It has survived the many challenges of the past decade and forged ahead proudly, demonstrating all the best facets of what makes a Zimbabwean a Zimbabwean – industrious, fun-loving, humorous, serious, generous, welcoming, hospitable, and above all, always ready and able to “make a plan” to find their way around obstacles and challenges. This year the highlight of the festival was Salif Keita. What really impressed us seeing him live was the way in which he hit high notes without struggling or exerting any effort!
Simba Youth Zone – The Youth Zone did not fail on delivering upcoming acts which are always so diverse. Bollywood also debuted at the festival . The B-Boy battle which has become a permanent feature of the Youth Zone and live graffitti. We caught Ammunition a girl group doping their thing as well.
Workshops – We also attended our first workshops this year which included Animation workshop featuring Alex Lindsey of Pixel Corp, USA, Nqobizitha Mlilo and Rufaro Dhliwayo. A graffitti workshop all though we didnt try our hand. There was also a mbira workshop, DJ workshop and an Oragami one as well.
Coca Cola Green – Winky D was the highlight as he performed to a rucous crowd at night. Bkay and Kazz rocked the afternoon show. Macintosh also had a stint and was joined on stage by John Pfumojena. The PE jazz band was also there entertaining the relaxing festival goers.
Around and About – We walked around capturing various shots and we bumped into Sanii Makalima, Leonard Mapfumo at the gallery cafe. We were also surprised to see a stall where you could go and get a palm reading! We also saw Prudence Katomeni, Aura The Poet, Nqobizitha Mlilo, Dud Manhenga, Tariro Wildfire and Prayersoul. And we saw some Harare house wives who were doing belly dances on the Global Quarter Stage.
Spoken Word – For the first time we attended the Spoken Word seesions at the HIVOS Poetry cafe and we really enjoyed it as it included acts from Aura The Poet, Dickson Monroe, Rumbi Katedza, Nqobile Malinga, Chirikure Chirikure and international acts like Yasus Afari (Jamaica), Linda Marlowe (United Kingdom).
Bollywood comes to HIFA
The Youth Zone did not fail on delivering upcoming acts which are always so diverse. This year there was Bollywood, graffitti and the B-Boy battle which has become a permanent feature of the Youth Zone.
Chilling at the Coca Cola Green at HIFA
This year the Coca Cola Green was not as busy but the acts that did perform did not fail to impress. There was Bkay & Kazz, Winky D and Macintosh.
Workshops at HIFA
Each year there are always workshops that are held. We managed to catch a few workshops which included Marimba, Graffitti, and even Origami!
Around the HIFA precinct
Wandering around the HIFA precinct there are many sights to capture and here is a snap shot of some of them.
Spoken Word at HIFA
The HIVOS Poetry Cafe is home to slam poetry and this year featured the likes of Aura The Poet, Dickson Monroe, Rumbi Katedza, Nqobile Malinga, and international acts like Yasus Afari (Jamaica), Linda Marlowe (United Kingdom).
Fireworks at HIFA closing show
Closing act each year sees fireworks launched and brighten up the Harare cityscape.
Outspoken and Trio Broz
Zimbabwean hip hop artist Outspoken and his band The Essence, collaborated with Italian group Trio Broz. Trio Broz is made up of two sisters and a brother.
Moto at HIFA
‘Moto’ means ‘fire’ in Shona. Moto production featured an all star line up of Southern African artisits. Zamboian Born South African rapper Zubz, Comrade Fatso and Chabvondoka, Outspoken from Zimbabwe, and TJ Dema, poet from Botswana. Tina Watyoka was alsobacking vocals with Chabvondoka.
Hope Masike debuts at HIFA
Hope Masike makes her debut at HIFA.
Salif Keita at HIFA
Salif Keita was the headline act of HIFA 2010 and closed the festival on the Telecel Mainstage.
