Jibilika 2016 grand finale beckons
By Silence Charumbira
Showbiz Editor
The Plot Mhako run Jibilika Dance Trust will host the nineth edition of the Jibilika Dance Festival on Aufust 26 and 27 in the eastern border city of Mutare.
Mhako told Showbiz Thursday that preparations of the festival were at an advanced stage despite the deficit in finances.
“The festival preparations are at an advanced stage and all is going on well despite a deficit in finances we are determined. 15 dance groups and 40 individual dancers are raring to battle for supremacy next week,” he said.
Mhako said the festival had grown immensely from previous editions from being a one day event to two days as well as inclusion of other elements other than dance.
He said their taking of the grand finale of the festival outside Harare and the increase in number of artistes who talent had benefited from the festival programs was also a signal for growth and said they were now targeting expanding into the region.
“The forecast in the next years is to get regional participation and grow it to other countries in the Sadc area,” Mhako said.
Mhako said it was time that arts programs across the sector connected with the target audience for sustainability instead of reliance on the donor community.
“I think what’s sustainable is to develop programming that connects, builds and involves your target audience, meets their creative needs, innovation and delivering quality. The Zimbabwean is hungry for good creative content as evidenced by successful shows like the recent Kansiime show,” he said.
“We can’t rely on donors forever. Once a donor supports you that should act as a seed, grow it and let it live on its own. Yes the government should step in and create incentives for the sector for example opening platforms for more TV stations will transform the industry for there is a wider market reach, more corporate interest and an opportunity to grow local content and audience.”
The program will run at venues that include Utopia, Queens Hall and Courtauld Dance Studio.
