Despite the downturn of everything Zimbabwe right now, Lit Fest Harare is looking pretty damn good! Even their look and feel has taken on a new form, ditching the old school and clasping some much-appreciated funk-appeal because let’s face it our reading culture NEEDS it.
The theme this year is Nature & Words, only one world and as has been customary for five years; the fest will sprout around Harare’s creative spaces. Theatre in the Park by night B2C, First Floor Gallery and Prince Edward School by day. The programme is a mash-up of academia, Mental Health and green-consciousness conversations.
Here are our favourite picks from what looks like an interesting Lit Fest Harare 2019.
Official Opening featuring Dereck Mpofu & Mono Mukundu| Wed 27 Nov /// 2000hrs – Theatre in the Park
Not only does Dereck Mpofu prefer to be referred to as Mr Green Ambassador Sir. He literally is a Green Activist with remarkable live vocal capabilities. Flanked by the legendary Producer and Artist Mono Mukundu, it’s hard to believe this opening night has a Pay what you want cover charge. Should make a good start to the theme of the festival.
How Oliver Mtukudzi’s Music AddressesNature & Environmental Issues | Thurs 28 Nov \\\ 1215hrs – The Nexus B2C
How did the late Oliver Mtukudzi turn taboo Social Commentary issues into soluble entertainment?
Mental Health Matters & the Creatives | Thurs 28 Nov \\\ 1500hrs – The Nexus B2C
Need we say more?
Keynote Address by Ignatius Mabasa | Thurs 28 Nov \\\ 1600hrs – The Nexus B2C
Who better to delve into matters of Traditional oral History and Literature in the 21st Century than Zimbabwean chiShona linguist and storyteller; Ignatius Mabasa?
Writer’s MasterClass with Nkateko Masinga | Sat 30 Nov \\\ 1000hrs – Theatre in the Park
Nkateko Masinga is not only a South African Writer and a Poet. She’s also a TEDx Speaker, World Economic Forum Global Shaper and 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow.
Now write that!
Literary Quiz | 30 Nov \\\ 1730 hrs – Theatre in the Park
Literature buffs can put their money where their mouth is in a test of pure bran. Who will emerge as Harare’s Literature Quiz Champion?
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