Antony Chawagarira
Bulawayo-Bulawayo is buzzing with excitement ahead of the National Culture Month launch celebrations, with artists and exhibitors from across the Matabeleland region and nation at large ready to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, theatre and comedy.
The commemorations, running under the theme “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030”, coincide with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, observed annually on May 21.More than 120 artists have collaborated on a special 30-minute production set to be performed before President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the grand celebrations.The showcase brings together some of the region’s top creative groups, including Iyasa, Matojeni Melo Maniacs, Gog’Bekezela, Umkhathi Theatre Works, Khaya Arts, Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble and Vocal Ex, among others.
Speaking in a video interview at the venue on Thursday morning, Permanent Secretary for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo said hosting the national Culture Month festivities in Bulawayo was fitting, describing the city as a key centre of Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity and artistic excellence.
The celebrations also align with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which recognises culture and heritage as important pillars for national identity, social cohesion, tourism and youth empowerment.
