FESTIVAL DETAILS FOR 2026

• All pieces to be performed must be either own compositions or any African song

• All registrations must be done 30min before the class commences. (Register the song name, composer and collect your ballot numbers before performances). 

• Every participant must be properly and smartly dressed. (Costumes that are too much revealing are discouraged). We encourage wearing of costumes/African attire in this festival though its optional.

• All musical pieces (Small Ensembles) must be of length between 2.30-3.00 minutes long. 2.00-2.30min for solos only & 1.30-2.30min for all ECDs - Grade 3 performances.

• All late entries are not entertained unless if the school communicates on time and a penalty will be charged. (Once the class has ended, no school/participant will be allowed to perform).

• Only one drum (Ngoma, Conga or Djembe) is allowed as an accompanying instrument for marimba ensembles (Two drums are allowed when being played by one person). For ensembles, accompanying instruments are only limited to only 3 African traditional instruments. (shakers, clappers and Ngoma, Conga/Djembe).

• The Mixed Ensemble for ECD & Grade 1-3 must have at least 3 types of instruments played by students with a Maximum of 16 participants. (Marimba, Mbira, Vocals, Shakers, Drums, Triangles etc.) Only 1 (adult) accompanist is allowed, and minimum assistance is permitted where necessary. Not more than 6 marimba pieces are allowed in this section. 

• Junior School section includes students from ECDs - Grade 3, Grade 4 up-to Grade 7, then High School section (Form 1-6 duets, trios & ensembles), (for solos, form 1-3 & 4-6), Open Section (Includes universities, polytechnics, colleges and Professional bands, non-schooling individuals.) 

• All videos must be captured from a fixed point close to the instrument with a minimum resolution of at least 1920x1080(HD) or better. All participants must fit into the video frame, and it should be clear (For virtual entries).

• Participants flouting festival rules will be disqualified. (e.g. cheating, submitting a video that does not follow the stated parameters OR have been used elsewhere).

• All pieces to be performed must be either own compositions or any African song.

• Medleys must have not more than two pieces and the majority of the piece must be one song. (Solos may do at most 3 songs in on piece)

• You can only enter a maximum of two ensemble entries per category.

• An institution can only register not more than 3 entries in the same category or age group, across all classes in the festival.

• Each marimba band/ensemble must have at least four players (on marimba) or at most 8 (on marimba) and a maximum of 12 participants including drums, shakers and dancers. 

• Every participant must be properly dressed. (Costumes that are too much revealing are discouraged). 

• All musical pieces (Ensembles) must be of length between 2.30-3.00 minutes long. 2.00-2.30min for solos only.

• Traditional category for marimba is compulsory for all registered marimba ensembles. The marimba ensemble registration fee covers for both Traditional and Contemporary category.

• Only a drum (Ngoma, Conga or Djembe) is allowed as an accompanying instrument for marimba ensembles (Two drums are allowed when being played by one person).

• For ensembles, accompanying instruments are only limited to only 3 African traditional instruments. (shakers, clappers and Ngoma, Conga/Djembe).

• A drum set may be included only in contemporary ensembles. NB. All accompanying instruments must have a volume lower than that of the main instruments.

• All pieces to be performed must be either own compositions or any song from Africa except for Special Entries.

• Medleys must have not more than two pieces. (The majority of the piece must be one song)

• All African indigenous songs in the vocal section should be in African languages. You are allowed to mix with English or any other non-African language as long as the piece/song is from Africa (for solos, duets, trios & ensembles).

• An institution is only allowed a maximum of two small ensemble entries in the vocal class.

• Vocal ensembles must have 4 to 12 participants.

• Only one accompanying instrument is allowed for solos, duets, trios and vocal ensembles. Accompanying keyboards/piano must be in piano voice/mode no layering, effects or use of dual voices is allowed.

• Special Category: Vocal Ensembles (All participants must sing any song/s by the Guest Artist (TBA) & refer to the general rules for vocals arrangement etc).

• NB. All accompanying instruments must have a volume lower than that of the singer/s.

• Junior Schools section includes students from ECDs, Grade 4 to 7. High School section (Form 1-6 duets, trios & ensembles), (for solos, form 1-3 & 4-6), Open Section (Includes universities, polytechnics, colleges and Professional bands, non-schooling individuals.)

• List of allowed accompanying instruments; Piano/Keyboard, Guitar, Mbira, African Drum Shakers, Marimba or any African traditional Instrument. 

• New categories in the vocal section Dancehall & Hip Hop (Solos, Duets & Trios). In these categories, all participants must perform songs with lyrics on good things and values from their country. To ensure uniformity and a high-quality experience, we will provide riddims/instrumentals for use in this section.

• Following our recent festival workshop, we are excited to introduce new categories in the vocal section Dancehall & Hip Hop (Solos, Duets & Trios). In these categories, all participants must perform songs that align with our 2025 festival theme: Resonance of Mental Wellness: A Festival Journey to Mental Harmony
  Tagline: Find your rhythm, heal your mind. To ensure uniformity and a high-quality experience, we will provide riddims/instrumentals for use in this section.

 Choirs

•  All pieces to be performed in the choir contemporary category must be any song done by Jah Prayzah for Junior Schools and Oliver Mtukudzi Senior Schools and the same (Oliver Mtukudzi) applies for Universities/Open Institutions with at least 4 distinctive parts (e.g. Soprano, Alton, Tenor & Bass) distinct vocal lines, then for Junior Schools with at least 3 distinctive parts (e.g. Soprano, Alto & Tenor) distinct vocal lines.

• Medleys must have not more than two pieces. (The majority of the piece must be one song and from the same artist)

• All Choir performances must be of length between 3-5min max.

• An institution is only allowed to enter once in this section. 

• Junior schools section includes students from grade 4 up-to grade 7, then High School section (Form 1 to 6), Open Section (Includes universities, polytechnics, colleges and Professional bands, non-schooling individuals.)

• Participants flouting festival rules will be disqualified. (e.g. cheating, (Virtual) submitting a video that does not follow the stated parameters)

• All African Choirs may only have at most three accompanying instruments.

• The choir must have a minimum of 20 People and a maximum of 50 people (Excluding the accompanists). All accompanists or choir directors are not allowed to sing with the participants during their presentation. 

• List of allowed accompanying instruments; Piano/Keyboard, Guitar, Mbira, Shakers or Marimba. 

• NB. All accompanying instruments must have a volume lower than that of the singer/s.

• All pieces to be performed must be either own compositions or any African song.

• Medleys are not allowed in this section. Mbira players are encouraged to play clear and distinct rhythms or melodies from one musical piece. 

• You can only enter a maximum of two ensemble entries per category.

• Each mbira group/ensemble must have at least four players (on mbira) and at most 6 (on Mbira) with a maximum of 12 participants including drums, shakers and dancers. 

• Every participant must be properly dressed. (Costumes that are too much revealing are discouraged). 

• You are strongly encouraged to use a Nyunga-nyunga mbira in this section. (With an exception of the Open Class)

• NB. All accompanying instruments must have a volume lower than that of the main instruments. (See general rules.)

• Dancers may only use songs from Africa for their dance routines (medleys are allowed).

• An institution is only allowed a maximum of two ensemble entries per category.

• Dance ensembles must have a range of 4 to 10 participants.

• Every participant must be properly dressed. (Costumes that are too much revealing are discouraged). 

• All participants are encouraged to utilize the center stage more for perfect video capturing. 

• All instrumentals must be submitted 40min before the class to the festival Dj or MC in a folder written your school's name, group or participant's. 

Public Speaking, Speech & Poetry – 2026 Festival

This section of the festival provides a platform for participants to express their thoughts, emotions, experiences, and convictions through the powerful medium of spoken expression. Through structured speeches, persuasive public speaking, and poetic performance, this category celebrates communication, creativity, and storytelling as tools for awareness and change.

Aligned with the 2026 festival theme, “Through Creative Arts, Every Story Finds Its Voice,” these categories aim to highlight untold stories, address issues of concern in society, and encourage open dialogue through artistic expression. Participants are invited to explore themes such as identity, social responsibility, youth challenges, cultural heritage, personal experiences, and community values.

Through Public Speaking, students present researched and well-structured ideas designed to inform, inspire, and influence positive action. The Speech category allows participants to deliver purposeful addresses on selected topics, while the Poetry section celebrates both original compositions and selected works that creatively reflect the festival theme and lived experiences.

These categories go beyond performance; they are about being heard. They give voice to silent narratives, amplify important messages, and allow cultural and emotional stories to be shared authentically. Participation is open to all age groups, from ECD to senior students and professional performers.

Participants are encouraged to draw from their personal journeys, cultural backgrounds, and societal observations. Each presentation should demonstrate clarity, creativity, respect, and strong connection to the festival’s purpose: using creative arts to unite communities, preserve culture, and ensure that every story finds its voice.

IMPROMPTU SPEECH 

Impromptu Speech Guidelines – 2026 Festival

In this section, participants are required to prepare broadly on the topics listed below. On the day of the festival, topics will be placed in a drawing box, and each participant will randomly select one. They must then deliver an impromptu speech based on the topic they pick.

Participants are encouraged to research, reflect, and prepare examples, stories, or arguments that allow them to speak confidently and creatively. The focus is on clarity, originality, and connection to the festival theme:

“Through Creative Arts, Every Story Finds Its Voice.”

Impromptu Speech Topics – 2026 Festival

1. The role of creative arts in shaping modern education

2. How technology can amplify student voices and creativity

3. Using music, dance, and art to navigate dynamic societal changes

4. Empowering young people to tell their stories in a digital age

5. Creative expression as a tool to address challenges in schools and communities

Note for Schools:

• Encourage students to explore personal experiences, cultural perspectives, and societal issues in their preparation.

• Each speech should demonstrate clarity, creativity, and alignment with the festival’s purpose: empowering voices, celebrating culture, and addressing issues affecting our communities.

PREPARED SPEECH 

Prepared Speech Instruction

Description:
Participants will deliver a speech that they have written and prepared in advance. The speech should demonstrate clarity of thought, effective structure, creativity, and confident delivery. Speeches can be on topics provided by the festival or chosen by the participant, depending on the guidelines.

Instructions for Participants:

1. Duration: Speeches should last between 2–3 minutes.

2. Delivery: Speeches should be delivered from memory or using minimal notes. Gestures, voice modulation, and eye contact are encouraged.

3. Originality: Content must be original; plagiarism will result in disqualification.

4. Evaluation Criteria: Speeches will be judged on content, clarity, articulation, organization, delivery, creativity, and audience engagement.

5. Topics: Participants may select from the provided list of topics or submit their own for approval.
   1. The importance of speaking up about the problems we are facing
   2. Social media’s impact on mental wellness
   3.  Self-care is not selfish
   4. How music improves our mood and health
   5.  The role of music and art in emotional healing
   6. Why mental health should be a school priority

GUIDED POETRY 

Guided Poetry Guidelines:

In this section, participants are required to present any original poem from the Giamari Festival Organizers. The poem may be recited, read, or performed from memory, and should be delivered with clear articulation, appropriate expression, and strong stage presence. Participants will be judged on their interpretation, creativity, emotional connection, and ability to engage the audience. Props and movements may be used if they enhance the overall performance, but they should not distract from the poem’s message. 

UNGUIDED POETRY 

Freestyle Poetry Guidelines

In this section, participants are required to present an original poem of their own or a piece by a known poet, as long as it aligns with the festival theme or Pasichigare/Old time stories & lifestyle. The poem may be recited, read, or performed from memory, in any language.

Performances should demonstrate: Clear articulation, Appropriate expression, Strong stage presence

Participants will also be ranked on: Relevance to the theme, Interpretation and creativity, Emotional connection, Audience engagement

Props and movement are allowed if they support the presenter's message, however, they must not distract from the performance.

🚫 Note: Vulgar language or politically inclined content is strictly prohibited & must be age appropriate.)