Jibilika Dance Festival is promising a mega-event this year despite facing a multitude of challenges in getting the festival in full throttle. In dedication to achieving ten years of promoting the dance and youth culture, the theme for this year’s festival is #10UP. All this was announced by the organisers at the press conference yesterday as the urban driven movement commences tomorrow in Harare.
In a bid to prop up the rewards for dance battle winners, Jibilika has partnered with Narmer Lite the founder of Battle Rivalskool. This is an international Hip Hop dance competition which is held in France yearly and Zimbabwe will be the first African country to hold a preselection. It is interesting to note that Narmer’s mother is Zimbabwean therefore this might be his way of giving back to his roots. Nevertheless, the partnership has ensured a worthwhile prize for the winner of the final Dance Battle during Jibilika, with the top dancer getting an all expenses-paid-trip to Paris on the 10th of December for the annual Battle Rivalskool.
This years programme is all inclusive and it features a Strictly4Girls workshop which is a Hip Hop conversation for girls only which will touch on all sectors of the Hip Hop movement, a graffiti workshop with seasoned artists which is not to be missed for paint #Enthusiasts and a whole lot of fun activities. The main Highlight of the festival is the 1 vs 1 Freestyle Rivalskool Battle.
One of the most promising events during the festival is the Street Cypher which will be held at one of the iconic pieces of urban architecture Joina City. This cypher will incorporate dance, beat-boxing, rap and general street culture. It’s open to anyone who will make it to Joina between 2pm and 5pm on the opening day of the Festival.
The Jibilika Festival was founded by urban culture activist and promoter Plot Mhako 10 years ago and it culminated in a trust which has been at the forefront of grooming and nurturing dance talent. This year the festival is running on a zero budget but the organisers still promised a good show assuring us that they have partners who they are working with.
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