Khaya Arts Productions is hosting the Umthombo Wesintu Cultural Festival which kicked off on the 8th of May.

The festival is a vibrant celebration of African culture and heritage.

The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together talented artists, cultural enthusiasts, and community members to celebrate the richness of African traditions.

My Kasi Magazine caught up with Mr Future Dube, Director and Founder of Khaya Arts Productions, to get the inside scoop on this spectacular event.

“Umthombo is a source of water, it gives life to the people,” explains Mr Future Dube.

“Therefore, this festival seeks to give people life, reminding them of who they are and where they come from.

” It’s a gathering place where people come together to share stories, just like at a well.”

This profound meaning behind the name Umthombo Wesintu sets the tone for a festival that promises to be a transformative experience for all attendees.

On Day one it features Ugqozi Lwenkondlo (Poetry Slam), an act from Khaya arts which will be a narration of a play history of Tshabalala and Sizingda the guest of the opening ceremony is the legendary,award winner Albert Nyathi .

The Day 8 Afternoon Session has been the most trending, in the festival’s schedule.

Known as ‘Ezomdabu’ (Classic) promises to be an exciting blend of traditional music with modern elements, featuring talented artists like Thandanani, Bambulani, Sekunjalo Africa, Umthwakazi kandaba, and Luba Tshwalebu.

According to Mr Future Dube, organisers wanted to cover all areas of the arts sector.

“We wanted to make sure that we cover all the art disciplines so that everyone gets a piece of the cake.

“Ezilamadlabuzane (Excitement) is a program with youthful recording artists that have taken Bulawayo by storm with energetic performances that we can’t ignore,” said Dube

These artists have been representing Zimbabwe’s rich culture from Matabeleland for years, and their performances are sure to leave a lasting impression.

“These are the artists that have been for years represented us in various stages and spaces presenting our rich culture from Matabeleland,” says Mr Future Dube.

Umkhonto Works, the legendary traditional dance group, is also set to take the stage, and Mr Future Dube explains why they’re such an important part of the festival.

“These are the living legends when it comes to traditional dance, it would be very bad to have such a program and not involve them.

“They’re also here to inspire the upcoming dance groups and share their knowledge.”

Guest speakers Chief Dakamela and Mr. K. Kachuruka, President of Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, will share their perspectives on preserving African culture.

“Kachuruka is the president of Zimbabwe National Traditional “Dance Association, and it’s very paramount to have him grace the event,” says Mr Future Dube.

“Chief Dakamela has Ibeen instrumental in promoting our culture through his Imiklomelo Ka Dakemela, therefore we saw it fit to have him so as to share the importance of preserving our culture as a people.”

Khaya Arts Productions hopes that the Umthombo Wesintu Cultural Festival will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of African artists and cultural enthusiasts.

“This will be an annual event, and we believe it will provide a good space for all the artists to showcase their talents and promote themselves in the process,” says Mr Future Dube.

The Umthombo Wesintu Cultural Festival will be held at Tshabalala Open Arena (AKA Khaya Arts Village).

As Mr Future Dube says, “It’s very important to know where we come from. People gather at a well to get water, and when they gather, they discuss a lot of things that are affecting them or what they’re excited about in their community. That’s what this festival is all about.”