Prince Chese
IN a move to safeguard traditional heritage and stimulate the regional creative arts economy, the Thobela Arts Foundation has officially launched preparations for the 2026 Inqama Arts Festival.
The strategic roadmap was solidified during a high stakes partnership conclave held on Friday, March 20, at the Gwanda RDC boardroom.
Convened by Foundation Director and prominent arts advocate Oscar “Tobela” Siziba, the meeting brought together a powerhouse assembly of business leaders, promoters, and public stakeholders from Beitbridge, Gwanda, and Bulawayo to forge a professional foundation for this year’s cultural showcase.
Central to this year’s vision is a deep-seated commitment to the preservation of indigenous identity.
Operating under the theme “Our Pride” (Hunhu Wedu), the festival aims to serve as a bulwark against the erosion of local customs.
“We are trying to shape our future by upholding our norms and values,” Siziba told Ziyah News Network.
He said the initiative is designed to ensure the community does not “forget the Zimbabwean culture”.
By centering the event on the concept of Ubuntu (Hunhu), the foundation is positioning the arts as a vital tool for social cohesion and moral guidance.
The planned festival to run for two days at a date to be announced will feature traditional dances troops, musical bands and other visual and performance arts headlining the diverse cultures of Zimbabwe.
Organisers are also still to announce a venue of the events.
Beyond Harare’s major events, Zimbabwe hosts diverse arts festivals nationwide, including the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo (Bulawayo), the Victoria Falls Carnival, and the Chimanimani Arts Festival in the Eastern Highlands.
Other notable events include the Ndau Festival of the Arts (Chipinge), Hurungwe Arts Festival (Karoi), and Mrewa Festival of Arts.