Source:The Herald A festival to celebrate womanhood is scheduled for November 23 at the Alliance Française in Harare.
Dubbed "Women's Arts Festival", the cultural extravaganza will be the first of its kind as it seeks to put women artistes at the forefront.
"This is a festival where women are going to dominate and lead the process. The festival is also dedicated to strengthening the capacity of women artistes to advocate for the needs and rights of women affected by violence.
"It also seeks to engage decision-making and opinion makers to work together to address pressing issues to women's security as well as mobilising women and men to be active change agents in their communities advocating for social justice and defending human rights," Nyaradzo Nhongonhema, one of the organisers, said.
She said the festival was based on cultural and creative expression as a means to foster lasting social change.
Performing at the festival will be the likes of Tererai Mugwadi, Selmor Mtukudzi, Diana Samkange and Pah Chihera.
Other singers who are yet to confirm include Eve Kawadza, Cynthia Mare as well as Pauline Gundidza.
Those who have been yearning to watch Pa Chihera live on stage will be pleased that she is part of the bill.
Riding high with her chart-topping hit "Runonzi Rudo" which unfortunately was turned down by some radio stations in the country, Pah Chihera is proving to be a favourite of many.
The simplicity of the video did not in any way compromise the quality as it was shot in the Harare Gardens. However, there was great camera work and script which worked magic on the video.
Another diva who has been around for long is Tererai whose soulful voice has won her the hearts of many.
Tererai does not try too much but she effortlessly delivers good music using her sultry voice be it on hooks or choruses.
On the other hand, Diana, the former 2BG lead singer, is building a firm fan base ever since she started playing the mbira as well as using a live band. Fans enjoy her act on stage as she knows how to please her crowd.
Also expected to spice up the line-up will be Selmor, who has gone solo with the release of the album "Expressions". Selmor is largely inspired by her mother whom she describes as "a pillar of strength".
On "Expressions" she dedicated the track "Amai" to her mother.
Selmor says she draws a lot of strength from her mother as she always encourages her to hold on to her dreams and never give up. Hard work and consistency are the words that are always preached to her by her mother.
Selmor has been in the music industry for over 10 years.
As a child she wanted to be a singer but she had to wait for the right time.
On her latest 12-track afro-jazz album, the mother of three and wife to fellow musician Tendai Manatsa talks about her childhood. She also spews bile about growing up in a broken family on such songs such as "Amai", "Ndinochengetwa naMwari" and "Rudo Hwayi".
