Women, Wine, and Words is recognized as the only platform at the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo that exclusively features female headliners. With powerful performances centered around themes of feminism, the event attracts a diverse audience, with attendees from all genders welcomed by a glass of wine to set the tone for the day’s festivities.

The event’s name, Women, Wine, and Words, reflects its unique blend of artistic expression and warm atmosphere.

Over the years, the event has featured artists like Novuyo Seagirl, Nobuntu, Zambia’s Petronella Nyirenda, Indigo Williams from the UK, Eve Kawadza, Feli Nandi, Thandy Dhlana, and Tariro NeGitari, to name a few.

This year, headliners aim to merge poetry and music in a shared space, adding a fresh dynamic to the stage. Scheduled for November 29 at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo, the lineup includes award-winning musician and songwriter Vuyo Brown, who is set to deliver a genre-blending performance with elements of Afro-Indie and alternative sounds.

Also headlining is Zarae, who has performed at major festivals and events across Zimbabwe, including Shoko Festival, The Pichani, and Magitare Acoustic Night. Through her music, she aims to share stories about African women and youth.

Another notable performer is Chioniso, widely celebrated as a “weaver of words.” She has previously headlined the Intwasa Poetry Slam in 2018, and her work has been recognized with nominations at the National Arts Merit Awards and the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards for Outstanding Poet.

Adding to the poetry lineup are Um’Africakazi, a Zimbabwean storyteller whose performances delve into African heritage, and Sonkomose, an internationally renowned poet who released her soul-stirring project Sabelo in September this year. Her fans eagerly await her debut of new work at the festival.

Women, Wine, and Words would not be complete without its resident performers, Obabes be Mbube, the acclaimed international acapella group Nobuntu. Known for their Zimbabwean-rooted sound blending gospel and Afro-jazz, Nobuntu’s unique style and dance movements add a vibrant energy to the event. This appearance holds special significance for the group as they close out their 2024 tour in their hometown, Bulawayo—the City of Kings and Queens.

This year, Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo will be celebrated under the theme: ImagineIt #ExperienceIt.