Though the atmosphere was a bit tense owing to the presence of uniformed and un-uniformed state security forces, this did not deter the determined artistes who proceeded to denounce Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe and his government, at the annual event, the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) 2008 opening ceremony.

Harare International Festival of Arts Performers

HIFA founder and artistic director, Manuel Bagoro confirmed yesterday the opening ceremony was indeed touching.

“It was an emotional performance as it set the tone for other shows and events to come.”

To mark the beginning of the festival was the late Bob Marley’s song performed by local artiste Outspoken- Zimbabwe. In the song, Marley congratulated the country in attaining its independence in 1980. He performed the song here in Zimbabwe.

The local artiste went on to do the late South African reggae icon Lucky Dube’s piece- Different Colours. The song generally is about uniting all races.

After this, the audience could not hear clearly, the artistes who followed. It seemed as if their microphones or the sound system was bad.

According to the South African based choreographer, Bret Bailey, Dreamland is about a King who stole the people’s dreams and songs, but cannot take away the deepest songs and dreams in them. In a nutshell, the opening festival was to celebrate the resilience of the Zimbabwean people in a country marred by economic and political instability.

Local artiste, Chiwoniso Maraire performed a number of ‘emotional’ songs. Dudu Manhenga also did some poetry. They were supported by a band which included children.

What was also of interest at the festival opening performance was the appearance of ‘riot policemen’ in the act. Two men dressed as policemen ‘beat up’ artistes and abused children on stage.

Chimurenga music legend Thomas Mapfumo’s Mhondoro was also performed by Sebede and featured Zimbabwe’s protest poets, Samm Farai Monro aka Cde Fatso and Outspoken. In the song, Mhondoro is the spirit medium of Zimbabwe. The poets urged Zimbabweans to rise against oppressive rule, so as to be free.

The big screen on the stage had Zimbabweans’ dreams flicking one after the other, in the form of text whilst artistes performed. Most of the dreams were of children and evicted farmers.

For example, one wrote, “I had a dream. I was to be made the president of Zimbabwe, but a monster came chasing after me.”

Another one wrote, “I dreamt the country being ‘normal’ and I was employed by ZABG Bank in the marketing department.”

One unidentified artiste putting on a mask and dressed in white also performed a protest song. His supporting actors- ‘the policemen’ did some dances whilst holding wooden material, ‘baton sticks’.

On the screen appeared a footage of a bulldozer bring down a house and a bus heavily loaded with goods on the carrier. To many, this took them back to the days of Operation Murambatsvina embarked on by Mugabe and his government in a ‘clean-up’ campaign. Many people especially in Harare and its surrounding areas were left homeless following the destruction of ‘illegal structures’.

To end the ceremony were some tremendous fireworks, for about a good five minutes or so.

Also yesterday at a press conference, Canadian based arts group- Chaos said they have been working with some local artistes at Young Africa Skills Centre in Chitungwiza and have come up with great performances lined up for HIFA.

"Actually when we arrived here we thought of changing the name of our group from Chaos because it seems there is already enough chaos in Zimbabwe." said one group member sarcastically.

‘It is surprising to see the courage and determination shown by people of this country. It is amazing to see how they have hope and wake up to face the economic and political challenges of this nation.”

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