It’s that time of the year again and the phone has started ringing, reminiscent of the busy days of 1997. It is difficult and so unfamiliar to say, “Sorry we are fully booked already, try Lowe’s Lodging or Heaven Lodge Camp Site”. Of course everybody is looking for those precious dates 21 – 23 May. This is when the annual Chimanimani Arts Festival will take place in the Village.
Sebastian who does the electrics, lights, sound – anything that needs wires really… well he books our cottages annually and it is the one time of the year when we have campers on the lawn in front of the cottages. Everybody is together, one crowd, one party. Nobody is looking for peace and quiet – our usual qualities of privacy, unobtrusive service and comfort. These things are not in demand during Festival time. We may be 1.5km from the Village green where all the performance take place but you can still hear the gorgeous sounds whilst you braai under Msasa Trees at the Frog & Fern.
The Chimanimani Arts Festival is unique in that it invites local artists both famous and as yet unknown onto an open air stage with a natural backdrop of great splendour. As you watch the musicians perform your eyes are continually drawn beyond them to the great Chimanimani Mountain Range and the glitterering quartzite slopes which divide Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Under these great mountains the pounding drums and the feverish dancing evoke the very heart beat of Africa. They stood over this chosen amphitheatre well before the first skin was stretched across a piece of wood and pounded with human hands. This year the festival is expanding and side shows will run in the Chimanimani Hotel (documentaries and movies filmed in Zimbabwe) as well as open microfone sessions in the Blue Moon for anybody who feels like stepping up and performing live. The best newcomer will get to perform on the main stage. A variety of acts ranging from acrobats to singers will be on that stage over the three days. A childrens’ workshop is happening already and an outreach programme continues. On the village green surrounding the main stage there will be stalls for local people to sell their wares as well as educational projects on display from Population Services and HIV Awareness NGO’s. Accommodation is in short supply and at this late stage it is wise to bring a tent. Camping is available at both Heaven Lodge and the Chimanimani Hotel.
In the meantime an autumn chill has set in, clear blue skies and a bite in the air. Still the kikuyu is green and lush and the horses munch happily on the golf course. We continue to find novel ways of managing without regular water, electricity, connectivity, roads. Things are interesting, very interesting. I have just read Rian Malan “My Traitor’s Heart” – fascinating and honest book, try to read if you can. Has he written one since that?
Till next month…