GREEN ambassador and musician Dereck Mpofu and fellow renowned artistes Josh Meck, Albert Nyathi, Mono Mukundu and Othnell “Mangoma” Moyo will headline the Mutupo Festival set for June 15 at the Alliance Francaise.
Mpofu promised a lifetime all-day family experience filled with storytelling sessions which are meant to explore the significance of various totems and their role in Zimbabwean culture, cultural exhibitions of traditional dress, symbols and practices, traditional food and drink, food preservation workshops as well as organic farming demonstrations.
He explained that the festival is a vibrant celebration of the country’s rich cultural heritage, which brings people from all walks of life together to share their stories, cultures and heritages.
“Zimbabwean totems play a vital role in the country’s cultural identity, representing unique histories, stories and significance. From the majestic eland of the Vahera totem to the revered symbols of other totems, such as the lion of the Shumba, the heart of the Moyo and the zebra of the Mbizi, Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage is rich and diverse,” Mpofu said.
“However, the narrative surrounding these totems has often been defined and told by outsiders, leading to negative stereotypes and misconceptions.
“It’s time to reclaim and redefine the narrative, amplifying the positives and muting the negatives. The Mutupo Festival aims to promote cultural understanding, national identity and unity, while preserving cultural knowledge and supporting local artisans.”
He added: “In recent years, Zimbabwe has experienced a decline in traditional village spaces where people used to gather, share stories and pass down cultural knowledge.
“The destruction of the family unit has also had a significant impact on the transmission of cultural values and practices.
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“Furthermore, the increasing reliance on industrialised food systems has led to a decline in organic food production and preservation methods.”
The festival coincides with significant dates like the International Day of the African Child, which is celebrated annually on June 16 and the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17.
With this in mind, the Mutupo Festival addresses these issues by providing a platform to promote organic food production and preservation methods, revitalising traditional village spaces and community gatherings, strengthening the family unit and inter-generational knowledge transfer and showcasing traditional dress, symbols and practices.
The Mutupo Festival pursues several goals which include fostering appreciation and understanding of the local cultural heritage, encouraging national pride and unity through cultural celebrations and preservation of cultural knowledge and practices through storytelling and workshops, among others.
“We encourage people to come in their numbers to explore the cultural diversity of Zimbabwe. We wish to promote local talent and cultural entrepreneurship, conscientise youth on cultural heritage and its importance in shaping their identity.
“As June unfolds, Zimbabwe and the world pause to reflect on vital causes that shape our future children’s rights and environmental sustainability while the nation’s music scene continues to thrive with fresh releases and dynamic projects,” Mpofu said.
“June 16 marks the International Day of the African Child, a day dedicated to honouring the courage and resilience of African children and advocating for their rights.
“The following day, June 17, is the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, emphasising the urgent need to protect our land from degradation.
“Together, these cultural, social, and environmental milestones and personalities highlight Zimbabwe’s dynamic spirit in June — a month for reflection, celebration and creative growth. Stay tuned for more coverage on how art and activism intersect in shaping a brighter future.”
Pah Chihera is expected to captivate audiences with her unique blend of Afro-pop and traditional sounds.
Josh Meck will churn out his soulful jazz and reggae-infused music, while legendary poet and musician, Albert Nyathi, who was recently honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the National Arts Council and has launched a mentorship programme to promote indigenous storytelling, will not be found wanting by the audience.
Producer and instrumentalist Mono Mukundu, known for his innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds and is busy in the studio working on several collaborative projects set for release later this year, will do what he knows best to entertain the audience.
