FRIDAY 01 MAYGOLDEN PILSENER DAY

THE OFFICIAL DAILY FOR THE HARARE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 2015

If we could use one word to describe Somi Sobral it would be “global.” She has Rwandan and Ugandan roots, lived in Zambia for part of her childhood, and now shuttles between homes in Lagos and New York City, while maintaining a tour schedule that takes her all over the world.

If we could use TWO words to describe her music, they would be “seductively energetic.” Her physical movement last night on the ZOL Main Stage may have been minimal, but her enormous and wide ranging vocals sored, filling up all the corners of HIFA’s largest venue.

This Day 3 Main Stage act soothed the soul. Somi’s glistening vocals flew around us like the green-hewed smoke that poured from the back of the stage and swirled around her before disappearing into the night air, high notes gliding easily into chesty lows.

Zimbabwean songstress and composer, Netsayi Chigwendere, was invited on stage for a song, her famous rendition of the traditional “Hondo.” The crowd evidently wanted more, and we wished Netsayi and Somi could do a recorded collaboration. The two singers met many years ago, when Netsayi was still based in London before her return to Zimbabwe.

It was a thrill for them to share the same stage here in her hometown, Harare.

It should come as no surprise that one of Somi’s final songs was a cry against gender-based violence, which she told the audience was influenced by Fela, whose music she got to know well while on an 18-month sabbatical in Nigeria.

Somi was backed by a super-talented jazz band, and her set closed with a sizzling piano solo that had the audience mesmerized and subsequently shouting for more, to which the group obliged with an encore. Here here, we want to hear more!

Previews & Highlights

SPECTACULAR SOMI - GLOBAL CITIZEN

DON’T MISS THIS!Acclaimed multi-genre artist, Aldo Brincat has brought to HIFA an exceptional photo-exhibition called “Foreign National” which is on display in the Rooney’s Green Room. Documenting the rivetting “Ma Rock” gang sub-culture of Botswana, the exhibition is both a rivetting display of visual artistry as well as a deeply involving anthropological study. Photos from the exhibition are available for purchase by the public. Aldo himself is at HIFA and is readily available to interact with all lovers of fine art.

https://www.facebook.com/Aldo.Brincat.Productions/timeline

http://www.brincatproductions.co.za/

Get Your Digitzz Up!Want a show where you can put your hands up in the air like they were meant to be there? Hook yourself up with tickets to the Digitzz show this afternoon on the ZOL Main Stage. The Dutch-American rapper brings his lyrical prowess to HIFA in both Dutch and English.With millions of views online, this talented hit-maker is sure to have your ‘digitzz’ up in the air when he brings on his heat.

FRIDAY 01 May/ ZOL Main Stage/2PM

DAILY PROGRAMMEReviews and Highlights“For Nature’s Sake” Wows at HIFA Fashion Dome“If you have two hands you should never starve,” - such is the motto of Ifundiso, one of the three design lines that was part of the fashion showcase held in the Royal Norwegian Embassy Dome on Wednesday night.

It was all print and beadwork as models swayed and slinked to Vee Mukarati’s saxophone in systematically choreographed moves, showing off the successful efforts of Shamiso Ruzvidzo and the Rolex Dance Group. At one end of the stage, William Mapondera worked on a painting of the display, which he completed as the show progressed.

The night’s theme “For Nature’s Sake” was a collaboration of fashion from three African countries, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, primarily featuring the works of Hlengiwe Dube, Shangaani Women’s Beaders, and Colin Ratisai.

Inspired by nature and rural culture, with a touch of modern taste, the jewellery and outfits were unique and impressive pieces. The audience ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ throughout, with resounding applause at the end as the designers joined the models on the catwalk. Catch tonight’s fashion showcase in the Royal

Norwegian Embassy Dome at 4.15PM. Called “Inside Out”, it features Haus of Stone - Zimbabwe, Sibo Moyana and local textile artisans.

Soothing sounds from KZN String QuartetSitting in the candlelit NMB Recital Room at 11AM yesterday, you could easily find yourself transported to a Classical-era setting, enjoying the ambience and soothing tunes of the Kwa-Zulu Natal String Quartet.

We saw these same musicians capably accompanying the lengthy Cabs Opera Gala on the HIFA Main Stage the previous evening. But you would never guess they had already performed this hefty programme, along with two other performances of their own. Such was the freshness of their lively and passionate performance yesterday morning of Mozart’s Flute Quartet No. 1 in D Major, K. 285 and Franck’s Piano Quintet.

Kudos to quartet musicians, Joanna Marie Frankel (violin), Violeta Osorhean (violin), David Snaith (viola), and David Pinoit (cello), a group hailing from all over the world but based in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. They were joined by guest flautist Lisa Thom and pianist Luis Magalhaes and together delivered a stunning, not-to-be-missed recital.

The group has a busy HIFA schedule – be sure to catch one of their upcoming performances:

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES IN NMB RECITAL ROOM:

Friday 1 May/Golden Pilsener Day/11:15AM; 7:45PMSaturday 2 May/11:15AM; 3PMSunday 3 May/Old Mutual Day/2:30PM

Friday 01 MayGolden Pilsener Day

TIME PAGE PRODUCTION PRICE VENUE

10AM - 5PM 65 National Gallery Exhibitions

@NGZ NATIONAL GALLERY OF ZIMBABWE

10AM - 7PM 58 British American Tobacco Zimbabwe Design and Craft Market

Free* GLOBAL QUARTER

10 - 10.40AM 50 Birdheart $8 THE STANDARD THEATRE

10 - 11AM 40 - 41 Taurai Pekiwe & The Legal Lions

Free* COCA-COLA GREEN

10 - 11AM 55 Tianjin Youth Troupe $12 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE

11-12AM 24 Zanzibar Taarab-Kidumbak Ensemble

$12 LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE

11.15AM - 12.15PM 26 Beethoven $8 NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM

11:30AM - 12:30PM 47 A Tree To Sing To $8 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS

12 - 1PM 59 Hip Hop Meets Poetry $8 HIVOS POETRY LAB

12.30 - 2PM 49 The HandleBards - Macbeth

$10 THE HANDLEBARDS GLADE

1 - 2PM 40 - 41 Prince Edward Jazz Band Free* COCA-COLA GREEN

1 - 2PM 46 Panali Panali $8 THE STANDARD THEATRE

12 - 2.00PM JUST GO Free Stage on First Street Performances

SO FREE! FREE STAGE ON FIRST STREET

2.15 - 3.15PM 15 Minna Raskinen $8 NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM

2 - 3PM 24 Digitzz $8 ZOL MAIN STAGE

2 - 3PM 56 Tumbuka $10 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE

3 - 4PM 45 Ilifa - ASSITEJ Mini Festival

$8 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS

3.15 - 4.15PM 17 Derek Gripper $10 LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE

4.15 - 5.15PM 60 Inside Out $8 THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY DOME

4.30 - 5.30PM 40 - 41 True Vibenation Free* COCA-COLA GREEN

5 - 6PM 53 Tangram $12 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE

5.45 - 6.45PM 19 Lula Pena $10 LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE

5.30 - 6.30PM 15 Will McNicol and Luke Selby

$8 NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM

6.30 - 7.30PM 45 My Right - ASSITEJ Mini Festival

$8 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS

7 - 8.10PM 10 Beatenberg $15 ZOL MAIN STAGE

7.45 - 8.45PM 26 Romantic Mendelssohn $8 NMB BANK RECITAL ROOM

8.30 - 9.30PM 21 Kyle Shepherd $10 LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE

9 - 10PM 51 A Vice In Harlem $12 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE

9 - 10PM 43 HeLa $10 THE STANDARD THEATRE

9.30 - 10.30PM 49 Pakistani House Husband Experience

$8 THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY DOME

9.30 - 10PM 40 - 41 Digitzz Free* COCA-COLA GREEN

10 - 11.10PM 9 M.anifest $12 ZOL MAIN STAGE

10 -11PM 47 Zimbabwe Voices 1 $8 ZB BANK REPS THEATRE UPSTAIRS

11.15PM - 12.15AM 12 Global Resonance $10 LAY'S GLOBAL STAGE

12.30 - 2AM 40 - 41 Ray Dizz Free* COCA-COLA GREEN

The HIFALutin’ is the Festival’s daily newspaper proudly brought to you this year by SEED CO. The 2015 HIFALutin’ is coordinated with the assistance of Zimbo Jam and is printed overnight and delivered every morning by Sable Press.

Tariro neGitare shines at the Hivos Poetry LabMarvellous use of words was the order of the day at the Hivos Poetry Lab on the third day of HIFA. Tariro neGitare’s performance was the highlight of the show, as she proved why she is one of Zimbabwe’s best female musicians.

She performed some of her jams like ‘Chipo Changu,’ and what seemed to be the crowd’s favorite, ‘Uripi’ (Where are you?). The song reflects the love that a young lady has for a certain man, but he is unavailable despite the fact that he promised marriage to her. Tariro’s rap lyrics mixed with her guitar provided a delectable concoction for the Poetry Lab audience.Other performances included South African poet, Mandi. Her poem was the voice of the voiceless girls who are forced into marriage long before their time. Her wordplay was fantastic and she left everyone dazed.

Zim’s Flow Chyld (Cynthia Marangwanda) did not disappoint as she read an extract from her NAMA award-winning new book, “Shards.” This piece was also about being a woman and the oft-accompanying disappointment.

PAN, from Bulawayo, and DJ Aerosol were the male performers for the set, and they also provided an innovative set, with Aerosol was behind the decks, thrilling the audience with his DJ skills.

Head to the Simba Youth Zone for Fun & Friendship! Tickets are $6,00.See the separate Simba Youth Zone Programme for Details.

Comical Caveman Draws Laughs at RepsSouth African comedian, Tim Plewman, condensed his long-running and highly successful one-man comedy show (1,544 sold out shows to date!) from, he claims, 2-and-a-half-hours (“true story,” he says) to just one hour for an eager Zimbabwean audience at the ZB Reps Theatre.

The Reps stage is no stranger to hosting highly bankable South African comedians (the likes of John Vlismas and Barry Hilton having previously visited our land) and Plewman is no less successful, taking us on a hilarious journey through the ages – showing us man

from the stereotypical caveman to today’s modern male. Having literally delivered thousands of performances of this show, Plewman showed his experience as both a stand-up comedian and (like all good stand-up comedians) a shrewdly observant commentator on life.

Through an hour’s worth of material with a “Men are from Mars” type of theme, Plewman left his audience riveted and entertained. At the end of the show, he said he hoped he could come back to Zimbabwe to perform the entire show. We hope he does too!

Fugard Play Captures the Human SpiritFamed South African playwright, Athol Fugard’s “Master Harold and the Boys” was presented in a new setting – 1950’s Bulawayo in Rhodesia – this HIFA. Zimbabwean director, Zane Lucas and his talented 3-man cast delivered a powerful, fresh interpretation of this play, originally set during apartheid South Africa. The meaning and symbolism was no less pertinent.

The play revolves around three characters: Harry (or Harold), a young white boy who oscillates between his role as “master” and being friends with two black men – Sam and Willy - who work in the café owned by his parents.

“Master Harold” takes the audience through a range of emotions, as the characters struggle with the power and racial dynamics that were front and foremost in this production. While the two men are referred to as “boys” by Harry’s parents, Harry himself is really the boy. In the words of Sam, “A little white boy, who may wear long pants now, but is still just a little boy.” These two men have seen Harry grow up, so when the play reaches a major point of conflict and Harry shrilly demands that they call him “Master Harold” from that point on, the players are all confronted with a point of no return.

An excellent delivery of a classic southern Africa play. Don’t miss their last performance!

Sunday 3 May/Old Mutual Day/Standard Theatre/3:30PM

REVIEWS

HIFA for Everyone!The 2015 edition of HIFA has proved that the Festival is for everyone who has an appreciation of arts, with its outreach programme reaching young future artists at the Matthew Rusike Children’s Home.

Instead of the traditional routine of all audiences having to be at central HIFA stages in the capital city, the festival has been true to its theme “Articulate,” taking the show to orphans who are less privileged and cannot afford a bus trip to the Harare Gardens.

Artists from Sweden, a group called ASSITEJ, and their country hosts were on Thursday bussed to the low-income suburb of Epworth to entertain and inspire children at the home.

“What you have done today for these kids is out of this world, just by being here, playing with the kids will somehow lift their spirits.” Said home patron Reverent Magret Mawire. “The oldest child we have here is 18 years and the youngest is 18 months, and we are like a family. Music and plays are something that brings us together and we believe your visit here will have meaning for them and send a strong message about the arts.”

ASSITEJ is a drama group that comprise of members from South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Sweden and Zimbabwe. They will be performing on Friday 1 May/Golden Pilsener Day/ZB Bank Reps Theatre Upstairs/3PM

Impressive Explosion of Beatz & World MusicStrings and Beatz - The Kuenda Concert ushered in the third afternoon of HIFA 2015 perfectly. Hope Masike opened the show in her signature style, both in sound and fashion sense, wearing a piercing blue, elegant short dress. The light, acoustic intro with guitar, percussion and Hope lulling the audience in, set the tone for a performance of intricate beauty. A fusion of Ugandan, Zimbabwean and German artists, the Kuenda Concert captivated a nearly full Lay’s Global Stage yesterday under the canvas and dappled shade. Probeatz, a rising local talent, broke into the show, lifting it into the beat realm, implied in the show’s title. This was a HIFA 2015 once-off so if you missed out you’re gonna have to find your vibe elsewhere in the coming days, which definitely promise more magic.

PLEASE NOTE:1. In general the bus loads 40 minutes before a show and departs promptly 30 minutes before the show.

2. Usually the bus is waiting at the end of the show, but there may be a small wait If a small wait is involved, the anticipated delay is indicated in the last column of the schedule.

Standard Theater & NMB Recital to Main GateBoard Depart From To Task Wait at end of show11.00 am 11.05 Standard Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Birdheart' 20 mins12.45 pm 12.50 NMB Recital Room Main Gate Collect from 'Beethoven' 30 mins2.00 pm 2.10 Standard Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Panali Panali' 20 mins3.15 pm 3.25 NMB Recital Room Main Gate Collect from 'Minna Raskinnen' 30 mins6.30 pm 6.40 NMB Recital Room Main Gate Collect from 'Will McNicol Luke' 30 mins8.45 pm 8.55 NMB Recital Room Main Gate Collect from 'Romantic Mendelssohn' 30 mins10.00 pm 10.10 Standard Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Hela' 20 mins

ZB Bank Reps & ZB Bank Upstairs to Main Gate

Board Depart From To Task Wait at end of show11.15 am 11.20 ZB Bank Reps Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Tianjin Youth Group' 15 mins12.30 pm 12.40 ZB Bank Upstairs Main Gate Collect from 'A Tree To Sing To' 15 mins3.00 pm 3.10 ZB Bank Reps Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Tumbuka' 15 mins4.00 pm 4.10 ZB Bank Upstairs Main Gate Collect from 'Ilifa Assitej Minifest'. 15 mins6.15 pm 6.20 ZB Bank Reps Theater Main Gate Collect from 'Tangram' 15 mins7.30 pm 7.40 ZB Bank Upstairs Main Gate Collect from 'My Right Assitej Minifest' 15 mins10.00 pm 10.10 ZB Bank Reps Theater Main Gate Collect from 'A Vice In Harlem'' 15 mins11.00 pm 11.10 ZB Bank Upstairs Main Gate Collect from 'Zim Voices 1' 15 mins

Main Gate to ZB Bank Reps and Upstairs RepsBoard Depart From To Task Wait at end of show9.20 am 9.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Reps Theater Carry to 'Tianjin Youth Group' 15 mins10.50 am 11.00 Main Gate ZB Bank Upstairs Carry to 'A Tree To Sing To'1.20 pm 1.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Reps Theater Carry to 'Tumbuka'2.20 pm 2.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Upstairs Carry to 'Ilifa Assitej Minifest'4.25 pm 4.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Reps Theater Carry to 'Tangram' 15 mins5.50 pm 6.00 Main Gate ZB Bank Upstairs Carry to 'My Right Assitej Minifest'8.20 pm 8.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Reps Theater Carry to 'A Vice In Harlem'9.20 pm 9.30 Main Gate ZB Bank Upstairs Carry to 'Zim Voices 1'

Main Gate to Standard Theater & NMB Recital

Board Depart From To Task Wait at end of show9.20 am 9.30 Main Gate Standard Theater Carry to 'Birdheart' 20mins10.35 am 10.45 Main Gate NMB Recital Room Carry to 'Beethoven' 30 mins12.20 pm 12.30 Main Gate Standard Theater Carry to 'Panali Panali' 20mins1.35 pm 1.45 Main Gate NMB Recital Room Carry to 'Minna Raskinnen' 30 mins4.50 pm 5.00 Main Gate NMB Recital Room Carry to 'Will McNicol Luke' 30 mins7.05 pm 7.15 Main Gate NMB Recital Room Carry to 'Romantic Mendelssohn' 30 mins8.20 pm 8.30 Main Gate Standard Theater Carry to 'Hela' 20mins

SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE

Zanzibar Sounds Invade HarareHailing from the exquisite islands of Zanzibar, Zanzibar Taarab and the Kidumbak Ensemble woke up Harare yesterday with their cool melodies at the Lay’s Global Stage.

The group, which consists of instructors and students from Dhow Countries Music Academy of Stone Town, kicked off its set with some delightful instrumentals that were soothing to the soul. A perfect start to the beautiful sunny day.

There was not much dancing in the first segment, which was dominated by vocals and skillful strumming of stringed instruments, such as the violin and double bass, amongst many others.

The next segment of their set, during which they broke into their traditional kidumbak groove, saw the group turning on the fire and got the audience into party mode as they played some up-tempo tracks and showed off their dance skills, much to the delight of the audience.

Our Zanzibar friends will be back in action on Friday 1 May/Golden Pilsener Day/Lay’s Global Stage/11AM.

You’ve got to be there!

#HIFA2015 TweetsKelvin Mutize @ArkofWorship: #impmusic was a brilliant set up, how music is adapting to digitalization.. @hifa_Official #HIFA2015 #HIFA

Shelter Kwaramba @shelterafrica1: #HIFA2015 Watching Gran’mah at HIFA! Raggae Fusion band from Mozambique! Singing Raggae me feel alive!

Peggie Shangwa @PShangwa: Wow, listening to @TehnDiamond talk about Music and digital conferencing. Deep stuff, goes further than words and is practical. #HIFA2015.

Debbie Peters @dnpeters: I’m enjoying this awesome weather for #HIFA2015. Not too cold, not too warm!

Tatenda C @1Tate: I don’t know who these guys are at First Street but they’re quite good #HIFA2015

Joe Black @joeblackzw: People at #HIFA2015 are starting to show signs of wear and tear ... faces becoming more zombie-like

Take A Walk With Me @barbrabreeze: Great music at Aloha meets Ubuntu @hifa_Official Lays Global stage #HIFA2015

Nyarie Charidza @Nyarie_n: Shem, first time @hifa ever. And so am doing everyday allday #HIFA2015. Looooving it.

Tsitsi @Tsifly: Africa’s got talent!! Amazing show... #probeats #stringsnbeats #hifa2015

Stephanie T @TCKPonders: I actually feel overwhelmed at the amount of awesome in store for this weekend at #HIFA2015, shame