TibaKalanga Festival

An Annual TIBAKALANGA Event

Our Story

The TiBaKalanga/We Are Kalanga Festival began as a vision sparked during an International Cultural Marketing Workshop in July 2016, held at the TG Silundika Cultural Community Centre in Gala village, southwestern Zimbabwe. Over two inspiring days, more than 200 participants, including villagers from Bulilima District and students from Lupane State University, came together to celebrate and preserve the essence of Kalanga culture.

From this workshop emerged a shared passion to create a vibrant cultural festival that honours Kalanga heritage and unites our community. Today, the TiBaKalanga Festival stands as a testament to our resilience, creativity, and shared identity as Kalanga people.

Join us in this ongoing journey to celebrate the rich tapestry of Kalanga culture. Together, we continue to shape a legacy of unity, pride, and tradition.

🎭 FESTIVAL INFORMATION

The TiBaKalanga/We Are Kalanga Festival, a delightful two-day extravaganza, is more than just an event; it is an embodiment of our cultural heritage, rooted in a remarkable journey that began with an international cultural marketing workshop at the TG Silundika Cultural Community Centre in 2016. Facilitated by a distinguished US Anthropologist, this workshop sowed the seeds of our festival, nurturing the vision of celebrating and preserving the Kalanga culture.

🍂 The Festival Experience

The TiBaKalanga/We Are Kalanga Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly outdoor celebration, offering a diverse range of activities designed to immerse attendees in the beauty of Kalanga culture. This two-day extravaganza promises a rich cultural experience, blending tradition and innovation to create unforgettable memories.

Local Performances: Be captivated by talented local artists, dancers, and storytellers who bring Kalanga traditions to life on stage.

Educational Programmes: Discover the heritage of the Kalanga people through enlightening workshops and presentations, including highlights from the Library Project Team’s year-long initiatives.

Cultural Artefacts and Handicrafts: Explore the artistry of Kalanga craftsmanship with exhibitions showcasing exquisite cultural artefacts and handmade crafts.

Innovative Village Hospitality (VOTEL): Stay overnight in a local village for a unique cultural exchange, fostering connections and economic empowerment.

Empowering the Youth: Support and celebrate schoolchildren as they showcase their talents in competitions and performances alongside local, regional, and international artists.

Vendor Diversity: Enjoy a wide range of products from local vendors while welcoming contributions from participants beyond the community, promoting inclusivity and unity.

Community Impact: The festival uplifts the Gala community and beyond by providing platforms for local farmers, artisans, and craftspeople, supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Infrastructure Development: By attracting regional and national attention, the festival drives infrastructure improvements, including better roads, water supply, and electricity, leaving a lasting positive impact.

Join us at the TiBaKalanga Festival, where culture, community, and creativity come together in a celebration of heritage and unity.

đź’° Investing in Our Community

The success of the TiBaKalanga/We Are Kalanga Festival relies on careful planning and funding. While expenditures are adjusted annually to meet specific needs, key areas include:

Infrastructure Enhancements: Transforming the TG Silundika Cultural Community Centre into a vibrant, welcoming venue for a culturally immersive experience.

Artist and Performer Fees: Supporting exceptional talent with fees and accommodations, ensuring high-quality entertainment.

Marketing and Promotion: Expanding the festival’s reach through promotional materials, advertising, and campaigns to engage a wider audience.

Educational Programmes: Organising enriching workshops and initiatives to raise awareness of Kalanga heritage.

Cultural Artefacts and Handicrafts: Funding local artisans and exhibitions to preserve and showcase Kalanga craftsmanship.

Community Initiatives: Empowering youth, supporting local vendors, and fostering cultural exchange through programmes like Village Hospitality (VOTEL).

Infrastructure Development: Contributing to community improvements such as roads, water, and electricity to leave a lasting impact.

Miscellaneous Expenses: Maintaining flexibility to address unforeseen needs during planning and execution.

We are committed to managing these funds responsibly to deliver a memorable and meaningful festival. Updated financial projections will be shared closer to the event date, reflecting our dedication to transparency and sustainability.

 

đź“Ť Venue & Ticket Information 2025

The 2025 TiBaKalanga/We Are Kalanga Festival is happening on 29th & 30th March 2025 at the TG Silundika Cultural Community Centre in Gala village, southwestern Zimbabwe.

Celebrate with us as we mark the 10th Anniversary of the TG Silundika Cultural Community Centre—a decade of Kalanga culture, unity, and pride!

🎟️ Ticket Info:

Day 1: Free for all! Enjoy vibrant activities open to the community.

Day 2: A ticketed event:
👉 Early Bird: R15 (Adults) & R10 (Children)
👉 Regular: R20 (Adults) & R15 (Children)

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of heritage and community spirit. Grab your tickets early and be part of the excitement!

Festival Highlights

The TiBaKalanga/We Are Kalanga Festival brings a variety of dynamic and inspiring projects to life, showcasing the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Kalanga culture:

The Road to Miss TiBaKalanga – Village Beauty Pageant: Communities surrounding the TG Silundika Cultural Community Centre take part in this lively pageant. Winners earn their place in the grand Miss TiBaKalanga Beauty Pageant, celebrating grace, talent, and cultural pride.

Miss TiBaKalanga Beauty Pageant: This signature event crowns the Queen of TiBaKalanga, who proudly serves as a cultural ambassador for the Kalanga community, promoting unity and heritage on a broader stage.

“Wrap and Run” Race: The 10K race continues to enhance the Bulilima District community experience, promoting health, social cohesion, and friendly competition. With the Senior Walk and Under 12’s Run, there’s an opportunity for everyone to participate.

Kalanga Traditional Food Culinary Competition: A new addition to the festival, this competition highlights the culinary artistry of the Kalanga people, showcasing traditional flavours and techniques in a vibrant celebration of Kalanga cuisine.

Join Our Cultural Journey
The TiBaKalanga/We Are Kalanga Festival is more than a celebration; it’s a transformative experience. It serves as a catalyst for economic advancement within the Kalanga community while fostering cultural exchange that connects us to the world. Through a harmonious blend of tradition and progress, the festival creates a lasting legacy of unity, pride, and prosperity.

Highlights in images

Queen of TiBaKalanga 2023

Queen of TiBaKalanga 2023

Yvonne

1st Princess 2023 (1st Runner Up)

1st Princess 2023 (1st Runner Up)

Prominance

2nd Princess 2023 (2nd Runner Up)

2nd Princess 2023 (2nd Runner Up)

Sikhanyisile

Numbers from the TiBaKalanga Festival

 

Visitors from in & around the district

Beauty Pageant Contestants

Primary & Secondary Schools

Universities attended the festival

local vendors set up stalls selling goods

local/regional & international artists

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