LOCAL arts group Simba Arts Trust (SAT) has been invited to represent Zimbabwe at the third edition of the Bergen Afro Arts Festival in Norway and Op Roakeldais Warffum festival in Amsterdam, Netherlands in May.
By Moses Mugugunyeki
The group, which focuses on dance, music, spoken word, literary arts, paintings and soccer, recently registered as a non-governmental organisation in Zimbabwe.
SAT manager Rabison Shumba confirmed receiving the invitation but appealed for funding to cover flights, visa application, and insurance costs.
“We were invited to represent Zimbabwe at the third edition of Bergen Afro Arts Festival in Norway and at the Op Roakeldais Warffum festival in Amsterdam, Netherlands,” Shumba said.
“There are 12 Simba Arts Trust members who are travelling to Europe, including afro-jazz musician and actor Victor Kunonga, who is the guest artist and mentor.
“We are currently looking for sponsors from individuals, companies and embassies. We also wish to partner with those who want to reach the European markets in Norway, Netherlands as well as the countries we will pass through during this tour.”
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Shumba said the group, which is a brain child of Norway-based Bergen Afro Arts Festival founder Simbarashe Norman Fulukia, will be in Europe for the better part of May and June.
“We are supposed to be in Bømlo from June 9 to 15 for pre-festival work on Shinga, a contemporary dance creation by Fulukia in collaboration with Bømlo Kulturskule and Mophato Dance Theatre of Botswana,” he said.
“From June 16 to 19 we will be in Bergen, which is the second largest city in Norway. The following day we will bid farewell to Norway heading to Amsterdam where we will represent Zimbabwe up to June 27.”
Simba Arts Trust is a member of the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe and apart from dance, music, spoken word, literary arts and paintings, the group focuses on soccer and other activities meant to help youths.
“Initiatives of this nature bring entertainment while creating employment for the youths in marginalised communities like Hatcliffe. Our aim is to help young people to solve their own challenges,” Shumba said.
He said such a tour would go a long way in bridging cultural gaps between Zimbabwe and countries they would have visited.
“A tour of this magnitude is a great opportunity to learn and have experience of performing to huge audiences while spreading our message of Ubuntu,” Shumba said.
“There is satisfaction that comes with representing your own country showcasing what we as a people are endowed with through arts. We therefore see ourselves as Zimbabwean ambassadors spreading positive information to dispel any negativity concerning our country.”
