DECOLONISATION OF THE AFRICAN FESTIVALSCAPE:  FESTIVALS FOR WHOM? (CONCEPTUAL PAPER)

Patricia Mumbengegwi; Jacob Mapara; Forbes Kabote

Patricia Mumbengegwi Department of Travel and Recreation, Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), Zimbabwe
Jacob Mapara, Prof. Institute of Lifelong Learning and Development Studies, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe.
Forbes Kabote, Dr Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe

Keywords: Festivalscape, Decoloniality, Afrocentric

Abstract

The African festivalscape has yet to be traversed from the angle of decoloniality, which points to it requiring some ‘unmaking’ and ‘remaking’, to transform it into an entity relatable to its environments. Thus, the lagging behind of the African sphere in festival development may be attributed to a misunderstanding of the ‘African festival’ construct. This is symptomatic of the residue of colonial hangover observed through systems that still personify former colonisers. This conceptual study seeks to advance festival theory development, by offering insights on festival coloniality deterrents and potential opportunities that may accrue from the decolonisation of the African festivalscape.

Author Biographies

Patricia Mumbengegwi, Department of Travel and Recreation, Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), Zimbabwe

Patricia Mumbengegwi is the Head of Department of Travel and Recreation at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in Zimbabwe. Her academic qualifications include a Btech Hons Degree in Hospitality and Tourism and a Master of Science in Tourism Planning and Development. She specialises in Heritage Tourism and her research interests include decoloniality in tourism, festival management and sustainable attractions. One of her recent publications is Women Leadership and Festival Growth in the Zimbabwean Milieu which was presented at the Fifth Chinhoyi University of Technology International Conference in February 2023.

Jacob Mapara, Prof., Institute of Lifelong Learning and Development Studies, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe.

Jacob Mapara is a Professor and UNESCO-certified expert on intangible cultural heritage. He is currently the Director of the Institute of Lifelong Learning and Development Studies at Chinhoyi University of Technology in Zimbabwe. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in African Languages from the University of South Africa. His most recent publication is ‘Tragic Labels, Catastrophic Consequences: Colonial Treachery and the Cameroonian Calamity.’ Which was published in Mavengano, E., Mhute, I. (Eds) Sub-Saharan Political Cultures of Deceit in Language, Literature, and the Media, Volume II. His research interests are varied but include Indigenous Knowledge, onomastics and living heritage.

Forbes Kabote, Dr, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe

Forbes Kabote is a Senior Lecturer at the Chinhoyi University of Technology in Zimbabwe. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science. His research interests are in sustainable development, tourism development. His most recent publication is titled Tourists’ Activities and their Impacts on Chinhoyi Caves Heritage Site, Zimbabwe.