The NACZ February 2025 Newsletter Issue 6
Point Black is pleased to present the February 2025 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
I am delighted to reflect on the remarkable progress we have made as a sector in the last month and to share our vision for the year ahead. The team had all hands-on deck, putting together all the pieces that create a memorable NAMA. The event is National Arts Council of Zimbabwe’s flagship program, and we do our best to make sure it serves the sector right. The month of February comes with a lot of planning, though the results will be evident in the months to come. The groundwork for the Culture Month has already started and we are excited to launching a film grant as a follow up to the Zimbabwe Film Strategy which was launched last year. The government has pledged support for projects that include film studios and arts and culture centers. Because of that commitment, we are poised to unlock new opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs.
As we embark on this exciting journey, I urge all stakeholders to join hands and work together to realize the full potential of the arts sector. Let us continue to celebrate our diversity, tell our stories, and use art as a tool for positive change.Thank you to everyone who has supported the National Arts Council and the creative sector. Your dedication and passion are the driving forces behind our success. Together, we can make 2025 a landmark year for the arts in Zimbabwe.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Board, Management and Staff extend their warmest congratulations to Honorable Dr Kirsty Coventry, The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, on her historic appointment as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This remarkable achievement is a testament to your unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and outstanding contributions to the world of sport and beyond.
As a celebrated Olympian and a passionate advocate for the development of sport and the arts, you have consistently demonstrated excellence, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting communities. Your appointment to this prestigious global role not only brings pride to Zimbabwe but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, artists, and leaders across the nation.We are confident that your visionary leadership will continue to foster unity, inclusivity, and innovation within the Olympic movement and beyond. Your success is a shining example of how dedication and hard work can elevate individuals to the highest levels of global influence. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe stands ready to support your endeavors and looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of your leadership on the international stage.
Makorokoto mwana wevhu, amhlophe Mongameli wezemidlalo.
NAMA
NACZ Director, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi at the NAMA Nominees Reception
On the 12th of February, the full list of NAMA nominees was announced through a virtual ceremony published on the NAMA youtube and Facebook pages. This was followed by a NAMA press conference hosted by NationalArts council of Zimbabwe in partnership with Jacaranda Culture Media Corporation on the 19th of February. The Major sponsors of the NAMA23rd edition, CBZ band and Culture Fund expressed pride in association with the NAMA brand. The month of February ended on a high note as the organization hosted NAMA nominees on Friday 28 February. Heldat Cresta Jameson Hotel, the reception saw nominees receive certificates and featured entertainment by Mary Anibal and MC Nikki. The event was graced by the Acting Chief Director in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Dr Biggie Samwanda and Deputy Director Arts and Culture in the same ministry, Charity Manhuwa, National Arts Council board members, Macus Gora and Hope Masike, National Gallery of Zimbabwe Director, Raphael Chikukwa and other arts gurus and enthusiasts.
Artists at the NAMA Nominees Receptions
Categories & Winners
Outstanding Female Musician - Tamy Moyo
Outstanding Male Musician - Master H
Outstanding Breakthrough Musician - Chillmaster
Outstanding Music Group - The Unveiled
Outstanding Song Kana Ndanyura' - Killer T
Outstanding Album NOP Makoni - Voltz JT
Outstanding Music Video - Nhemamusasa' by Bagga Directed by Leoy V
People's Choice Award - Winky D
Outstanding Artist in the Diaspora - Masimba Hwati (Visual Artist)
Outstanding Female Dancer - Celine Madziva
Outstanding Male Dancer - Tichaona "Hero" Chikara
Outstanding Dance Group/Production - Khaya Arts Productions
Outstanding Choreographer - Future Dube
Outstanding Male Visual Artist - Moffat Takadiwa
Outstanding Female Visual Artist - Portia Zvavahera
Outstanding Upcoming Visual Artist - Kundai Nathan
Outstanding Exhibition - 6th Venice Biennale
Outstanding Poet - Kudakwashe Rice
Outstanding Social Media Skits - Panashe Gurende aka Moojaya
Outstanding Stand-Up Comedian - Mukudzei Majoni aka King Kandoro
Outstanding Actress - Caroline Mashingaidze Zimbizi
Outstanding Actor - Michael Kudakwashe
Outstanding Theatrical Production - The Aftermath
Outstanding Director - Haywire by Everson Ndlovu
Outstanding Playwright - Promise by Leonard Matsa
Outstanding First Published Work - Zagamo the war Within by Ray Mawerera
Outstanding Children's Book - Chimbira nedzimwe ngano by Primrose Dzenga
Outstanding Fiction Book - Weeping Tomato by Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure
Outstanding Non-Fiction Book - Entrepreneurial Success: Insights on Growing
Business in a Fluid Economy by Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula
Outstanding Screen Production (Television) - The DNA Show by Tinashe Mugabe
Outstanding Screen Production (Short film) - Dollar by Tawanda Vombo
Outstanding Screen Production (Full Length film) - Nhoroondo by Vusa Hlatswayo
Promoter of the Year - Event Hulks
Arts Service Award - Prince Edward School
Arts Personality Award - Partson Chimbodza (Chipas Promotions)
Lifetime Achievement Award - Philip Svosve
INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Mash East Province & Harare Province Celebrating International Mother Language Day
NACZ (National Arts Council of Zimbabwe) is celebrated International Mother Language Day! This day, observed annually on February 21st, was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It commemorates the day in 1952 when students in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) demonstrated for the recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of the two national languages of Pakistan.The NACZ provincial structures had different activities on this day and these activities not only celebrated linguistic diversity but also raised awareness about the importance of preserving endangered languages. The Harare Province hosted its annual International Mother Language Day Celebrations on 20 February 2025 at David Livingstone Primary School.
Mashonaland East celebrated linguistic and cultural diversity in style with over 30 writers from various disciplines converging in Marondera. Guest writer, Munashe Dhliwayo, aka Nyanduri Chamapezi, a renowned poet and author, shared his inspiring journey of self-discovery. “I was inspired to be a poet who specializes in my native tongue organically when I was still at school,” Nyanduri revealed. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Midlands office and the Kwayedza Traditional Dance Group also presented a performance in Mkoba, celebrating linguistic diversity through dance.
ZIMBABWEAN CONTENT CREATORS SHINE IN IRAN
Zimbabwean Content Creators in Iran.
3 Zimbabwean content creators visited Iran for a 2 week tour. As part of the Media Exchange and Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Expo, the team engaged with Iranian content creators, sharing ideas, and learning from each other’s experiences. The 3 are part of the Content Creators Association of Zimbabwe (COCAZ). The association has promised more similar engagements where there is culture exchange and exposure of creatives to different environments. The 3 who participated are known in social media circles as Kimnanah, Kuda Rashman and Boss Matsanga.
MANICALAND BASED DAPURAUNANZVA REPRESENTS ZIMBABWE IN INDIA
Dapuraunanzva Performing in India & Crafts from Chimanimani Displayed at Sarajkund India
Zimbabwe was among the 15 African countries that participated at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela festival from 7-23 February in India. The festival showcased extraordinary art, craftsmanship and talent from artisans and artists across India and the world. Zimbabwe was proudly represented by Dapuraunanzva, a traditional performing group from Manicaland Province, as well as two craft artisans Temba Mhlanga and Chipo Muyambo from Chimanimani District, showcasing their crafts including jewelry, mats, hats and bags. Some of the participating countries include, Tanzania, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, South Sudan, Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan.
SASA MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
Panelists at the SASA Mental Health Symposium
The NACZ Harare office partnered with the University of Zimbabwe’s (UZ) Department of Creative Media and Communication to host the SASA Mental Health Symposium on February 6th. The NACZ contributed significantly by suggesting facilitators, including a musician for the discussion panel. Held at the UZ Media Lab from 10 am to 12 pm, the symposium addressed mental health definitions, signs within creatives, and coping strategies. The event drew 35 attendees, including UZ lecturers, medical professionals, creatives, and students.
ELYSIUM MAGNA DANCE THEATRE: BROKEN THEATRICAL DANCE PRODUCTION
Actors on set at JMLT
Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre Hosted the official opening of the “Broken” theatrical dance production on February 12, 2025. The production, which ran for three days, explored Zimbabwean culture and empowered women through self-sufficiency. The opening night, attended by 40 people, demonstrated a positive trend in Harare’s theatre audience growth. The appreciation of theatre in Zimbabwe is now back on a growing trajectory as we have witnessed more people attending plays. Theatre productions are hosted at venues like Theatre in the park and Reps Avondale.
ICH VIRTUAL WORKSHOP - MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE
A two-day online WhatsApp webinar, held on February 17th and 18th, convened over 65 participants to discuss Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Organized by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the NACZ as part of a UNESCO program, the workshop brought together chiefs, government officials, community members, and representatives from various ministries and the Office of the President and Cabinet. Facilitated by ICH experts Chris Timbe and Professor J Mapara, the sessions covered ICH definitions, documentation, preservation, community involvement, intellectual property rights, ethical considerations, and solutions.
THE CREATIVE ECONOMY ON STAR FM
Dancer - Selemani Mponchi aka MaJuice & Digital Expert - Phil Chard
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe is partnering with Star FM for a weekly radio show on arts. The objective of the show is to encourage aspiring artists while equipping the already practicing with the arsenal to transform what others call a passion into a viable business entity. On The Creative Economy this month we had Digital Expert and Founder of Point Black, Mr Phil Chard who was talking about Digital Distribution of Art. Listeners were equipped with knowledge on how to register with online distributors for music and earn from monetizing social media pages.
On the show this month was renowed choreographer who works at Alick Macheso’s Ochestra Mberikwazvo band. Selemani Mponchi, also known as MaJuice is also running a dance academy and training young people on how to become a professional dancer. Christian Hip Hop artist and founder of House of Arts Association, Mr Capser Chigama also shared his journey of how he has grown to become an established artists securing bookings internationally and forging partnerships that allows him to give back to upcoming artists in his community. Tune to the Creative Economy every Wednesday from 11.40-12pm and learn more about art as a thriving business in Zimbabwe.
MUSIC INDUSTRY EDUCATION
ARTIST ACCELERATOR
This month as part of the Artist Accelerator programme we will be sharing information about how creatives and all artists in Zimbabwe can use and understand Youtube’s best practices.
YOUTUBE
YouTube is without question the biggest streaming service on the planet, the second largest search engine in the world, and the biggest streaming platform in Zimbabwe. In conjunction with all the work you are doing to gain visibility on social media and other streaming platforms, any artist trying to reach the masses and gain a large audience needs to understand how to leverage YouTube effectively.
The first question we are often asked is “Can I make money on YouTube?” Our answer is often “Yes, but it's less than you think.” Without getting too much into the weeds of marketing speak, YouTube can earn you revenue but unless you have a massive subscriber base who fall into demographics that advertisers pay a lot to reach, you are not going to be buying a Bentley anytime soon. However what YouTube can and will do is provide a secure level of passive income that should cover the costs of investing in video content and provide you with money
to invest back into your craft or just cover living expenses. It will also give you another route to sell merchandise, tickets and other items that your fans would love to pay for. It's only when you add YouTube revenue to all the other means of income that you can exploit that you can start to really see substantial revenue coming in throughout the year.
Firstly, you need to speak to your distributor about activating monetisation for your YouTube channel and also allowing them to collect revenue not only from your channel but also whenever some over-eager fan or dubious blogger uploads your music without your permission. Your Distributor will also whitelist your channel so you can freely upload your own music to the channel without it getting muted or even worse, getting a copyright strike against your channel. Though it is important that you understand how to do these things yourself, this particular process is best done in conjunction with your distributor. You can however monetise your channel yourself but this is a much lengthier process. You can head to YouTube’s Creator Academy for more information on this process.
If you are working with a distributor that offers label services they may have someone on staff who can help you optimise your YouTube page. If not, here are things you need to do when creating your channel and uploading videos.
How Does Content ID Work?
To put it simply, Content ID is like the Shazam of YouTube. Each unique song has its own digital fingerprint that is catalogued by YouTube. If someone uploads a video that contains music that your Distributor has registered, YouTube will recognise it and notify the uploader that they cannot monetise this video. Youtube will then display ads against that video and then share the revenue from those ads with the copyright holder via the Distributor.
If you see an “Includes copyrighted content” notice on a video you’ve uploaded to your own channel, that means YouTube’s Content ID system has identified some element within the video that is being monetized by the copyright holder. Once your channel is monetised you will see these warnings on your channel when you upload your own music, so don't panic. If you see a red warning that states the video will be muted or that you cannot share it because the copyright holder has blocked this action, then you can panic a little bit and contact your Distributor ASAP.When setting up how you will handle Content ID disputes we would advise you to ensure you can monetise any video that contains your copyrighted work, and you/your distributor can track viewer data to get detailed analytics of where your song/s are gaining popularity. This will be helpful when you are planning a tour or want to approach promoters/festival bookers. Once you have done all this, encourage your fans to use your song in their videos. Find an upstart vlogger and offer to let them use your song in their video intros or even as a bed. This means the more views their videos get the more money you get.
Don't Buy Views
In a highly competitive environment many artists feel that buying views will get them noticed and be their ticket to stardom. Firstly it won’t. Secondly, professionals like myself can easily see when views are being bought. Thirdly, it does not earn you any money because YouTube can see it too. In the long run buying views will cause far more damage than any perceived upside. Also, the all powerful YouTube algorithm rewards you for watch time, aka engaged viewers, not views. You should focus on making content that keeps viewers engaged. That will keep the algorithm monster happy, and a happy monster means your video will start popping onto viewers recommended lists or even better, automated playlists!
Get In Touch with The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe
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