#WorldPressFreedomDay Where does Zimbabwe stand.

Today is World Press Freedom Day, a day set aside to advocate for freedom of press around the world. This is a much cherished cause in the face of increased restricted media around the world. According to the Freedom House report, restrictions on freedom of press has increased with 65 countries (32%) without freedom of press and 71 countries (36%) Partly free. You can view the rating map HERE.

 Zimbabwe is among the restricted countries according to the  2014 report from Freedom house, clearly indicating our status as "not free" . Our freedom rating is placed at 5.5 (1 being free and 7 being restricted). You can view the report now.

 Many have taken to social media to express the lack of freedom of press in Zimbabwe. Below is one picture from daily news that stands out!

Most media outlets are state owned and restrict many journalists from reporting their truth that is, facts that inform the public and do not mislead them. Some tweets are of Zimbabweans praising the few journalists that continue to work to bring the truth to the public despite the conditions they face.

 It is clear that there is still alot to be done to improve freedom of press in Zimbabwe.Journalists have an obligation to the public to report the truth and that obligation cannot be taken away. Hopefully this will improve in the near future.

HIFA OPENING SHOW

The opening Show for the Harare International Festival of Arts was epic to say the least and this was evident by the massive turnout at the show.

Mokoomba group showed a lively energy and had the audience hyped and feeling the music. You could not help but dance and join in on the fun.

The  dance group’s  danced the night away and left the crowd in awe with their unique moves.

Accordionist Magda played some beautiful sounds that had everyone singing along. 

The show closed with breathtaking fireworks that left the crowd anticipating for more.

There is a lot more to come in the next few days of ART that ARTICULATES  and this opening show defiantly set the tone for a successful festival!

HIFA (Harare International Arts Festival) Starts Today!!

Art That Articulates

Harare international festival of ARTS is a 6 day annual festival held in Harare Zimbabwe. The festival founded by Manuel Bagorro, is recognized as one of the biggest in AFRICA! There is always a big hype about the festival not just in Harare but the world over, uniting cultures and races through ART. This year the festival is running under the theme ARTICULATE, with an array of international, local and regional performances giving a voice of expression through art. It’s a mixture of dance, music, theatre, fashion, visual art and much more.

The festival starts today with other acts showcasing throughout the day. YOU CAN ACCESS THEIR PROGRAMME  HERE or visit their website.

The biggest and most anticipated has to be the opening show that is on later tonight.

The opening show has the talented Zimbabwean based afro-fusion group Mokoomba as the main act. Mokoomba is a Victoria Falls (city in Zimbabwe) based group that has made a lasting impression not just locally but internationally as well. Their energetic performance is sure to wow the stage tonight.  Mukoomba will be joined by other acts that include, New York City vocalist and accordionist Magda, opera star Erich Oskar Huetta, Tumbuka, AfriKera Dance Ensemble, National ballet, Tap dancer Jessie Sawyers, cast of Tangram, and many other artists that I can’t wait to see.

263isme will be there at the opening show and other HIFA shows, can't wait to share it all with you :).