Hurungwe Arts Festival 2025 opens in Karoi
The 2025 edition of the Hurungwe Arts Festival (HAF) opens today in the farming town of Karoi, promising four days of music, theatre, dance and visual art from across the globe.
Now in its eighth year, the festival has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most vibrant cultural gatherings, attracting performers from as far afield as Canada, South Africa, Sudan and Zambia. This year’s shows will run until Saturday at Chikangwe Hall.
HAF founder and executive director Joel Zilala said all international and regional artists were already in the country and ready to take to the stage.
Among the headline acts is Canada-based mbira player Tafadzwa Matamba, who hails from Hurungwe and draws on Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage in his performances.
“I am prepared to share the stage with both regional and local musicians through diversity during the Hurungwe Arts Festival,” Matamba told reporters.
Also on the bill is Jindi, a Sudanese musician based in Dubai who fuses African rhythms with global sounds, alongside acclaimed South African artist Bhek’zizwe and internationally recognised performer Jean Gardy from Canada.
From the local scene, rising Afro‑Jazz star Prudence Muchada – known as Mama Africa – is set to perform alongside regional and international acts.
Zilala said this year’s line-up features Msanza-Arts-Simple Theatre from Zambia, known for innovative productions, as well as Cosca Films, showcasing Zambian cinema.
Jah Luther, a celebrated Zambian musician, and Uncle DEEZO, renowned for blending music with storytelling, will also take part.
Beyond the performances, the festival will host networking sessions for artists, industry professionals and cultural enthusiasts.
“There will be a vibrant and festive atmosphere that celebrates the arts,” Zilala added.
Karoi Town Council public relations manager Precious Nharara said the festival would bring energy and colour to the town over the coming days.
Hurungwe Arts Festival
The Hurungwe Arts Festival was established in 2017 with the aim of creating a platform for artists from rural Zimbabwe to showcase their talent alongside regional and international performers.
Over the years, the event has evolved into a major cultural highlight on the country’s arts calendar, fostering collaborations between musicians, theatre practitioners, dancers and visual artists.
It has also helped to promote Karoi as a cultural hub, boosting tourism and encouraging community participation in the arts.
