Zimpapers Logo

Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]

FROM November 27 to 30, Harare will once again come alive with the power of words as it hosts the highly-anticipated LitFest Harare International Literature Festival.

Now in its 11th edition, this year’s festival is themed “Stories: The Measure of Life”.

The festival promises a rich array of literary expression, featuring a diverse line-up of esteemed authors, poets, and thought-leaders from Zimbabwe, Africa, and around the globe.

Attendees can look forward to a dynamic programme filled with engaging panel discussions, workshops, book launches, and live readings and performances designed to inspire thought and provoke conversation.

The main venues for this year’s festival will be the Nhaka Gallery and Alliance Francaise in Harare’s central business district, with the Harare City Library hosting specialised workshops for schools.

This year’s edition welcomes both regional and international participants, including popular returning poets Nomonde Sky from South Africa and Sidos from Botswana.

They will be joined by a host of talented artists, such as Dr Lame Pusetso (Botswana), Thabang Shai (South Africa), and Tawona Sithole, an academic and creative from the University of Glasgow.

Participants from Sierra Leone, Sweden, Zambia, the UK, the USA, Kenya, and Uganda will also enrich the festival’s offerings with their unique perspectives.

Kudzanai Thodhlana, the communications officer for LitFest, shared some exciting highlights.

Among them are two days of discussion sessions at Alliance Française, where creatives, academics, critics, and the general public will delve into the significance of storytelling in shaping identities.

Additionally, a three-day pre-festival workshop for 12 children’s literature authors, led by Alison Ziki from “Room to Read” in South Africa, will provide invaluable insights for emerging writers.

The festival will also feature an interactive workshop for young creatives, focusing on various topics to help them hone their craft, as well as a skills development workshop for schools at Harare City Library.

The annual LitFest Harare poetry slam will return, showcasing 20 poets vying for top honours and fantastic prizes.

Each evening of the festival will be a cultural feast, blending music, spoken word, comedy, and theatre to showcase Zimbabwean culture and celebrate the stories of guests from around the world.

Performers will include notable artists such as Sarungano, Ulethu, Victor Kunonga, Bantu Spaceship, Daves Guzha, and Bulawayo’s very own Mgcini Nyoni, who will present his one-man show, “Shuffle.”
“Stories are not just a form of entertainment; they are the essence of our existence,” stated festival director Chirikure Chirikure.

“This festival is an opportunity to explore how narratives shape our understanding of the world and connect us to one another.”

The success of the LitFest Harare International Literature Festival 2024 is made possible through the generous support of various partners, including the CreativeActions2 grant from the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe, funded by the European Union, the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the British Council, the Embassy of Switzerland, and several local businesses and organisations. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu