The story is one that many Zimbabweans will be familiar with- a family torn apart emotionally and spiritually by the tough economic conditions in the country finally ends up physically separated as mother and daughter go off to the UK while father and son are left to contend with the daily challenges of pre-GNU (Government of National Unity) Zimbabwe.

Having seen Alick Macheso perform live many times before, I did not expect anything new at his HIFA show, but I went because I wanted to do this story- and I’m glad I did. The King of Sungura did things to and with his guitar that reaffirmed his status as thus.

I am starting to suspect that if you can make Zimbabweans get up and dance you will win their hearts. Sara Tavares did that last night at the HIFA main stage and had the packed venue screaming for more when her hour-and-a-bit long performance ended.

A leading UK publisher Ellah Wakatama Allfrey is in Zimbabwe to give a series of writing workshops during the Harare International Festival of the Arts. Ellah is senior editor at Jonathan Cape which is a member of the Random House Group and edits an impressive list of authors that includes Ian McEwan, Biyi Bandele, Segun Afolabi and Dinaw Mengestu.

Seven years ago, in 2002, a 21 year old Zimbabwean man from Kwekwe and his friend made their way to Beitbridge border post with a plan to get across it by any means necessary to escape the political and economic chaos of their country. In the end they walked over 200km, swam across the Limpopo River and went through numerous challenges to get into South Africa. One of them died. For the first time ever, the survivor of this ordeal is in Zimbabwe to tell his story. His performance at HIFA yesterday brought tears to the eyes of many.

A young girl is on her way from the shops in Mbare National. She is carrying two loaves of bread and hurrying home when she hears a tuba play. This is followed by loud cheers and this prompts her to change her course. Before long she is at Peter Claver Catholic Church listening to the sound of German Gypsy-funk band, La Brass Banda, along with scores of other young people.