THURSDAY 30 APRIL
THE OFFICIAL DAIL Y FOR THE HARARE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 2015
Passionate.....
The CABS Opera Gala In Full Flow
Intense.....
CABS Opera Delivers Musical Feast After the frenetic energy of the HIFA Opening Show, every year at HIFA a calm descends upon the ZOL Main Stage on Day 2, CABS Day. Crowds pack the ZOL Main Stage grounds with blankets, chairs, bottles of wine or flasks of coffee, to be delighted by an evening of operatic spectacle. This year was no different, with stunning, powerful voices of the internationally renowned operatic stars soaring into the night sky. Even blocking out the sound of the powerful (and apparently essential ) ZOL Main Stage generator! After MC Asa Jogi warmed up the enthusiastic audience, the show kicked off with a powerful French duet by the delightful duo of Laquita Mitchell and Krysty Swann, from the opera “Tales of Hoffman.”
Next up tenor, James Valenti, performed his African debut with an aria from Bizet’s “Carmen.” Fun fact shared by the ever-entertaining musical director, Gerald Steichan: the movie “Fatal Attraction” is based on plot of Carmen, only the gender roles are reversed. Kudos to Valenti for an emotional and strong performance – welcome to our continent! Steichan’s comical commentary continued to keep the crowd amused. Of the mezzo-soprano aria from Don Carlos, perfectly executed by Krysty Swann, he loosely translated the gist of the song as “Oh, it sucks to be so beautiful!” Explaining the storyline for the next duet, performed by James Valenti and Indra Thomas, Steichan said that Verdi’s opera “Un Ballo in Maschera” told the story of an unfortunate Bostonian governor who falls in love with his right
hand man’s wife. He tells her. During the course of the duet, she admits that she loves him too, but that nothing romantic can happen between them. In response to a disbelieving “What??!!” from the audience, Steichan quickly responded, “Yep, that never happens, right?!” Steichan also cracked opera jokes about the competition between tenors and baritones. Apparently the baritones usually get the woman! Last night’s baritone, Lester Lynch, definitely wowed the ladies with his powerful, rich tones. The evening continued in the same vein, humour mixing easily with operatic drama and gorgeous singing. A mix obviously appreciated by the crowd in attendance. Hundreds of smiling faces leaving the ZOL Main Stage testified that the HIFA CABS Opera Gala had delivered once again!
Previews & Highlights
Get a Little Hawaii in Your Life!
Please Understand Us
Keola Beamer and Jeff Peterson bring the warmth of Hawaii to Harare with their amazing guitar playing in an exploration of the famous island’s numerous cultural influences. They are joined by dancer Moanalani Beamer, who brings hula and Hawaiian chants to the stage, along with motion in a summery interpretation of the music.
The ‘born free’ generation demands to be heard and understood on their own terms. Acclaimed South African Afro-fusion and contemporary dance company, Moving into Dance Mophatong, brings their production ‘Ngizwise’ to HIFA and seeks to shed light on these terms and the realities that bring them into being. Using spoken word and movement they share their stories and promise to take you on their journey of adventure and discovery.
THURSDAY 30 April/ Lay’s Global Stage/6PM
THURSDAY 30 April/ZB Bank Reps Theatre/6PM
Reviews and Highlights
DAILY PROGRAMME Thursday 30 April TIME
PAGE
PRODUCTION
PRICE
VENUE
10AM - 5PM
65
National Gallery Exhibitions
@NGZ
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ZIMBABWE
10AM - 7PM
58
British American Tobacco Zimbabwe Design and Craft Market
Free*
GLOBAL QUARTER
10AM - 1PM
28
Impact Music Conference AMDP
BOOK
10 - 10.40AM
50
Birdheart
$8
THE STANDARD THEATRE
10 - 11AM
24
Zanzibar TaarabKidumbak Ensemble
$12
LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE
Music Goes Digital in Africa
A Blast from Japan
The Impact Music Conference that took place yesterday at The Royal Norwegian Embassy Dome gave artists and new media heads a chance to soak up the knowledge and experience of an array of leaders in the digital field.
“These Japanese musicians are astonishing!” said one lady in the audience, unable to find other words to describe the spectacle she had just witnessed yesterday on the Lay’s Global Stage.
10 - 11AM
44
Defending the Caveman
$15
ZB BANK REPS THEATRE
11.15AM - 12.15PM
26
Mozart and Franck
$8
NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM
11:30AM - 12:30PM
47
A Tree To Sing To
$8
ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS
The event was kicked off by M.anifest, the Ghanaian rap superstar who will be performing on the ZOL Main Stage on Friday May 1, Golden Pilsener Day. The artist shared his journey through new media and music, which spans continents and varied digital ‘tools’ he uses.
DJ Juri from Tokyo was the opening act at “An AfroJapanese Music Happening,” and she started by inviting more than twenty people from the audience to paint her body.
11AM - 12.30PM
40 - 41
iTribe
Free*
COCA-COLA GREEN
12.30 - 1.30PM
59
Slam the Page
$8
HIVOS POETRY LAB
1 - 2PM
48
Master Harold and the Boys
$10
THE STANDARD THEATRE
1 - 2PM
53
Tangram
$12
ZB BANK REPS THEATRE
12 - 2.00PM
JUST GO
Free Stage on First Street Performances
SO FREE!
FREE STAGE ON FIRST STREET
1.30 - 2.30PM
12
Strings & Beats - The Kuenda Concert
$10
LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE
1.30 - 3PM
49
The HandleBards Comedy of Errors
$10
THE HANDLEBARDS GLADE
2.15 - 3.15PM
23
Walter Klauss
$12
NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM
2.30 - 3.30PM
46
Sunrise
$8
ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS
2.30 - 3PM
40 - 41
Tap / Cajon Collaboration
Free*
COCA-COLA GREEN
3 - 4PM
21
Gran'Mah
$8
ZOL MAIN STAGE
4.30 - 5.30PM
22
Aloha meets Ubuntu
$12
LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE
4.30 - 5.30PM
48
4:48 Psychosis
$8
THE STANDARD THEATRE
5.30 - 6.30PM
43
Laugh out Loud
$8
THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY DOME
5.45 - 6.45PM
22
For the Love of Song
$12
NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM
6 - 7PM
40 - 41
Zanzibar TaarabKidumbak Ensemble
Free*
COCA-COLA GREEN
6 - 7PM
44
Pss Pss
$12
ZB BANK REPS THEATRE
7 - 8.10PM
16
Somi
$12
ZOL MAIN STAGE
7.30 - 8.30PM
46
The Greyman Experiment
$8
ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS
8.30 - 9.30PM
19
Lula Pena
$10
LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE
9 - 10PM
57
Ngizwise
$10
ZB BANK REPS THEATRE
9.00 - 11.00PM
48
A Midsummer Night's Dream
$10
THE STANDARD THEATRE
9.30 - 10.30PM
60
Articulate Couture
$10
THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY DOME
9.30 - 10PM
40 - 41
Buhle & Sylent
Free*
COCA-COLA GREEN
10 - 11.10PM
11
Dancehall Alliance
$15
ZOL MAIN STAGE
11.15PM - 12.15AM
15
Lauri Porra with Tuomo Prättälä
$8
LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE
12.30 - 1.30AM
40 - 41
Bashupi & P-KAY
Free*
COCA-COLA GREEN
M.anifest encouraged up-and-coming artists to use social media not simply as a platform in and of itself, but as a vehicle to promote and realise their art. The other speaker was Nigeria’s Nkiru Balonwu, who shared info about her platform called SPINLET, which plays music via mobile phone. The venue was abuzz with lively questions from artists and evoked engaging conversations around the future of music in Africa.
It seems the paint gave her lots of energy because her performance was both captivating and energetic, as she beat her drum with vigour. She left the stage after performing for about twenty minutes and she left the audience somewhat stunned at what they had just witnessed. Next up was lyco, a six-member crew whose lead singer also left the audience dumbfounded with her display of extreme and exhilarating vocal skills. The highlight of her performance was when she made everyone sing along to a Japanese song, in the middle of which she shouted in Shona, “Zviriseisei! (What’s up!)” - a move that sent the crowd into a frenzy. “An Afro-Japanese Music Happening” was presented by the Embassy of Japan
An Afro-Japanese Music Happening
Free - MUST THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY DOME
Our International Woodlands Once upon a HIFA time, there was an mbira, a rock band, and some ballerinas. This talented cast performed their fusion act yesterday at the ZB Bank Reps Theatre Stage. From traditional dance, the New Zealand Haka, to even stomping the yard, the dancers interpreted the band’s music with beauty and zest. The performance was a fusion of culture that simultaneously engaged multiple senses as the singing, dancing, and playing created a woodland of art. The auditorium was packed with an equally diverse audience watching the narration of individuality and oneness as the unique dance and musical styles combined to produce a cohesive piece. The emphasis on our interdependence in the choreography and sound was poignant, especially in the wake of the recent xenophobic attacks. In order to emphasise our oneness, regardless of our uniqueness—a core theme of the piece, the lead singer and storyteller, Brian Geza, narrated, “Like many creeks, we make a large river…”
“Artists Looking Forward” What are artists
looking forward to at HIFA 2015? Here’s what they said: Zimbabwean singer-songwriter, Kazz, aka Mr. Boomslang, says, “I am looking forward to seeing Ba Shupi and Tinashe Makura. They are both talented and enthusiastic artists. They are representing our beloved Zimbabwe and holding the flag high enough to gain our continued support.” Kazz on Twitter: @Mr_Boomslang and @ TeamBoomslang
Singer, songwriter, and arts educator, Tariro NeGitare is excited about the HIFA Closing Show: “I’m looking forward to Salif Keita and Hope Masika. That combination speaks for itself ...and also she’s my girl!!! :)” Catch Tariro at 11AM on Sunday 3 May on Lay’s Global Stage Tariro on Twitter: @tarironegitare
StarFM’s Napster (Napoleon Nyanhi) is looking forward to Tinashe Makura and Chashe – “That’s definitely going to be an explosive performance!” Salif Keita and Beatenberg are also high on his HIFA list of “must watch” shows. Napster on Twitter: @napoleonnyanhi
The Cultural side of Twenty.Fifteen At first glance you may think this is just another well-polished dance, theatre, and music production, but when you let it sink in, you realize that there is a deep cultural identity issue being explored. Twenty.Fifteen, performed yesterday at the ZB Bank Reps Theatre, explored the struggles many individuals go through in trying to find their roots, as well as finding appreciation for their culture. Directed by Atif Hussein, the acts use their various artistic skills, which include beat boxing, dance, acting, and scintillating vocals to capture the attention of the audience and in the process vividly articulate their story.
Zim singer and bass player, Edith WeUtonga has a long list of HIFA shows she’s looking forward to: Somi, The Affair, Hela, The Taking, We Bleed the Same Colour, Tangram. Catch Edith in Zimbabwean Voices at RB Bank Reps Theatre Upstairs/1 May 10PM/2 May 7:45PM/3 May 3PM Edith on Twitter: @Edithweutonga
Sobering yet funny, Twenty.Fifteen is one of our hits for 2015. Presented by the Zimbabwe German Society, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Alliance Française.
Twenty.Fifteen
Word Garden Blooms at HIFA Powered by Shoko Festival, The Word Garden show held yesterday at the HIVOS Poetry Lab was the place to be for all poetry lovers. Featuring acts from the UK, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, such a mixture of cultures and talents in one place, made the poetry lab feel like it was chemical laboratory where a life- changing potion was being concocted.
Arts promoter, Walter Wanyanya, says, “I am personally looking forward to the show by Beatenberg. I watched them at the Hugh Masekela Jazz Festival last year and watched them again them at the South African Music Awards. This band is just awesome live. I can’t seem to get enough of them!”
The hour-long show was spiced up by the live musical effects from the likes of Hope Masike, ProBeatz, Killian Unger, and Ronald Kibirige.
The show was kicked off by Botswana’s Mandisa Mabutho, who revealed what a gentleman God is. Next up was Zimbabwe’s Barbra ‘Breeze’ Anderson who was accompanied by Blessing on the acoustic guitar. She wowed the audience and proved that Zimbabwe has a
lot of untapped talent in the spoken word area. Hailing from the UK, Toby Thompson, the only male act in the brew, staged a remarkable set that left the audience begging for more. The show closed on an emotional tip by South Africa’s Mandi Vundla, who touched on issues of rape and how kwaito music had lost its roots. Poetry Lab performances – every day from 2PM-3PM at the Hivos Poetry Lab.
First Street Loves HIFA! Don’t forget to make your way to the FREE First Street Stage brought to you by OSISA. Audiences yesterday loved what they saw and heard! “We have only heard of HIFA, but today as we were going past First Street we just bumped into this show and we could not pass it by. It is a good thing that they are doing this because we may have never known about HIFA. The group from Bulawayo (iTRIBE) was so good we didn’t even know they were local. It makes us know our musicians.” Nomsa and Nomatter (18) “I am a vendor here on First Street, I sell airtime and this week is going to be a great one with this kind of entertainment. Everyday at 12pm I change my position and sit close to the stage and make sure I enjoy some free entertainment while working.” Sarah Mandivenga (35)
“Well, I was about to pass, but thought since I was ten minutes early for meeting my cousin brother, I may just stay and listen. I have enjoyed it so much that I had to call my brother to come to First Street. We changed our meeting place (laughs)!” John Tapera (42)
“I am a big dancehall fan and I really loved the performance by Guspy Warrior and our very own Buffalo Souljah. I also thought that lady from Ghana is good in this game, maybe she could come and have a clash with lady Squander and Lipsy, it will be great.” Stuart Mandigona (29).
The HIFALutin’ is the Festival’s daily newspaper proudly brought to you this year by SEED CO. The 2015 HIFALutin’ is coordinated with the assistance of Zimbojam and is printed overnight and delivered every morning by Sable Press.
Dancehall Artist Kaakie On The Free Stage on First Street
A Walk Through The Global Quarter
A Tree To Sing To Lives Up to Billing An innovative show that will charm children and adults alike, “A Tree To Sing To” delighted its audience yesterday packed into the cosy ZB Bank Reps Theatre Upstairs. Weaving together three African folktales, the show makes use of cuddly toy-sized puppets, life-sized puppets, and even shadow puppets as the performers/puppeteers present tales based on stories by Alexander McCall Smith and Shimmer Chinodya. The stories told are “Talking Drum,” “Njerema,” and the title story “A Tree To Sing To.” The first tells the tale of a boy and his drum, and about how he has to encounter a monster. The second is a story about a village boy “done good” who in adulthood goes on to
A Tree To Sing To
successful city life, but still has the task of naming his first born child with help from his furry and feathered friends. The final one tells us of a magic tree. This imaginative show was the brainchild of Kevin Hanssen and was lovingly and laboriously put together by Hanssen, Collina Mvududu, Chipo Chikara, Sue McLaren, Sharon Lee, Jamie McLaren, and Musa Saruro. Upcoming “A Tree To Sing To” shows at ZB Bank Reps Theatre Upstairs, daily at 11:30AM
SHUTTLE BUS
SCHEDULE PLEASE NOTE:
1. In general the bus loads 40 minutes before a show and departs promptly 30 minutes before the show. 2. Usually the bus is waiting at the end of the show, but there may be a small wait If a small wait is involved, the anticipated delay is indicated in the last column of the schedule. Standard Theater & NMB Recital to Main Gate Board 11.00 12.45 2.00 3.15 5.30 6.45 11.00
am pm pm pm pm pm pm
Depart
From
To
Task
Wait at end of show
11.05 12.50 2.10 3.25 5.40 6.55 11.10
Standard Theater NMB Recital Room Standard Theater NMB Recital Room Standard Theater NMB Recital Room Standard Theater
Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate
Collect from 'Birdheart' Collect from 'Mozart & Franck' Collect from 'Master Harold' Collect from 'Walter Klauss' Collect from '4.48 Psychosis' Collect from 'For the Love of Song' Collect from 'Midsummer'
20 mins 30 mins 20 mins 30 mins 20 mins 30 mins 20 mins
ZB Bank Reps & ZB Bank Upstairs to Main Gate Board 11.15 12.45 2.15 3.30 7.15 8.45 10.00 10.30
am pm pm pm pm pm pm pm
Depart
From
To
Task
Wait at end of show
11.20 12.50 2.20 3.40 7.20 8.50 10.10 10.40
ZB Bank Reps Theater ZB Bank Upstairs ZB Bank Reps Theater ZB Bank Upstairs ZB Bank Reps Theater ZB Bank Upstairs ZB Bank Reps Theater ZB Bank Upstairs
Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate
Collect from 'Defending The Caveman' Collect from 'A Tree To Sing To' Collect from 'Tangram' Collect from 'Sunrise' Collect from 'Psss Psss' Collect from 'Grey Man Experiment' Collect From 'Ngizwise' Collect from 'Sunrise'
15 mins 15 mins 15 mins 15 mins 15 mins 15 mins 15 mins 15 mins
Main Gate to ZB Bank Reps and Upstairs Reps Board 9.20 10.50 12.20 1.50 5.20 6.50 8.20 8.50
am am pm pm pm pm pm pm
Depart
From
To
Task
Wait at end of show
9.30 11.00 12.30 2.00 5.30 7.00 8.30 9.00
Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate
ZB Bank Reps Theater ZB Bank Upstairs ZB Bank Reps Theater ZB Bank Upstairs ZB Bank Reps Theater ZB Bank Upstairs ZB Bank Reps Theater ZB Bank Upstairs
Carry to 'Defending The Caveman' Carry to 'A Tree To Sing To' Carry to 'Tangram' Carry to 'Sunrise' Carry to 'Psss Psss' Carry to 'Grey Man Experiment' Carry to 'Ngizwise' Carry to 'Sunrise'
15 mins 15 mins 15 mins 15 mins 15mins 15 mins 15 mins 15 mins
Main Gate to Standard Theater & NMB Recital Board 9.20 10.35 12.20 1.35 3.50 5.05 8.20
am am pm pm pm pm pm
Depart
From
To
Task
Wait at end of show
9.30 10.45 12.30 1.45 4.00 5.15 8.30
Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate Main Gate
Standard Theater NMB Recital Room Standard Theater NMB Recital Room Standard Theater NMB Recital Room Standard Theater
Carry to 'Birdheart' Carry to 'Mozart & Franck' Carry to 'Master Harold' Carry to 'Walter Klauss' Carry to '4.48 Psychosis' Carry to 'For the Love of Song' Carry to 'Midsummer'
20 mins 30 mins 20 mins 30 mins 20 mins 30 mins 20 mins