HIFA was kicked off with the opening performance “Treasure”. The opening act concerned the issues of the natural resources found in the country, and was fairly critical to how it is distributed today (read review here).
The Blk Jks performing at the main stage . Photo: HIFAThe rest of the week was filled with amazing performances from all around the world, from the funky and groovy act of Bibi Tanga and the Selenites from France, through the gypsy inspired jazz band Slavic Soul party from the USA, through the soul voice of Nigerian-German Nneka, and finally the edgy experimental rock band Blk Jks (pronunced Black Jacks) from South Africa they all mixed in with the natural vibe of Zimbabwe.
Norway has been a generous contributor of HIFA for many years and the cultural collaborations the festival enjoys. This year Norwegians took part of different aspects of the festival, through collaborations and performances. Sonic Slam Chorus is a poetry/song/music mash up put together by Norwegian, Zimbabwean and Botswanian artists. In addition the contemporary dance piece See-Me performed. Culture is a vibrant tool for development, dialogue and togetherness, and an important gate way for Norway in Zimbabwe.
This year, HIFA added a new aspect to the festival through a street parade from the Union Square to Harare Gardens, where the festivals main location is. The street parade was lead by the Zimbabwean Brass Band together with the Slavic Soul Party band, taking HIFA to the streets of Harare.
The Slavic Soul Party band in collaboration with Zimbabwe Brass Band on the streets of Harare. Photo: HIFAThe Umoja project, meaning togetherness, ended the week of the festival with a high-energy performance with a Norwegian-South African-Mosambiquan-Zimbabwean fusion of joy. Umoja, a cultural flying carpet works for peace and development through cultural collaboration across countries and societies.
HIFA is all about coming together from all corners of the world, and learning from music areas and regions artists are not used to. The Dutch “indie Brit pop” band Moke was the last big act at the 2011 festival and in true HIFA spirit ended the festival in an energising show with the Zimbabwean singer and mbira player Chiwoniso Maraire, underlining what HIFA is all about – togetherness through arts.
Umoja participants. Photo: HIFA