Chitungwiza Arts Festival: A Cultural Renaissance ...

Chitungwiza Arts Festival: A Cultural Renaissance in the Dormitory Town

Gilbert Munetsi

Zim Now Writer

The inaugural Chitungwiza Arts Festival - which is set to transform the artistic landscape of this vibrant satellite town - is more than just a celebration of creativity as organizers believe it will enhance its corporate image and unlock new economic opportunities.

Veteran actor, filmmaker and director Nobert Fero, who heads CAFO envisions the event as a convergence of talent that will draw audiences from diverse spheres.

"We have many artists who have thriving careers and a strong following in the arts industry," Fero explains. "During the festival, we anticipate that their audiences will visit our town, explore its cultural scene, and discover economic potential. This will undoubtedly boost Chitungwiza’s profile and attract investment."

A Historic Gathering of Artistic Talent

For the first time, the festival will bring together artists who hail from or have been shaped by Chitungwiza’s rich creative ecosystem. The town has long been a cradle for Zimbabwean talent, producing renowned musicians such as Alick Macheso, The Charambas, Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, Mahendere Brothers, Dadza D, Ricky Fire, Master H, Saint Floew, Maskiri, Voltz JT, Lady Squander, Guspy Warrior, among many others.

Beyond music, Chitungwiza has also nurtured visual artists and performers, including Jessie Mungoshi, Vimbayi Zimuto, actress Dhafu, sculptors Johnson Zuze, Shepherd Madzikatire, and Alex Chitungo. Their collective influence has shaped Zimbabwe’s arts scene, making the festival a long-overdue tribute to their contributions.

A Multi-Disciplinary Celebration

Running from May 1-3 at the Aquatic Complex, the festival will showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, with music as the central attraction. However, Fero emphasizes that CAFO is more than just a music festival—it is a platform to celebrate, develop, and promote all forms of artistic expression while reinforcing Chitungwiza’s identity as an arts hub.

"We are focusing on artists who have roots in Chitungwiza as a way of strengthening our town’s cultural legacy," Fero states. "Our mission is to celebrate our own, cultivate artistic growth, and position Chitungwiza as a premier destination for the arts and investment."

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Culture and other arts bodies, the Chitungwiza Arts Festival promises to be a landmark event—one that not only honours artistic excellence, but also ignites new possibilities for the town’s creative and economic future.

Benefits galore

Beyond artistic expression, hosting festivals in Chitungwiza now and into the future generally yields numerous benefits for the local community. The events create economic opportunities by attracting visitors who spend money on food, transport, and merchandise. This influx of economic activity supports local businesses and creates temporary employment for vendors, security personnel, and event staff.

Festivals provide a platform for young and upcoming artists to showcase their talents, gaining exposure and networking opportunities that can propel their careers forward. Many renowned musicians started by performing at local festivals, which acted as springboards for their success.

Additionally, festivals promote social cohesion and community pride. They provide a space where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate shared traditions and contemporary artistic trends. Such gatherings strengthen the cultural fabric of Chitungwiza, fostering unity and a sense of belonging among residents.

Furthermore, festivals help preserve and promote local traditions by incorporating indigenous music, dance, and storytelling. They serve as an educational tool for younger generations, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s rich artistic heritage continues to thrive.

Chitungwiza’s arts scene, particularly its festival culture, therefore plays a crucial role in the town’s cultural and economic landscape. By supporting local musicians and artists, these events not only entertain but also contribute to economic development, social cohesion, and cultural preservation. With its wealth of talent and dynamic artistic energy, Chitungwiza continues to shine as a beacon of creativity in Zimbabwe.