Entertainment / Music
HIFA 2019 cancelled
15 Feb 2019 at 08:41hrs | Views
Harare International Festival of the Arts has announced that it has cancelled its 2019 edition due to the social and economic challenges taking place in the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Festival said, "HIFA confirms the 2019 edition will sadly not take place. Zimbabwe is dealing with many important issues, both social and economic. In this context, HIFA cannot responsibly commit to presenting a feasible and viable event of the same quality –and impact that HIFA is known for this year."
The Harare International Festival of the Arts is one of Africa's largest international arts festivals. Established in 1999 by Manuel Bagorro the festival takes place each year in late April or early May in Harare.
The news was received with sadness by art lovers who always look forward to the festival.
The CEOMagazine said, "HIFA provides employment to many and music relief to Hararians. It provides an opportunity for many types of artists to showcase their work. It's irresponsible to cancel HIFA."
HIFA's cancellation comes after another high profile festival Neverland Zimbabwe cancelled its 2018 edition citing economic challenges in December.
Neverland organisers Hidden Culture were quoted in the media saying they did not want to produce a poor and half-hearted festival explained some of the reasons they simply could not go ahead as planned:
"The shortages of the most basic commodities are a clear indication of the current economic situation Zimbabwe is in right now. An economic climate that is not conducive to a large scale music festival with international artists, massive infrastructure and production.
There are no drinks available to stock our bars. There is no foreign currency being released from banks to pay foreign artists & there is no fuel for our customers to travel to our festival." They said.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Festival said, "HIFA confirms the 2019 edition will sadly not take place. Zimbabwe is dealing with many important issues, both social and economic. In this context, HIFA cannot responsibly commit to presenting a feasible and viable event of the same quality –and impact that HIFA is known for this year."
The Harare International Festival of the Arts is one of Africa's largest international arts festivals. Established in 1999 by Manuel Bagorro the festival takes place each year in late April or early May in Harare.
The news was received with sadness by art lovers who always look forward to the festival.
The CEOMagazine said, "HIFA provides employment to many and music relief to Hararians. It provides an opportunity for many types of artists to showcase their work. It's irresponsible to cancel HIFA."
Neverland organisers Hidden Culture were quoted in the media saying they did not want to produce a poor and half-hearted festival explained some of the reasons they simply could not go ahead as planned:
"The shortages of the most basic commodities are a clear indication of the current economic situation Zimbabwe is in right now. An economic climate that is not conducive to a large scale music festival with international artists, massive infrastructure and production.
There are no drinks available to stock our bars. There is no foreign currency being released from banks to pay foreign artists & there is no fuel for our customers to travel to our festival." They said.
Source - Byo24News
