Zimfest- A real community get-together

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LONDON - An estimated 2500 people turned up at this year’s Zimfest which organisers are hailing as a great success despite the last minute change of venue.
Gordon Glyn-Jones, from WEZIMBABWE, said he was impressed by the way people pulled together to help make the festival a success when the venue was changed at the last minute.
He said Zimfest was particularly successful this year because there was a greater mix of people. “We have tried to make the festival more inclusive so we have Zimbabweans of all origins there,” he said. “We had been marketing it further a field and the result was a much better mix which was more inclusive.”
The highlight of the day for many people was the excellent performances from Zimbabwean musicians. Thabani entertained the crowds in the afternoon followed by Henry Olonga who reduced many to tears with his rendition of Our Zimbabwe, as well as singing some of his own songs, out on a new album in October.
Indie rockers Mann Friday lightened the mood and soon had people dancing to some old favourites, as they warmed up for their upcoming trip to Greece, to take part in the grand final of a Battle of the Bands competition. The evening was brought to a fitting close with the unique sound of chimurenga soul from the mellow Netsayi.
Building on the success of Zimfest, WEZIMBABWE is organising a Zimarts event to take place early next year in February or March to showcase the talent of some of Zimbabwe’s finest musicians. – Own Correspondent