Africa Rising: A Voice for the New World

The Festival of Song Zimbabwe (FOS), in collaboration with the National gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo , is proud to present one of its most ambitious and culturally significant productions yet:

Set to take place on 23 May 2026 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, the concert arrives just ahead of Africa Day celebrations and promises an unforgettable artistic experience rooted in African identity, unity, and hope.

More than a concert, Africa Rising is a statement — a bold artistic reflection on Africa’s place in a changing world.

A Celebration of African Identity Through Music

At a time when global conversations continue to shape questions around culture, belonging, and humanity, Africa Rising seeks to amplify the African voice through the emotional and unifying power of choral music. The production blends:

African choral traditions
Contemporary musical storytelling
Cultural symbolism
Artistic collaboration
Community engagement

Through carefully curated performances, the event aims to present Africa not merely as a continent of history, but as a continent of innovation, creativity, resilience, and future possibility.

Featuring the Bulawayo Choristers

Headlining the concert are the acclaimed Bulawayo Choristers, whose powerful harmonies and emotionally rich performances have earned them admiration within Zimbabwe’s choral music community.

Known for their discipline, artistry, and dynamic stage presence, the choir is preparing a repertoire that reflects African pride

Recent rehearsal previews released online have already generated excitement among audiences, offering glimpses of the powerful musical experience awaiting concertgoers.

The act will be supported by the award winning Acquillah K, iHawulesizwe and Universal Melodies.

The National Gallery as Cultural Space

Hosting the event at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo carries symbolic significance.

The partnership between the Festival of Song Zimbabwe and the National Gallery continues to redefine how artistic spaces can be activated beyond traditional exhibitions, transforming the gallery into a living cultural environment where music, visual art, storytelling and public engagement intersect.

This collaboration also reflects a growing movement toward interdisciplinary arts programming in Zimbabwe.

Building a Premium Cultural Experience

The Festival of Song Zimbabwe has increasingly positioned itself beyond the framework of a traditional choir competition.

Following successful productions such as:

Carmen: A Journey Through the Faces of Love
ZACMA Opera Festival collaborations
Festival of Song national editions

FOS is steadily establishing a reputation for creating premium cultural experiences capable of attracting audiences, corporate partners, tourism stakeholders and media institutions. Africa Rising continues that vision.

Why Africa Rising Matters

Zimbabwe’s creative sector continues to demonstrate enormous potential despite economic and infrastructural challenges.

Events such as Africa Rising contribute toward:

supporting local artists,
preserving African musical heritage,
creating performance opportunities,
strengthening cultural tourism,
and fostering community through the arts.

Importantly, the concert also represents a broader belief that African stories deserve world-class presentation and investment.

Looking Ahead

As Festival of Song Zimbabwe continues expanding its national and cultural footprint, Africa Rising marks another important chapter in the organization’s evolution.

The concert forms part of a larger calendar of productions leading toward the highly anticipated Festival of Song Zimbabwe 5th Edition.

Together, these productions signal the emergence of a bold and increasingly influential cultural movement within Zimbabwe’s arts landscape.

Event Information