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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

The country’s oldest arts and cultural fair, Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, has officially kicked off, promising three days of vibrant cultural celebrations that will run through to Saturday.

On Wednesday, the inaugural Bulawayo Lens Festival set the tone for the main event, with the highly anticipated Women, Wine & Words (WWW) set to take centre stage on Friday at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo. This all-female music and poetry extravaganza will feature renowned poetesses Sithandazile “Um’Africakazi” Dube, Sonkomose, and Chioniso, alongside musicians Vuyo Brown, Zarae, and the Imbube ensemble, Nobuntu.

vuyo brown

Um’Africakazi, who recently released her iPhimbo Poetry Collection album, expressed her excitement about performing at WWW.

“I’m very excited to be part of Women, Wine & Words by Intwasa Festival koBulawayo. It’s an honour to tell our stories as women through poetry and music,” she said.

The rescheduled Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo has been engaging with local communities, expanding beyond its usual Central Business District venues to include areas like Mzilikazi, Nkulumane, and Cowdray Park, bringing arts and cultural opportunities directly to the people.

Traditionally held in September, this year’s festival carries the theme “Imagine it, experience it”. Among the many highlights, the festival will present the Intwasa Short Story Competition, also known as the Dr Yvonne Vera Literary Award.

Speaking about WWW, Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo director Raisedon Baya shared, “This platform is about promoting the central representation of women, acknowledging their contributions and achievements in the arts and beyond.

Raisedon Baya

“It’s not just about drinking; it’s about celebrating these women and their stories through their art. This year’s performers are achievers of note — they’ve performed at major events both in Zimbabwe and internationally.”

One of the event organisers, Nkululeko Nkala, assured attendees that everything was set.

“We’re ready. All acts are confirmed, the venue is prepared, and the wine is ready. Everything we’ve planned will happen,” he said.

Over the years, Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo has brought renewed energy to Bulawayo’s cultural and artistic scene, through workshops, live performances, discussions, book launches, exhibitions, and various competitions. – @MbuleloMpofu