The NACZ November 2024 Newsletter Issue 03
Point Black is pleased to present the November 2024 edition of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe newsletter. The amazing team at the NACZ prepared this newsletter, which Point Black edited and designed.
Read and download the new edition below:
DiRECTOR’S Welcome Remarks
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Director Mr Napoleon Nyanhi
Dear friends and supporters of Zimbabwean art, as the leaves turn golden and the days grow longer we find ourselves in the midst of a vibrant summer season. Here at National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, we’re thrilled to report that our calendar is bursting with exciting events and performances that showcase the best of our creative community. In this November edition of our newsletter, we’re delighted to share with you the latest news, updates, and opportunities from the world of arts and culture. From key highlights on what to expect on our prestigious National Arts Merit Awards to thought-provoking exhibitions, and from community engagement initiatives to innovative partnerships, we’re proud to be at the forefront of promoting and supporting the arts in our region. Grab your favorite cool beverage, settle in, and join us on this journey through the vibrant landscape of our local arts scene. We’re honoured to have you along for the ride!.
NAMA 23 SUBMISSIONS
Submissions closed on 30 November 2024, and adjudication has started. We received well over 1700 entries, and the task of choosing nominees will not be an easy one. NAMA will be held in Harare on 1 March 2025. Running under the theme of Afrofuturism, we are looking forward to celebrating the future of Zimbabwean art in style.
Fashion Sector Roundtable
On the 26th of November, the NACZ hosted fashion stakeholders for a consultative meeting about the fashion art business in Zimbabwe. 12 fashion houses and associations were represented in an interesting engagement that provoked promising ideas that can contribute to the improvement of the sector as an art business.
Dress by Ivhu Tribe
NAMA SPONSORS APPRECIATION DINNER
The standard of the prestigious National Art Merit Awards has been rising from year to year, thanks to the events managers at JCMC and our proud sponsors for making it happen. As the month came to an end, an appreciation dinner was held for the NAMA sponsors, where certificates were handed over to the bronze, silver and gold categories of sponsors. Sponsorship packages for the upcoming edition were presented, it is indeed going to be an exciting event as the NAMA begins a new chapter.
CBZ Holdings receive Silver Sponsorship Certificate Traffic and Safety Council Received Bronze Sponsorship Certificate
ZIMBABWE FILM STRATEGY 2025-2030 LAUNCHED
Deputy Minister MoSRAC , Hon Emily Jesaya
Wednesday, 20 November 2024, marked the official launch of the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030. Speaking at the colourful event at Golden Conifer, the guest of honour, acting Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, represented by the Deputy Minister, Honourable Emily Jesaya, assured the sector that the government is committed to transforming the industry, it plays a critical role in telling our true Zimbabwean Story. The local film industry has so much potential, and the beauty and uniqueness of our craft have been witnessed over the years where some local productions have produced global stars who are making it big, landing some roles in international productions. Please visit our website and download the Zimbabwe Film Strategy to stay abreast of the plans and upcoming developments in film.
MoSRAC Permanent Secretary Mr Nicholas Moyo, ZBC Acting CEO Mr Charles Munganasa & Seasoned Film Maker Joe Njagu, NACZ Board Chair, Dr Nozipo.
ARTS AND CULTURE GETS SPECIALRECOGNITION IN THE 2025 NATIONAL BUDGET
Prof Mthuli Ncube Minister of Finance & Economic Development and Investment Promotion In Zimbabawe
The 2025 National Budget has come with exciting news for the Cultural & Creative Industries. There is an allocated budget support for the construction of the National Culture Village and Conference Centre Kanyemba Arts and Culture Centre, among other community arts and culture spaces. The government has also recognised the potential of the local film industry, hence the need to revitalise it. There is going to be an introduction of tax incentives for film. Resources will be allocated to the establishment and equipping of public film studios in Harare and Bulawayo to identify natural talent among the youth. This is a good sign of the government’s commitment and confidence in our arts and culture industry. The budgetary support can go a long way in creating a sustainable arts and culture industry.
CURTAINS CLOSE ON CHIBUKU ROAD TO FAME 2024
Matebeleland North Afro-fusion outfit Kweseka Band went home smiling after winning the National title of the 2024 Chibuku Road To Fame grand finale at Glamis Arena in Harare on Saturday, 9 November. The group also won a cash prize and a recording contract with a stable of their choice following the triumph.
Mrs Barbara Gotore, NACZ introduces the Management from NACZ and Delta Sorghum Beer Business (Chibuku) and Investment Promotion in Zimbabwe, CRTF winners get emotional as they receive their prizes, Winners of the 2024 CRTF Finals.
The event took place from 10 am to 11 pm, and the groups from Zimbabwe’s ten provinces displayed exceptional talent. The day featured entertainment from Freeman HKD, Feli Nandi, Master H, the Chillspot family and 911 Band, who were the previous winners of the Chibuku Road to Fame National Finals.
The winners:
First Place - Kweseka from Mat North Province
Second Place - Boom Jazz from Mash West Province
Third Place - Music2Music from Bulawayo Province
SAKHILE DUBE SHINES IN MEXICO
Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Sakhile Dube
Miss Universe Zimbabwe Sakhile Dube proudly concluded her journey in the top 30 at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico. During the tightly contested pageant, she managed to steal the show with her national dress titled “Soaring Eagle”. The costume represented the majesty of Zimbabwean heritage, with the bodice representing a Fish Eagle and the silhouette representing the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The eagle is a symbol of the Hungwe totem - the people widely believed to be the first inhabitants of Zimbabwe. Sakhile explained that it is a reflection of the country’s unparalleled beauty, resilience and forward-looking spirit. The unique dress was designed by Ivhu Tribe.
2024 LITERATURE FESTIVAL ROARS INTO LIFE
LitFest 2024
This year, the 11th edition of the LitFest Harare International Literature Festival ran from 27-30 November 2024 to celebrate the power of storytelling and its profound impact on people’s lives and communities. The festival ran under the theme, Stories: The Measure of Life. The main venues for the festival were Nhaka Gallery and Alliance Francaise in Harare’s central business district, with Harare City Library hosting the schools’ workshop. The festival attracted participation from several countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Sweden, the UK, and the USA.
INTWASA ARTS FESTIVAL koBULAWAYO
Intwasa Festival Dance Perfomance
The Intwasa Arts Festival was held koBulawayo on 27th November, engaging local communities by expanding beyond the usual Central Business District venues to include areas like Mzilikazi, Nkulumane, and Cowdray Park, bringing arts and cultural opportunities directly to the people. Over the years, Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo has brought renewed energy to Bulawayo’s cultural and artistic scene through workshops, live performances, discussions, book launches, exhibitions, and various competitions.
ZIMBABWE HOSTS AFRICAN UNION SPORTS COUNCIL (AUSC) REGION 5 CULTURE NIGHT
It was an awesome experience of the vibrant spirit of unity, and cultural diversity showcased at the Cultural Night Festival during the AUSC Region 5 meetings hosted by Zimbabwe from the 5th-15th of November 2024. Hosted at the Heritage and Culture Village, the event was scintillated by the colourful performances, traditional dances and artistic expressions that celebrated the rich heritage of Southern Africa.
Deputy Minister, Hon Jesaya delivers a speech.
CREATIVES PURSUE EDUCATION
The arts and culture sector has always suffered the stereotype of being followed by people who have failed everything else in life. It is, however, encouraging that local creatives are being conferred with University Degrees as they further their knowledge in the craft. This November, some of our established art practitioners graduated, and we celebrate them.
Albert Nyathi, Matesu Dube, Jonah Moyo Graduations
Albert Nyathi graduated from MSU with a Master of Philosophy Degree in the Faculty of Social Sciences -Department of Music, Musicology and Technology. Matesu Dube, the Umkhati Theatre Works Director, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honors Degree in Film, Television and Media Studies. He was studying at Lupane State University. Jonah Moyo was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (Creative and Performing Arts) Honorary degree at the Great Zimbabwe University.
NACZ GEARED UP FOR 2025
NACZ Staff During the Strategy Review Workshop
Failing to plan is planning to fail. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe held its Strategic planning workshop from 14 November to 17 November 2024 at the Jameson Hotel in Harare. The workshop intended to bring out the important aspects to be considered as critical activities to be done in 2025. The Council exists to serve the creative sector, and continuous improvement of the Council’s services to the sector is our key priority. Be ready to witness new innovations around our engagement with the stakeholders as the year progresses.
A HERO OF THE ARTS HAS FALLEN - REMEMBERING PATHISA NYATHI
Pathisa Nyathi
As we wind up the December Newsletter, we remember with sad fondness the life of a legendary pillar of Arts, Education and Zimbabwean Heritage, Pathisa Nyathi, who died at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo on Saturday, 2 November. He will always be remembered for his great contribution to writing, publishing and arts administration. He was an art, heritage and culture protagonist who was very unapologetic about his Afrocentric views and perspectives. He served remarkably as a board member of the NACZ from 1999 to 2001, and he was honoured by NAMA as one of the 40 Legends who made a significant difference in our arts and culture landscape since 1980. Pathisa Nyathi was buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo.
May His Dearly Departed Soul Rest in Peace.
REMEMBERING SIHLANGU DLODLO
Sihlangu Dhlodhlo
The Nation mourned the loss of Sihlangu Dhlodhlo. The legend was laid to rest on the 2nd of November 2024 after a mourning service held at Brethren in Christ Church-Lady Stanley Cemetery-Mahatshula in Bulawayo. Notable officials who attended were the Minister of State for the province of Bulawayo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President, Highlanders Executive, NACZ PAM and Senior artists and football legends.
May His Dearly Departed Soul Rest in Peace.
REMEMBERING JOHN INDI
John Indi
The Sector also mourns the loss of John Indi. He was a Zimbabwean actor known for his roles in A Far Off Place, Mandela, and Incident at Victoria Falls. He died on 13 November 2024 at the age of 71.
May His Dearly Departed Soul Rest in Peace.
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