African Marketplace

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 South Africa. Your purchases from these nonprofits will benefit many lives in Southern Africa.

McNary Hall on the eastern side of the OSU campus will house Zimfest participants and some workshops. All concerts and the marketplace will be held in McNary Field (also known as Lower Campus) across Jefferson Way to the north. The Marketplace will be situated in a grassy area with scattered trees adjacent to the concert stage, allowing people to relax on the lawn while listening to music and shopping. As evening concerts will be held at the outdoor stage this year, vendors may also sell their wares during the Friday and Saturday evening concerts in a first-ever Zimfest Night Market.

We know that vendors will be pleased with the ease of unloading and loading in this location. Secure storage will be available in McNary Hall.

Lisa Carlson is the 2023 Onsite Marketplace Coordinator.

2023 Vendor Applications are open. The application deadline is July 18th.

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:

Tairio

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: