All -Festival roars into life in Abu Dhabi
Story by Farai Gwaze
ZIMBABWEAN artists based in the diaspora are set to participate in the All-Africa Festival slated for Abu Dhabi next month.
More than 30 renowned African artists will perform at the festival which will be held from the 2nd to the 4th of next month.
Dubbed the largest African event in the United Arab Emirates, the All-Africa Festival seeks to showcase Afrocentrism at its best on the global stage.
The Organiser, Yvonne Mtenga said, “The All-Africa Festival is taking place in Abu Dhabi from the 2nd to the 4th of February and it’s a celebration of culture and all its vibrant expressions in the UAE. It’s really about music, culture, arts and food. It’s a celebration of the essence of the African continent through its people in the UAE.”
The festival has a list of 35 renowned African artists and DJs, including Zimbabwe’s Shasha.
“Last year we had Gemma Griffiths, this year we have Hillary aka Hills Mat, we have Berita and self-proclaimed queen of amapiano, Shasha. From a DJ setting, we have DJ C-boy also Zimbabwean born and raised living in Dubai who has grown and come out as a personality in that space. We also have Thando Magumise of Ntombi couture who is a cofounder of Africa Fashion Week, and she will be looking after the fashion pillar at the festival,” she added.
A musician, Hillary said, “My name is Hillary also known as Hills Mat born and bred in Gweru and I grew up in Bulawayo. I must say I’m fortunate to be part of the All Africa Festival happening at the Etihad in Abu Dhabi. I’m blessed to be part of this show as it’s an opportunity for my music to reach a global audience.”
The three-day festival attracts over eight thousand people from across the world to experience Africa’s diversity and culture through the continent’s most creative artists.
