Come explore the African Marketplace, with a wonderful assortment of African art, clothing, crafts, musical instruments, CDs, and DVDs available for purchase. The Marketplace also provides an opportunity to learn about and support nonprofit organizations that are working with the people of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. Your purchases from these nonprofits will benefit many lives in Southern Africa.
| Marketplace Hours | |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday, August 8 |
| 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday, August 9 |
| 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday, August 10 |
The centrally-located CWU Student Union & Recreation Center (SURC) will be headquarters for Zimfest 2025, and the outdoor stage and African Marketplace will be located in a grassy, shaded area outside the northeast corner of the SURC.
Lisa Carlson is the 2025 Zimfest Marketplace Coordinator.
2025 Vendor Applications are open. The application deadline is July 17th.
Zimfest 2022 Marketplace – photo by Larry Israel (click to expand)
Zimfest 2023 Marketplace Vendors
Ancient Ways
Ancient Ways preserves indigenous people’s ancient life-giving traditions through collaborative and sustainable practices, with a 2023 focus on: 1) operating our own preschool, 2) offering health & well-being services for maturing girls (MMC) including music/sports/counseling, and 3) building/repairing wells. We are selling crafts from Zimbabwe, donated African merchandise, African rocks, CDs and t-shirts, while providing information about the villages in Zimbabwe where we sponsor Nhimbe for Progress. Info: ancient-ways.org
Even Ground / Thembanathi
Thembanathi’s goal is to provide funding for early childhood education and development programs, while strengthening families and building communities, in an area of rural South Africa devastated by the HIV epidemic and the long standing effects of racial segregation, poverty, and unemployment. Thembanathi will be selling beaded jewelry from South Africa. Info: thembanathi.org
Haus of HLNE
I will be selling handmade African jewelry, apparel, bags. Info:
Humwe
Humwe’s mission is to preserve traditional Zimbabwean music and culture for future generations. We provide free music, singing and dance classes, pay for school tuition, provide free meals and we host a free multi-day youth camp for underserved children in rural Mhondoro. Info: humwe.org
Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center
Kutsinhira’s mission is: 1) Teaching and sharing the music of Zimbabwe by providing classes, workshops, performances and lectures; 2) Providing humanitarian relief to disadvantaged communities in Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe Community Development Project; and 3) Providing music and cultural arts instruction to its local and extended community by hosting teachers from Zimbabwe through its artist-in-residence program. Kutsinhira will be selling t-shirts and hoodies, Zimbabwean artist CDs, Zimbabwean and South African handcrafts, lightly used Zimbabwean and African clothing. Info: kutsinhira.org
Mambira Foundation
The Mambira Foundation is selling African crafts and clothes, including a raffle of quilt and a few other things. All proceeds go to development projects in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, at the Mzilikazi Youth Center. Info: mambira.org
Marimbaworks
Marimbaworks will be selling a complete line of marimba mallets designed for Zimbabwean-style marimba play, a large selection of hand-crafted hosho of various sizes and timbre. The durable, versatile and economical Mini Soprano available in all standard tunings and configurations for a two-octave practice instrument. Info: marimbaworks.com
Munothando Designs
Munothando Designs will be selling African clothing, t-shirts, handmade jewelry, accessories and personalized gifts/crafts. Info: munothandodesigns.com
Sandals on My Feet
Sandals on My Feet will be selling a variety of outfits, hats, wrappers, sandals, baskets, umbrellas, headties, dashikis, bubas, jewelries, drums and more from Nigeria and Ghana. Info:
Tariro
Tariro will be tabling together with Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center. Stop by the Kutsinhira booth to learn more about Tariro’s work, sign our mailing list, or make a donation. Tariro will also offer a variety of arts and crafts from Zimbabwe, including items made by our students. Info: tariro.org
Zimfest Booth
As always, this year’s tee shirts *with the new addition of hoodies* and a limited supply of posters will be on sale at the Zimfest Booth, along with previous years’ merchandise at reduced prices. 2023 Booth Coordinator is Kyra Skaggs. Info:
Zimfest Virtual Marketplace
Can’t wait for the next festival? Visit the Zimfest Virtual Marketplace page to shop year-round for instruments and other wares from Zimbabwean and related vendors.
