PRESS RELEASE
Zimbabwean Artists Arrive in the UK Ahead of UK Mbira Festival 2026
For Immediate Release
BIRMINGHAM, UK — 3 September 2026
Zimbabwean artists travelling to perform at the UK Mbira Festival 2026 have left Harare and are expected to arrive in London on Thursday morning, ahead of a major celebration of Zimbabwean music, culture and heritage in Birmingham this weekend.
The artists departed Harare last night aboard Air Zimbabwe and, following their arrival in London, will travel to Birmingham where they will spend the next few days preparing for the festival.
A press conference will be held in Birmingham on Friday evening, bringing together the visiting artists, festival organisers and members of the media ahead of Saturday’s main event.
The UK Mbira Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 5 September at the Magnet Centre, Park Approach, Birmingham, B23 7SJ.
Now in its second year, the family-focused festival is expected to attract a larger audience than last year’s event, with the organising team working around the clock to deliver an unforgettable celebration of Zimbabwean culture and traditions through music.
MBIRA AT THE HEART OF THE FESTIVAL
At the centre of the festival is the mbira, one of Zimbabwe’s most important traditional musical instruments, sometimes popularly described as a “thumb piano.”
For generations, the mbira has been an important part of Zimbabwean cultural expression, carrying music, stories, traditions and a connection to heritage. The festival aims to introduce this rich tradition to wider audiences while ensuring that Zimbabweans living in the diaspora, particularly younger generations, remain connected to their cultural roots.
STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP
Headlining this year’s festival are the renowned Mbira Dzenharira, who will be joined by an exciting line-up of Zimbabwean and UK-based performers.
The line-up includes:
🎶 Mbira Dzenharira – Headliners
🎶 Amadhuve Sasha
🎶 Angus Mtizwa
🎶 Culture K
🎶 HD & Blackways
🎶 Mystic Mbira
🎶 Linos Wengara & Dzimbaremabwe Band
🎶 Zee Guveya & Heritage Survival Band
🎶 Tendai Mavengeni
Albert Nyathi
Mary Anibal
The festival’s MC will be Jenny Musonza, popularly known as Aunty Jenny, who will guide audiences through the day’s programme.
A FESTIVAL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The organisers are promising much more than live music.
Visitors can expect an abundance of Zimbabwean food and drinks, cultural experiences, children’s activities, games, entertainment and opportunities for families and friends to come together.
The event is designed to welcome both Zimbabweans and non-Zimbabweans, giving everyone an opportunity to experience Zimbabwean traditions, music, cuisine and hospitality.
The festival team says its vision is to create an environment where culture can be experienced rather than simply remembered.
BUILDING ON LAST YEAR’S SUCCESS
With the festival now entering its second year, organisers are expecting attendance to surpass last year’s numbers.
The growing event reflects the continued demand for cultural festivals that connect diaspora communities with their heritage while opening Zimbabwean culture to wider British and international audiences.
The arrival of the artists from Zimbabwe marks the beginning of an exciting few days leading into Saturday’s festival.
Festival organisers are inviting families, music lovers, cultural enthusiasts and the wider Birmingham community to come and experience the sound of the mbira and celebrate Zimbabwean heritage.
UK MBIRA FESTIVAL 2026
📅 Saturday 5 September 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 10:00pm
📍 Magnet Centre, Park Approach, Birmingham, B23 7SJ
Tickets and further information:
www.mbirafestival.com
Media enquiries:
mbirafestival25@gmail.com
☎ 07426 677734 / 07401 287078
ENDS
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