Zimbabwean protest poet and musician, Samm Farai Monro aka Cde Fatso is performing in a 'protest opening' of the most prestigious annual event, the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) to kick-off on the 29th of April to the 4th of May 2008.

Zimbabwean protest poet and musician.

According to Cde Fatso, it is all music, poetry, choir and dance as Zimbabweans celebrate their resilience.

“The opening event will also feature local musicians Chiwoniso Maraire, Dudu Manhenga, among others.”

“Me and my band will do about 5 to 6 performances at this year's HIFA.”

“I will also perform a piece with Outspoken on top of Thomas Mapfumo's Mhondoro,” he said.

He says he aims to build a new form- a movement for justice to change the world whilst dancing and fighting at the same time. Activist network, arts and culture is a liberation tool in the country, region, and internationally where music has to get through.

Cde Fatso said his poetry and music has been greatly appreciated especially by the youth, and it is important that he continues to get the message across to them.

“I have also received tremendous support from South Africa, where my debut album- House of Hunger is currently being played on radio, mainly Kaya FM. Besides the internet, my music is also on sale and receives air play in countries like Swaziland, France, Germany and generally the UK, not excluding Zimbabwe, where my music is distributed to people.”

“Greater things are lined up for this year, as big concerts are on the way,” hinted Cde Fatso.

At the end of May this year, the local poet will perform in the Poetry Slam World Cup in France, where there will be 7 days of 'jambanja', with champions from across the world.

Cde Fatso alongside musician, Tendai Manatsa will also compete at the Poetry International Festival on the 10th of June this year in Rotterdam, Holland.

Later on this 2008, Cde Fatso together with some SA artistes will perform some 'Make Some Noise' concerts to raise awareness in Zimbabwe.

Commenting on the Zimbabwean situation, the outspoken musician acknowledged the pressure being put on the country's president Robert Mugabe, for not releasing the presidential election results close to four weeks after the poll was conducted.

Most recently, Zimbabwe's neighbors refused a Chinese ship to dock and unload weapons acquired by Mugabe, and which were destined for the country.

“If there is a run-off, I urge all Zimbabweans to go and vote, as there were a few people who voted on March 29, as compared to the country's population.”

As a cultural activist, Cde Fatso is one of the founders of the House of Hunger Poetry Slam, Harare’s hugely popular poetry slam where the next generation of poets spit fire to appreciative crowds. At the same time he is co-founder and facilitator of the Uhuru Network, a radical grassroots youth network that uses arts, media, permaculture and community action in the struggle for social justice in Harare’s ghettos.

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