Organisers of the Youth Cultural Arts Festival (Yocaf) say preparations are at an advanced stage for the annual festival pencilled for July 31 to August 3 at Masvingo Civic Centre.
REPORT BY SILENCE CHARUMBIRA
Entering its third edition this year, Yocaf becomes one of the most successful youth festivals in the country.
Artistic director of the festival, Leeroy Gono said the host city is preparing for the jamboree.
“The ancient city of Masvingo being the host city is at full throttle preparing for the fete.
The fever has gripped the city as word is abuzz and there is a general feeling of expectation and excitement,” said Gono.
“It’s Time [this year’s theme] is the word going around the suburbs of Masvingo and from as far afield as Bikita, Gutu, Chiredzi, the young people are raring to go”.
The theme, according to Gono, was influenced by the young people’s desire to make their own decision on matters affecting them.
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“It has been a feeling among the youth that they want their time; they no longer want decisions being made for them. They want to contribute to their development as well as their communities,” he said.
“Since its launch, the festival has been instrumental in bringing young people together and giving them a voice that is uniquely their own and a voice that resonates with their being,” he said.
One of the participants of the festival, Happias Msinde said: “It is a brilliant theme that provokes the artists to unleash their potential. It’s now or never!”
Gono said this year response has more than doubled as they have received over 38 entries from high schools, more than 30 music groups, and 18 professional theatre productions.
“The unfortunate thing is we can only accommodate 12 high schools, three musical groups and three professional productions because of budgetary constraints,” he said.
“The youths have kept us on our toes with their expectations for this year’s festival and we are pleased that this year we have exciting acts lined up.”
He said for the first time this year they would have a cultural day where on the day everyone will wear traditional attire of their different cultures.
Part of the traditional package will be the food as well as the crowning of the King and Queen of the festival judging by the attire who will reign till next year.
