Khulubvi Festival opens with memorial concert
The three-day Khulubvi Cultural and Heritage Festival to be held at Nsanje Prison Ground kicksoff today with a memorial gospel concert. One of the organisers Eric Trinta, who is also Nyamithambo Arts Palace proprietor, said yesterday they decided to remember those who died due to floods that hit the Shire valley on the first day before proceeding with the…
The three-day Khulubvi Cultural and Heritage Festival to be held at Nsanje Prison Ground kicksoff today with a memorial gospel concert.
One of the organisers Eric Trinta, who is also Nyamithambo Arts Palace proprietor, said yesterday they decided to remember those who died due to floods that hit the Shire valley on the first day before proceeding with the other activities on the second and third day.
“We have Eliza Mponya plus several other gospel artists performing on the first day and this will be done in conjunction with Nsanje Pastors Fraternal. We will have prayers and candle lighting,” Trinta, who is also a musician and arts activist, said.
The second day (tomorrow) which has happens to be the main day, will feature a number of activities including traditional dances, poetry, comedy and exhibitions.
Some of the dances people will sample include Gule Wamkulu, Valimba, Utse, Maseseto, Chikuzire, Chitsukulumwe and Dimingu Ndadyiwa.
Artists set to perform on the day are Lucky Stars led by Boniface Ndamera, Kefasi, Agorosso, Thimfu, Lommie Mafunga and Chitoto from Mozambique.
“There is just so much for people to experience during the festival from Friday (today) to Sunday, when we will have games. This is all free of charge. Apart from performances, people will also have a chance to eat different foods from the Shire such as Mphenembe and Nyika,” Trinta said.
The festival was expected to debut last year but failed due to Covid.
Trinta said the festival, running under the theme ‘Counting Cost of Floods with Hope: Time for Soul Searching and Rebuilding; is being spearheaded by Nyamithambo Arts Palace in conjunction with the community in Nsanje and Nsanje District Council.
Trinta said, apart from showcasing talent from the Lower Shire, the festival wants to disseminate messages aimed at bringing about change.
He said despite not managing to raise the K8 million budget and not receiving enough support from the corporate world, they were set for the festival.
