Entertainment Reporter
HARARE — The Let Them Festival has officially announced the return of its annual youth arts showcase, marking its 14th edition set for July 24 and 25 at the Harare City Sports Centre under the state-aligned theme, “Our Roots, Our Pride.”
Running under a banner that aligns with the cultural preservation goals of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the two-day event gathers Early Childhood Development (ECD), primary, and secondary schools to compete across seven artistic disciplines: music, dance, fashion, visual arts, theatre, poetry, and public speaking.
Multi-award-winning Zimbabwean singer Ammara Brown has been named the official Guest of Honor for Saturday’s proceedings, while organizers have kept the identity of Friday’s VIP guest under wraps for a prospective unveiling in the coming days.
”We are thrilled to have Ammara Brown visit us as Guest of Honor and experience the incredible talent that our schools have to offer,” said
Festival Director Chido Musasiwa-Gutu. “Ammara exemplifies what it means to be proud of our roots. Having an artist of her caliber interact with the youngsters will radically alter their perceptions of what is possible. Following the enormous success of last year’s event, which drew over 32 schools, this 14th edition provides an even larger platform for students to discover professional career paths in the creative economy while aligning with the cultural preservation goals of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).”
A key element of this year’s musical competition is a special tribute to the late Afro-jazz icon Bob Nyabinde, popularly known as “The Headmaster.”
To honor his contribution to national heritage, all participating musical acts will be required to perform at least one of Nyabinde’s classic songs during their 10-minute live sets. The late musician’s son is scheduled to attend the ceremony in honor of his father’s legacy.
The festival builds on the inclusive momentum of its 2025 edition, which highlighted performances from regional institutions alongside special needs centers, including the Vimbainashe Learning Institute and Tinokwirira Special School. Industry professionals will serve as adjudicators to provide formal critiques for the young competitors.
Entry for the public is pegged at $1 USD at the gate, while participating school registration fees have been set at $20 USD to assist with administration and awards.
Organizers are currently appealing to corporate and civic partners for further financial and in-kind support. Founded in 2010, the Let Them Trust initiative continues to utilize artistic expression as an educational medium to address youth-centric issues, including mental health, child protection, and sexual reproductive health rights.
