Zita ranyorwa pasi paNyangani High School grounds. The first edition was a success.
During the daytime program, the turnout was almost zero. This was largely because people in Nyanga are still learning to support local events such as poetry, theater and drama, spoken word, sculpture, painting, and drawing. The low turnout during the day prompted to cancel the invitation of guests and the Guests of Honour DDC.
From 0900hrs to 1600hrs, the event seemed impossible to continue. However, by the time of the final act, the Nyamukondeza Band, James Chawarika Chisvipa and the Hwesa Brothers, Potifa Mopo & Zinawa, PBT wekuMakumako, Tadoka and the Weekend Boys, Badman, SkyRyder, Geeman, Mkiks, Nyanga Prince, and the Saunyama Group turned the event into the Yasu/Yathu festival as planned.
As the first event of its kind to bring together local, Nyanga-born talent, the organizers — Be The Impact Media Trust — had no words but to say: “It’s the first, and the experience.” With over 1,000 people in attendance, it was a great start toward promoting and appreciating art, heritage, and cultural activities in Nyanga.
Nyanga town still has much to appreciate in terms of art, heritage, and culture from local people, but it often supports artists from outside Nyanga instead. The Yasu/Yathu Arts Festival gained valuable experience from its first edition.
Local businesses benefited during the final music performances, including motorbike operators, bars, restaurants, and others.
Our thanks to all partners, especially the Nyanga Rural District Council, the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, NetOne, and ZimSmart Villages, Yesha Security Services, Peacro Digital Services, Nyangani High School, Zuvarabuda Primary School and Nyangani Community Radio Station for making the first edition of the Yasu/Yathu Arts Festival a success.
The Yasu/Yathu Arts Festival was a success despite the low turnout during the daytime program. Next year in 2027, Be The Impact Media Trust will host Yasu/Yathu in Hwesa, Katerere.
Yasu/Yathu Arts Festival 2026 images.
