The NACZ April 2025 Newsletter Issue 8
Point Black is pleased to present the April 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:
Welcome Remarks BY NACZ CEO
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe CEO Mr Napoleon Nyanhi
Dear Esteemed Stakeholders, Artists, and Partners,
A delightful welcome to you on this edition of National Arts Council of Zimbabwe’s newsletter. The month of April held special significance as we celebrated the Independence of Zimbabwe, taking time to reflect on the preservation and promotion of the rich artistic and cultural heritage that defines us as Zimbabweans.
The arts are the soul of our national dynamic force that transcends boundaries, unites communities, and tells the stories of our past, present, and future. As Zimbabwe commemorates its hard-won independence, it is essential to reflect on how this historic milestone transformed the nation’s artistic landscape. The dawn of independence in 1980 did not just mark political freedom, it ignited a cultural renaissance, empowering artists to reclaim their narratives, celebrate their heritage, and challenge societal norms through creative expression.
The post-independence government saw the birth of arts-oriented structures like the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) which was established through an act of parliament in 1985. This year we celebrate 40 years of championing arts development. As you read this publication, enjoy and appreciate the activities that NACZ is doing to ensure a sustainable environment for our creatives to thrive.
NACZ signs MOU with DNm Attorneys
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has partnered with DNM Attorneys to provide Zimbabwean artists with crucial legal support, including contract negotiation, IP rights protection, and dispute resolution. This alliance was formally sealed on Thursday April 24th 2025 at NACZ Boardroom and aims to combat exploitation and piracy, ensuring artists can profit from their work and that Zimbabwe's cultural heritage is preserved. The MOU includes free legal assistance on IP infringement and education on copyright and contracts. NACZ CEO highlighted the importance of this partnership in empowering artists and attracting investment, while DNM Attorneys' Senior Partner emphasized their commitment to building a strong arts sector through training, legal support, and policy interventions.
NACZ Director, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi at the NAMA Nominees Reception
WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) DAY WORKSHOP
With the signing of an MOU between NACZ and DNM Attorneys, the 2 parties have hit the ground running. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe held an online workshop on Intellectual Property (IP) rights, themed IP and Music: Feel The Beat of IP, via Zoom Workplace on April 29th, 2024. It was facilitated by Advocate Moses Nkomo of DNM Attorneys, with the aim of raising IP rights awareness among artists and music stakeholders. The workshop attracted a diverse group of individuals involved in the Zimbabwean arts and culture sector. The participants represented a wide array of artistic disciplines, including music, poetry, theatre, film, literature, and visual arts. They also included individuals in administrative and support roles within the arts sector, such as managers, lecturers, researchers, and representatives from arts organizations and legal firms. NACZ CEO, Mr. Nyanhi acknowledged the music-focused theme but assured participants that future workshops would cover all arts sectors.
Miss Chivhu traditional pageant
The second annual Miss Chivhu traditional pageant, held on April 9th, 2025, in Chivhu, celebrated the cultural heritage of young women from the region. Patron Hon. Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of ICTs and Member of Parliament for Chikomba West, used the event to highlight her ongoing commitment to empowering rural girls, aligning with the national development goals outlined in NDS1 and President Mnangagwa's Devolution Policy.
Hon. T. Mavetera and the pageants
Chief Dakamela's Achievers Awards & Cultural Festival-Mat North
Chief Dakamela's Achievers Awards and Cultural Festival, "Imiklomelo kaDakamela," held in Nkayi District on April 4th and 5th, 2025, successfully showcased the region's rich culture and honoured outstanding individuals. Under Chief Dakamela's leadership, the event drew national and international attention, with dignitaries like Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon .Barbara Rwodzi, Hon. Mavhunga, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Mr Nicholas Moyo in attendance. The awards recognized diverse achievements, from arts and culture to health and education, spanning Bulawayo, Matabeleland, and the diaspora. Government officials have now designated Imiklomelo kaDakamela an annual government-supported event, promoting cultural tourism and national heritage.
Honorable Mavhunga and the Permanent Secretary Mr Moyo
Honourable Barbara Rwodzi and Chief Dakamela
Traditional food cook out competition
Zimbabwean Traditional Dish
Matabeleland South conducted a traditional food cook out competition on the April 9th 2025 at Esikhoveni training centre. The Cook out competition is a concept initiated by the First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa and is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality. The event was well attended by various stakeholders and surrounding communities with a total of around 1000 people attending. Participants were from the seven districts of Matabeleland South. Various traditional dishes were displayed on the day. Chefs who participated in preparing the dishes started as early as 04:00hrs in the morning. There were four categories and these were institutions, community, hotels and people with disabilities. A total of 40 participants took part in the competitions.
Vuka Ignite Zimcreatives Arts : Vuka Afrika and Culture Warriors Edutainment Trust
The NACZ Harare Office spearheaded the hosting of Vuka Ignite Zimcreatives Arts Workshop. The main objective of the workshop was to guide on building a thriving online presence for both upcoming and established artists. The Harare Office took the opportunity to share the registration requirements with NACZ and this year’s Culture Month theme. Present at the event were City of Harare Department of Housing and Social Services, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Development Ministry of Youth, Empowerment, Hope Worldwide Zimbabwe and Batanai Women’s club. The event was held at Mufakose Area A Community Hall from 10:00hrs to 13:00hrs.
Participants at the Vuka Ignite Workshop
NACZ Gears up for JIKINYA 2025
The Jikinya Traditional Dance Festival is one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated cultural events, playing a pivotal role in preserving, promoting, and revitalizing the country’s rich heritage of traditional dance. Organized by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in partnership with National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH), this annual festival brings together young performers to showcase indigenous dances, fostering national pride and intergenerational cultural transmission. On April 28th 2025, NACZ and NAPH met in Gweru to discuss the Jikinya Traditional Dance Festival 2025. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe is still on a quest to secure a new sponsor for the festival which has nationwide reach to primary school children.
Jikinya Performance
CULTURE MONTH 2025 Launched
From Right: Minister, MoSRAC Hon. Lt- Gen (Rtd) Amb A.N. Sanyatwe & Deputy Minister, MoSRAC, Hon E. Jesaya
On April 30th, The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Hon. Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Amb. A. N. Sanyatwe, officially launched the Culture Month at a press conference held at the ministry’s head office in Harare. Culture is the soul of our identity, the thread that connects our past, shapes our present, and guides our future. This year’s edition, running under the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Voices,” kicks off with a vibrant line-up of events. The National Celebrations for this year are being hosted by Masvingo Province and will be held at Rusununguko Clinic in Ward 32, Chiredzi East Constituency, under Chief Tshovani. The Guest of Honour is His Excellency, President E.D Mnangagwa.
Dark cloud over the arts sector
Tatenda Pinjisi
The sector was robbed of a talented and young sungura Musician, Tatenda Pinjisi who passed on after a horrific road accident that also claimed 2 of his band members and another passenger. Tatenda Pinjisi was laid to rest on April 17th in Kahwa Village, Mutoko.
Charles Mapalume aka Marabha
The nation also mourned the loss of another talented creative, Charles Mapalume aka Marabha. He was one of the pioneers of comedy through street theatre where he worked with Freddy Majalima aka Kapfupi. Marabha was buried on April 21st at Zinyengere Cemetery in Epworth, Harare. He passed away on April 19th 2025.
NACZ BIDS FAREWELL TO JCMC
On Wednesday April 16th, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) hosted a meeting to formally thank Jacaranda Culture & Media Cooperation (JCMC) for their six-year tenure as event managers for the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA). During the meeting, NACZ staff expressed their gratitude, acknowledging JCMC's significant contribution in elevating NAMA's profile and social media presence. NACZ CEO Mr. Nyanhi, drawing from his past involvement with JCMC, highlighted the challenges and even financial difficulties JCMC faced while successfully organizing NAMA.
Mr. Zhao of JCMC reflected on the demanding nature of managing NAMA and expressed his satisfaction in delivering successful events for six years. He offered his best wishes to the future event managers and pledged JCMC's ongoing support for the arts in Zimbabwe.
NACZ CEO , Napoleon Nyanhi hand over the appreciation certificate to JCMC CEO, Steve Zhao in the presence of JCMC Management team.
NACZ Meets with Promoters
In continuous engagement efforts with the sector, NACZ met with registered arts promoters on the 15th of April. Various issues were discussed, and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe is working to ensure a professional and sustainable environment for creativity to thrive. Promoters are a critical piece of the arts value chain, and their concerns deserve an ear. We greatly advise all the practicing promoters to be registered under NACZ.
Engagement with Bulawayo Creatives
NACZ CEO, Napoleon Nyanhi & Bulawayo P.A.M Cleopatra Dube
Fashion Consultative Meeting
Fashion Practitioners Contributing to the discussion
The CEO of National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi & Bulawayo Provincial Arts Manager Ms Cleopatra Dube led an informative consultative meeting with sector practitioners in Bulawayo. In attendance were designers, stylists & members of the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe. The main agenda of the meeting was to discuss the inclusion of fashion categories at NAMA. The discussion went on to include the hardships being faced by the players in the Fashion Industry and how best they can handle the situations.
Meeting with Content Creators
Content Creators Following Proceedings
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) recently held a consultative meeting with Bulawayo-based digital content creators to discuss the inclusion of a content creation category in the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA). The meeting brought together influencers, videographers, bloggers, and social media personalities who highlighted the growing impact of digital content on Zimbabwe’s creative industry. They believe content creators deserve recognition alongside traditional artists in music, film, and visual arts.
NACZ CEO acknowledged the rapid growth of digital media and pledged to consider the proposal for inclusion into NAMA. Content creation is now a major part of the arts ecosystem, and we are committed to evolving with the industry.
Celebrating 40 Years of NACZ: A Legacy of Cultural Excellence
NACZ at 40 Banner
For four decades, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has been the heartbeat of Zimbabwean creativity, nurturing talent, preserving heritage, and shaping the nation’s cultural identity. Since its establishment in 1985, NACZ has played a pivotal role in empowering artists, promoting the arts, and fostering unity through cultural expression.
NACZ has been a beacon of hope for artists and these include musicians, writers, dancers, visual artists, and theater practitioners alike. Through funding, training, and advocacy, it has turned dreams into reality, giving rise to globally celebrated talents. As NACZ marks 40 years, the vision remains clear - to continue fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in the arts. The next decade promises even greater opportunities, with digital arts, film, and new media taking center stage.
Here’s to 40 years of creativity, resilience, and cultural pride!
#NACZat40 #ZimArtsExcellence
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