Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
9 July 2009
Algiers — Zimbabwean fine artist Sasa Masimba's works received rave reviews here from the local media after being rated among the best in an exhibition held at the National Modern and Contemporary Art Museum in Algiers.
The installation is part of the on-going three-week Pan African Festival of Algiers whose theme is 'African Culture Renaissance' and it seeks to reinforce the spirit of friendship and unity among the African people as endorsed by the African Union.
All the 53 African countries are participating.
Masimba's mixed media paintings have detail in both colour and texture enhanced by several brush strokes and splashes of either sand or grass his favourite medium.
The pieces, which are untitled standout and those who are exposed to Zimbabwean art will not mistake it for anything else.
His works are mounted alongside other veteran artists including Algeria's Rafik Laggaoune, Halim Zenati; Karim Abduselam, Seydi Pape and Men Pierrot Chan Hong from Madagascar as well as Samuel Nja Kwa of Cameroon to mention a few.
Elsewhere, little known Zimbabwean traditional dance outfit Nyamuzeya put up their first ever international show before an appreciative crowd that was largely French speaking.
The group comprising the middle aged men and women gave a Zimbabwean feel to what appeared to be an Arabic night.
They performed a song called Gushungo in which they displayed a breathtaking traditional dance normally associated with bira performances.
It was amazing to watch the group perform in their colourful attire resembling the national flag and taking pride in their culture.
This was what their act was about -- to celebrate everything that is Zimbabwean.
Nyamuzeya who had earlier missed their first appearance at the parade during the opening of the festival left nothing to chance showcasing their best in song and dance.
Other Zimbabwean groups billed to perform at the festival include Hloseni dance troupe, poet Albert Nyathi, Rute Mbangwa and Jazz Sensation.
The decision to hold the second edition of Panaf was taken by His Excellency President Abdelaziz Bouteflika with the aim of bringing into focus arts and culture in Africa.
The Algerian government also built an 'African Village' at Zeralda Beach near the Mediterranean Sea equipped with facilities to accommodate all the participants.
The first edition of Panaf was held in 1969 during which the late Miriam Makeba was the guest artiste.
This year's festival coincided with Algeria's 47th independence anniversary.
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