There has been much talk about how although HIFA has grown to be an internationally acclaimed festival, it passes by each year hardly noticed by many of the less affluent Harare residents and even less noticed by the rest of the country. The HIFA team has this year taken a step towards addressing that anomaly by planning a set of free lunchtime shows in Harare’s first street.

According to Festival Founder and Artistic Director, Manuel Bagorro, the First Street shows will be held every day during the festival. He was addressing journalists at the first HIFA 2009 press conference which was held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe on Thursday last week (26th March).

There will be more venues this year in what promises a truly kick-you-know-what festival.  Bagorro also announced that for the first time ever both the 7 Arts and REPS theatres will be used as venues as there are so many dance and theatre performances lined up. Another traditional HIFA theatre venue, the Standard Theatre across from the Monomotapa Hotel would also be used again this year. A new stage will be set up for circus performances in the Global Quarter adjacent to the National Gallery.

Numerous corporates, non profit organisations and sixteen embassies have partnered with HIFA to bring in 28 international groups from 27 different countries for the 2009 edition of the festival.

HIFA celebrates its 10th anniversary this year under the theme “Enligh10ment.” Speaking at the same press conference Maria Wilson, Executive Director of HIFA said she wanted to dispel any rumours that the festival was not happening. She said that HIFA 2009 was going to be one of the biggest and the most “miraculous” HIFAs. She acknowledged the role of all the partners and the media in getting HIFA to happen every year against all odds.

Pictures top to Bottom: Manuel Bagorro (HIFA Founder and Artistic Director, Maria Wilson (HIFA Executive Director) and Tafadzwa Simba (HIFA Head of Communications) (FungaiFoto).

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Amanda Muketiwa  - Ms   |2009-04-03 04:51:59 I am very much impressed with good work, trio mentioned above is doing. Keep up the good work. We hope that in the years to come we will see Salif Keita, Ismael Lo, Asa(again), Sali Nyo, Meschelo Ndegocello.I look forward to HIFA every year. I love music. Reply 0   0

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