Story by Patience Nyagato
MORE than 10 Zimbabwean musicians are set to perform at the third edition of the Moto Moto Festival in Germany in July, as the event continues to strengthen cultural ties between Zimbabwe and Europe.
The festival will feature a strong Zimbabwean line-up, including Mbeu, Sylent Nqo, Dereck Mpofu, Mr Brown, Munya Mataruse and Tendai Mavengeni, among others.
Beyond music, the festival will showcase Zimbabwean cuisine, fashion, arts and crafts, offering members of the diaspora and international audiences an opportunity to experience the country’s cultural heritage.
Organisers say this year’s edition is receiving support from the Zimbabwean Embassy in Berlin.
“Events like the Moto Moto Festival are very important because they serve as a bridge between Zimbabwe and Europe. They create opportunities for Zimbabweans in the diaspora, friends of Zimbabwe and other nationalities to experience a taste of Zimbabwe through its food, culture, fashion and music.
“It is cultural diplomacy in action. It is also encouraging to see support from Zimbabweans themselves and from the Zimbabwean government through the Embassy in Berlin. To see initiatives promoting Zimbabwe and taking our artists into the global space receiving such backing is something remarkable,” Event Coordinator Plot Mhako said.
Previous editions of the festival have featured Zimbabwean performers including Feli Nandi, Mokoomba, AWA, Khiwe, Pamuzinda, Mary Anibal, Mwenje Mathole, Nisha Ts and ProBeatz.
As Zimbabwe seeks to expand its presence in the global creative economy, the Moto Moto Festival is increasingly providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talent to international audiences and strengthen the visibility of Zimbabwean culture abroad.
