B-Metro
Langalakhe Mabena
MULTI-award-winning Victoria Falls based poet Obert Dube has been invited to take part in Tanzania’s Saudi Za Busara festival which is set to take place in Stone Town, Zanzibar from 10 to 12 February.
The theme for the 20th edition is Tofauti Zetu, Utajiri Wetu which loosely translates to diversity is our strength.
Celebrating live music and poetry from across Africa and beyond, the festival’s spotlight will shine on female artistes including young and emerging talents.
Zimbabwe’s Obert Dube, who was crowned the 2022 Outstanding Poet at the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RoilBAA), will share the stage with Tiken Jah Fakoly (Côte d’Ivoire), Asia Madani (Sudan), Naxx Bitota (DRC / Canada), Sana Cissokho (Senegal), Atse Tewodros Project (Ethiopia/Italy) as well as Majestad Negra (Puerto Rico).
RoilBAA gong
The host nation Tanzania will be represented by Damian Soul, Mzee Wa Bwax, Patricia Hillary, Culture Musical Club, Zan Ubuntu, Zawose Reunion, Uwaridi Female Band, Kaloubadya, Zenji Boy Na Wenzake, Waungwana Band, aserenade s well as Kikundi Cha Idara Ya Utamaduni.
Dube is excited to be part of this year’s Saudi Za Busara festivities.
Obert Dube
“I am very happy to be invited to a big event in Tanzania where I have been given many different tasks to do pertaining my craft.
“The organisers of the festival have been following my work to see what I am capable of doing and I am happy to be representing Zimbabwe on such a huge platform.
“On my trip to Tanzania I don’t have anything to hide. I will go there wearing Amabhetshu (traditional gear) because that’s my identity and I want to show the world what kind of people we are as a nation.
“Organisers of the festival asked me to recite my poem “Mama Afrika” which talks about Africa and the life of its natives. This will be my first piece as I perform on stage and I promise to deliver more cultural exciting ballads,” said Dube.
