi, celebrating not only his contribution to music but his unwavering commitment to nurturing Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.”
Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to celebrate the life and legacy of a true Zimbabwean legend.
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