Comedy Meets Poetry to Curtain-Raise Bulawayo Arts Festival

29 May 2025

By Andile Vundla

The Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF 25) is set to open on Friday, with a unique Comedy Meets Poetry Night. This dual-genre event will headline the festival’s opening acts, promising an evening of laughter and lyrical expression.

Running until June 7th, the festival will be held under the theme “Celebrating Royalty.”

Speaking to SkyzMetro FM, BCC Arts, Culture and Heritage officer Nomashawekazi Damasane, stated that this year’s festival emphasizes inclusivity, blending entertainment with educational experiences.

“This year, we are not just showcasing performances — we are celebrating the people. Those who lift the name of Bulawayo through their work, passion, and talent. That’s why our theme is “Celebrating Royalty,” stated Damasane .

The first weekend of BAF 25 is packed with activities for all ages. Saturday, May 31st, will see a Family Fun Fair from 10:00 at the City Hall Car Park, followed by the Kasi to Kasi Talent Search Final at 15:00 at the Amphitheatre. The weekend concludes on Sunday, June 1st, with a Gospel Concert at 15:00 at Large City Hall.

A significant highlight of the festival will be the Bulawayo Day Commemoration on Monday, June 2nd, commencing at 10:00. This event, featuring a parade, entertainment, and a pop-up exhibition, will take place at City Hall and Bulawayo Art Gallery.

The mid-week program offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Tuesday, June 3rd, features an Imbube Night at 18:00 at Small City Hall and the Bulawayo Culture Month Launch at 18:00 at Lobengula Hall. Workshops are also a key part of BAF 25, with an Inxwala Performance Lecture Workshop scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th, at 10:00 at Stanely Hall, and a Poetry in Motion (Sec Schools) event at 10:00 at Small City Hall on the same day. Later on June 4th, Indandanda – Music and Theatre Production (Asante Mo) will be presented at 18:00 at Stanely Square.

Workshops continue into Thursday, June 5th, with a Funda-Dala Workshop at 10:00 at Thabiso Youth Center. In the evening, the Imbokodo Concert will take place at 18:00 at Large City Hall. Theatre enthusiasts can look forward to the Iph’intombi – Theatre Production running from June 5th to 7th at 18:00 at the Bulawayo Theatre. A HipHop/Kwaito Music Workshop is also scheduled for June 5th and 6th at 18:00 at Stanley Square.

The festival’s final weekend promises to be equally vibrant. An Amakhosi Night is slated for Thursday, June 6th, at 6pm at Large City Hall. The festival concludes on Friday, June 7th, with a Youth Concert at 10:00 at Nkulumane, and a Rhumba/Tshibilika Concert at 15:00 at the City Hall Car Park. Adding to the closing day’s events, a Word-Up (Poetry Show) will take place at 12:00 at Small City Hall.