Once again we are looking forward to welcoming you all to Makokoba, the oldest township with the newest ideas and indeed to the Ibumba International Festival 2009. The festival will be 16-days of first class music, dance and theatre performances in this historic township. The major aim of this festival has always been to bring people together, to create a meeting place of all cultures, all arts and of course all people.

In 2008 Ibumba festival was christened Ibumba International festival. Structures that meet international standards were set so that the festival meets the targeted international flare and standards. According to the media; and those who attended; “the festival provided a yard stick for most of the local festivals to learn from”. With the experience and lessons learnt in the year 2008; year 2009 is set to be bigger, better & bolder. Sixteen days of theatre; dance; poetry and music have been set aside from the 8th to the 22nd of December 2009. The number of Festival days has been increased this year as a result of the 20th Anniversary of the founding of Siyaya Arts Productions. During this coming festival; the audience is set to once again enjoy watching most of Siyaya’s shows produced since 1989

Ibumba festival is presented and hosted by Siyaya Arts from funds raised through performances. The festival is supported by Sabela Music Projects (Ltd) and the recently formed Friends of the Festival.

As we turn a new leaf and take a bigger turn in the growth of Ibumba Festival, we shall not undermine the way Makokoba has been the festival’s permanent backdrop. This wonderful place (an untapped heritage site) provides some of the most inspiring venues. Stanley Hall & Square is where the main programme of the festival will continue to be held. We will obviously spread wings around Bulawayo in the near future but the core activities of Ibumba Festival will continue to be at Stanley Hall and the Square in the heart of Makokoba Township.

We feel immensely honoured to be able to bring our people and artists together this way. Year after year we feel the strongest gratitude to all of you for making this community event so special. This is indeed an exciting year as we continue to introduce the festival into the international fora. The Opportunity to celebrate 20 years in the making marks a noble time in our artistic lives. It gives us the opportunity to look back, reflect and look forward to a worthwhile tomorrow for future Siyaya generations. Our long term view and vision is that Siyaya will survive from perpetual succession and our work will live from generation to generation. .

Thrills and surprises can be expected in this year's festival. Despite the difficult economic situation prevailing in the country, we have doubled our investments and upped our energies to ensure that Ibumba International Festival is a reality. If you see positive things please tell your friends and if you see any negatives, please tell us.

We have had artists from the whole world gracing our Festival. We have seen it fit now for local artists to be afforded a platform that enhances their skill and also exposes their talent to the world. It is our aim and desire that an International Festival be a platform for our local acts to be played out equal as the International acts. It is at this fora that our local artist can get the motivation and encouragement that they so desire and long for, at the same time build a more appreciative audience and there is no better time than when all artists are rubbing shoulders. In the long run we will see our artists developing and therefore improving themselves. Even then the visitors will take home in their hearts; a positive Zimbabwean African culture.

Whatever the fact, we thank you all indeed for being around. I take this time to salute our festival team who work so hard to make this event what it is, not forgetting our many partners, friends, audiences and families who have continually supported Siyaya and the festival over the years. Thank you!