Byo fest in search of talent

ORGANISERS of the Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF) have said they have started scouting for talent in different parts of the country ahead of the main event.

This year’s edition of the festival will run from June 2 to 5 in line with the COVID-19 safety regulations.

In a statement, the festival organisers said live COVID-19-compliant physical performances in the City of Kings by its artists would be complemented by virtual performances by artists from other cities and towns.

“In the countdown to Bulawayo Day on June 1, Bulawayo Arts Festival team has been out and about on a talent-scouting tour to some of Zimbabwe’s cities and towns like Plumtree, Gwanda, Mutare, Gweru and Victoria Falls,” the statement read in part.

“The inclusion of this raw talent alongside rainbow of urban music, dance, theatre, comedy, poetry, visual arts, photography and fashion will grow the festival in diversity and provide audience with a fascinating and authentic menu.”

The organisers said it was a tough decision to host the event in this COVID-19 pandemic era.

“Bulawayo Arts Festival and artists have pulled through an extraordinary year with strong resilience and continued creativity, as is expected of them, to present a vibrant performance of the arts in the face of the seemingly never-ending pandemic.”

Plumtree, Gwanda, Mutare, Murewa, Harare, Kwekwe, Hwange and Victoria Falls will partake in the festival whose line up of performers is expected to be released this week.