BIRMINGHAM, UK — Renowned Zimbabwean poet, musician and cultural ambassador Albert Nyathi has been added to the line-up for the Mbira UK Festival 2026, organisers have confirmed.
The announcement comes as festival organisers also revealed that the Magnet Centre in Birmingham will once again host the annual cultural event on Saturday, September 5, following the success of last year’s festival at the same venue.
Nyathi, one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated cultural figures, joins a growing list of performers expected to take part in what has become one of the United Kingdom’s leading celebrations of Zimbabwean arts and culture.
The Mbira UK Festival attracts audiences from across Britain and beyond, bringing together musicians, poets, dancers, storytellers and artists to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage while promoting intercultural exchange.
Festival Director Jenny Murefu said preparations for the event were progressing well and organisers were looking forward to welcoming visitors from different communities.
“We are excited to welcome Albert Nyathi to the 2026 festival. Preparations are moving steadily, and we have a hardworking team working tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver another memorable event,” she said.
“We look forward to welcoming returning supporters and first-time visitors to celebrate Zimbabwean culture together.”
Nyathi’s inclusion is expected to boost interest in the festival, given his reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s leading poets and performers. Over the years, he has built an international profile through his poetry, music and cultural advocacy work.
The festival will feature mbira musicians, singers, poets, dancers and other cultural performers, offering audiences a full day of entertainment and cultural experiences.
Organisers said ticket sales had already begun and demand for the event was growing. Standard admission tickets have been priced at £30, while children aged 10 years and under will be admitted free of charge. Group discounts are also available.
Businesses, organisations and entrepreneurs have also been invited to participate through exhibition stalls and sponsorship opportunities.
Festival organisers acknowledged Diaspora Insurance among the sponsors supporting the 2026 edition of the event.
The Mbira UK Festival has steadily grown in recent years, becoming an important platform for promoting Zimbabwean culture within the diaspora and introducing wider audiences to traditional music, dance, poetry and art.
Organisers have encouraged members of the public to secure their tickets early as sales continue to gather momentum ahead of the September event.