THURSDAY 1 MAY STANBIC BANK DAY
Oh, we do Like a bit of Opera If you were looking for romance at HIFA last night, the CABS Opera Gala was the place to get it. Stunningly powerful voices revealed untold sorrows and joys that touched the crowd deep within their souls. The stories unfolded right before our eyes and you didn’t have to be an Opera aficionado to be moved by the passionate performances. It was really a privilege to be part of the audience last night and a real treat to have the opportunity to see such awe-inspiring talent. Like sirens of the sea the ladies, Marsha Thompson, Alison Buchanan and Krysty Swann, were absolutely flawless, and the notes hit were simply out of this world. Such dedication to the craft is truly commendable, while the Pearl Fissures duet between Njabulo Madlala and Robert
McPherson was truly something to behold. To say the least, the experience of these performers was quite spiritual. The Zimspiration choir who joined in at the end also held their own in the arena with the gods of Opera and it was a magical feeling to witness all the hard work and preparation come to fruition. The evening was closed off with an excellent rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody and a standing ovation to boot. For those who were not too familiar with the other Opera songs, such as myself, I was happy to sing along at the shows end.
The ladies lit up the stage in style
The choir on the Telecel Main Stage
Previews & Highlights Bongo Love Bongo Love performs a mix of afrobeat fused with traditional music combining elements and instruments from the Southern Hemisphere to form their own peculiar vibe they call “Afrocoustics”. They are winners of the prestigious Music Crossroads Award and the Ethno Music Prize. Their performances are usually packed with a unique blend of captivating vocals and dance. The band is comprised of thoroughly polished artists from various musical backgrounds who are driven by the passion to entertain. THURSDAY 01 MAY/STANBIC BANK DAY/ COCA-COLA GREEN/10AM
Josephine The latest songstress to emerge out of Britain, Josephine has left lasting impressions wherever she has performed. .With great reviews from newspapers, The Mirror and The Sun, Josephine is a performer not be missed if you are up for some soul enhancing music. THURSDAY O1 MAY/ STANBIC BANK DAY/ LAY’S GLOBAL STAGE/3:30PM SATURDAY 03 MAY/ COCA-COLA DAY/ LAY’S GLOBAL STAGE/9:30 PM Presented by the British Council
When Dance Breaks into Song Gong Myoung and the Gorilla Crew have one more show at 7 Arts Theatre. Make sure you don’t miss the intensity and flow that captured the audience earlier this week. Bringing fresh song and over the edge dance all the way from Korea! THURSDAY 01 MAY/STANBIC BANK DAY/7 ARTS THEATHRE/2.30PM Presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
You can’t Beat a Classic! The chamber music at HIFA is splendid as usual. Introducing the Amici Quartet, a South African chamber music ensemble of remarkable skill and renown. The ensemble are not only consummate professional musicians, but also dedicated teachers who have been instrumental (sorry, pun intended) in raising music standards throughout the region. For fans of classical music, they have three programmes that they will showcase at this year’s festival throughout the week. Tonight they will perform Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden” String Quartet in D Minor, D. 810 and Dvorak’s “American” String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96 at the NMB Recital Room. THURSDAY 01 MAY/STANBIC BANK DAY/ NMB RECITAL ROOM/8.30PM Part of the KPMG Classical Music Programme
Previews Wham Bam Jamaram!
HIFA welcomes back Jamaram with wide open arms! The dynamic German band left a lasting impression when they blew up the Telecel Main Stage with their irresistible ska/ reggae rhythms in 2012. The seven-piece band and their awesome performance two years ago won fans on stage and forged strong ties with
some local artists – no wonder they’re back, it’s an undeniable love affair! The band have toured and performed all over the world, leaving delighted old and new fans in their wake. Defying musical categories, the young and hip musicians have an undeniable talent of engaging the audience, drawing them
Bend it Like Beauty
into their musical journey. In the past they have collaborated with local reggae star Mic Inity and later on this week they will collaborate with Zimbabwean artists who have come through the Zimbabwe German Society talent stable (the Acoustic All Stars) on Saturday (CocaCola Day) on the Telecel Main Stage. But tonight, expect a musical explosion on the CocaCola Green, which such an atmospheric, friendly and open vibe. THURSDAY 01 MAY/ STANBIC BANK DAY/COCACOLA GREEN/9.30PM SATURDAY 03 MAY/ COCA-COLA DAY/TELECEL MAIN STAGE/2.30PM Presented by Coca-Cola in association with the Zimbabwe German Society that you can attend, but if you are more of a night owl not to worry as there are two night shows on offer. Beauty will be waiting for you, and boy does she have a story to tell…she’s been to England after all. THURSDAY 01 MAY/ STANBIC BANK DAY/ ZB BANK REPS THEATRE/1PM FRIDAY 02 MAY/ GOLDEN PILSNER DAY/ ZB BANK REPS THEATRE/9PM
When it comes to Africa and England there is always a joke in there somewhere. Several years ago, when Ben Voss brought his show, Beauty and the BEE, to HIFA I was part of the audience and let’s just say that the laughter never stopped. Now it will continue with his new production, Bend it like Beauty. The topical subject matter tackled in Beauty’s story this time
around promises to have the audience in stitches as the old struggle between the roots of Africa and Western influences is something that many can identify with in this day and age. Bend it like Beauty will be running three times this HIFA so you really have no excuse to miss it. If you prefer catching your comedy during the day there is a lunchtime show
SUNDAY 04 MAY/ OLD MUTUAL DAY/ ZB BANK REPS THEATRE/7PM Part of the DANIDA Comedy Programme
DAILY PROGRAMME
Thursday 1 May Stanbic Bank Day Baobab Shadows The Brussels based and distinguished outfit are at it again, doing what they do best. Having travelled many miles into the heart of festivity they have come to tell stories in an inventive style. Theirs will be stories of love and loss told in a resourceful manner, in real time from weaving, paintings, songs, dance and snippets of circus acts. A show of lifeless shadows transforming into a colourful canvas of live art, this will make HIFA not only a space of creativity, but a sphere for diversity and artistic awakening. Under the tutelage of Sierra Leone born and Brussels based choreographer, Harold George, the group is a potential thrill that will set HIFA rolling into its third night of unspoiled action at a venue many socialites are familiar with. Set to kick off at the 7 Arts Theatre in the heart of Harare where some of the world’s most enthralling theatrical performances and plays have taken place, this exquisite and superb piece of work promises to be unblemished and incredible. THURSDAY 01 MAY/ STANBIC BANK DAY/7 ARTS THEATHER/8.30PM FRIDAY 02 MAY/GOLDEN PILSENER DAY/7 ARTS THEATRE/1PM Presented by Dunia Dance Theatre in collaboration with DTZ/DFC Harare
Reviews How Flexible is the Mind of an Artist?
There is a thin line between creativity and bouts of lunacy. But then again, perhaps the madness of an artist is a fine one, it enables one to breathe life into an infinite void and give paint to a blank canvas. Played out in the pitch black of the 7 Arts Theatre, the journey of self-exploration rolled out intense changing colours that
revealed the intricacy of a young artist’s creation and how he easily becomes a captive of his own imagination. In a profound scenery of changing phases, hip-hop and ballet, the painter’s fantastic conceptions not only come to haunt him but keep him going on and on, to motivate him and liven up the internal monologue
Vintage Wedding Vintage Wedding made a stunning premiere at the Fashion Dome in the Royal Norwegian Embassy Global Quarter as part of the Fashion Programme yesterday morning. Featuring the designs of Nadine Nienaber modelled by the dance troupe of the National Ballet, the breath-taking collection brought beautiful lace, satin and chiffon pieces to life in the innovative, awe inspiring Fashion Dome. The brilliant idea of using nontraditional models (dancers who have a remarkable sense of their physicality and who are able to flawlessly portray movement) was genius. Nienaber’s collection entitled Vintage Wedding featured a stunning array of wedding dresses that swished elegantly down the runway. The dancers stepped onto the catwalk in Nienaber’s designs en pointe, gracefully moving through a set
of stunning choreography, the dresses flowing delicately with each motion. The music helped set the atmosphere, with orchestral versions of popular songs adding an ethereal quality to the performance that swept the audience away on a whimsical, romantic stroll. Nienaber says the collection is part of her label, Loncrae Couture. The Zimbabwean learnt her craft in Cape Town and moved back to Zimbabwe and started her label three years ago in the spare bedroom of her house with her cocreator, Grace Mundere. “I basically specialise in wedding dresses and evening gowns, but I do all sorts. I love fashion and clothing and I’m just so lucky that I am able to do it as a career”. Nienaber has been very successful in the clothing industry in Zimbabwe and notes that there is a huge amount of talent in Zimbabwe and that the fashion industry
THURSDAY 1 MAY he has with his inner-self. They pick him up from a stupor and brush the dust off his shoulders. The bushy background decorating the set highlighted the jungle from which the wild imagination of artists evolve to be termed into the most meaningful, colour-filled creations represented by the rainbow colours that drew the performance to an end. Any Other World will be on again on Friday the 2nd of May, Golden Pilsener Day, be sure to check it out. FRIDAY 02 MAY/GOLDEN PILSENER DAY/7 ARTS THEATRE/8:30PM Part of the Creative Zimbabwe Programme in association with AFDIS
in the country is on the rise and getting better and better every year. “I think that it’s getting there – when I first moved back it wasn’t great but I think that with things like HIFA people are beginning to realise that we have a lot of young talent here and we need to utilise it. A lot more people are getting things made here instead of ordering them from overseas and that’s what I really hope continues to happen because we have great talent here.” She praised HIFA’s commitment to fashion and for reviving the fashion programme in the Royal Norwegian Embassy Global Quarter in the beautiful Fashion Dome saying, “So far, I’m very impressed! It’s well organised, the talent that I’ve seen, everything looks amazing and the show started at eleven on the dot. I’m very impressed with it and I hope it carries on every year and I hope I get to be a part of it every year.”
Shuttle Bus Schedule
Laughing at Ourselves Have a Free Half Hour? Here’s 8 Cool Things you can do at HIFA
The winds of comedy are blowing hard and a new force to be reckoned with is Tats Nkonzo. The South African born comedian delivered a witty, sharp and charismatic performance to his audience today. From his entry, where he did a hilarious double take in introducing himself all the way to the end of his show the audience was in well earned stiches. Not only was he thoroughly entertaining, he fully engaged the crowd with several humorous interactions, asking questions whose answers were swiftly turned into punch lines. Some of his subject matter covered the usual Southern African and regional concerns, such as race relations and in a comedic effort to combat that
Gong Myoung and the Gorilla Crew in pictures...
he encouraged the audience to mingle more with different races, he even had a funny song to accompany the sentiment. Aside from his skills with words, Tats revealed another talent with his mesmerising singing voice. That boy can hold more than just a note and it was the first time I have come across a comedian who has incorporated a really talented singing voice and guitar into an act. It gives him a different edge from other comedians and of course it doesn’t hurt that he is quite the charmer. Next time you are in SA and you want to check the comedy scene out look this young man up and have yourself a blast.
Visit the food stalls for a quick bite. Of course the food goes for a fee, but there’s a wide range of bites you can choose from.
Take a stroll through the Global Quarter. There are loads of priced pieces of art on display that you will fall in love with.
Grab a drink at the funky Pariah State bar. If you are on a strict budget you can grab one at the Londoners Sports Bar.
Feeling numb and tired? Grab a quick coffee, that’ll give you a kick and get you back in the groove.
Dedicate a few minutes to wander around and meet wonderful new people. You are likely to bump into your favourite artist and get an autograph. The place is swarming with them.
Sneak to the PEPFAR First Street Stage for a treat of indigenous traditional dance and music
Visit the National Art Gallery and view the classic pieces of art, jewellery and appliques on display for free.
Grab a free copy of the HIFA Lutin’, you’ll always find a last minute reminder in there…and hey what’s wrong with a paper promoting itself anyway!?