FOUNDER of the popular Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) Manuel Bagorro will this year re-assume the role of artistic director of the six-day festival.
Bagorro, who was HIFA’s artistic director since its inception in 1999, took a breather in 2013 giving the reigns to Gavin Peter.
“Bagorro is coming in to fill for Gavin Peter who has relocated to South Africa for family reasons,” said HIFA’s head of media and community liaison, Tafadzwa Simba.
Peter, during his brief stint at HIFA, failed to surpass the 2012 edition which was more of an African and Zimbabwean affair after producing a more Western festival.
The 2012 edition was hailed a success as the Zimbabwean culture and tradition were made the centre of the show.
These changes were a result of criticism mostly from local artistes that felt left out in the arts bonanza.
As the founder and artistic director of the festival, Bagorro had faced criticism of sidelining the indigenous artistes even in remuneration compared to international performers.
Last year, about 900 locals performed instead of the expected 1 200.
One hopes that the coming back of Bagorro will result in more locals taking part in the arts fiesta.
The festival though promoting the arts has in the past been lambasted for promoting Western values and practices that go against ubuntu/hunhu.
Meanwhile, HIFA has a new chairman of the board of trustees after George Mutendadzamera is said to have relocated to South Africa.
Former Harare Mayor, Muchadei Masunda who described himself as a ‘placid and very quiet person’ takes over.
This year, the festival runs under the theme ‘Switch on’.
Simba said the theme reflects the massive potential in Zimbabwe.
HIFA encompasses disciplines such as theatre, music, fine art and poetry.
It kicks off on April 29 to May 4 2014.