The NACZ June 2025 Newsletter Issue 10
Point Black is pleased to present the June 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:
CEO’s Remarks
Reflecting on Progress, Embracing the Future
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Mr Napoleon Nyanhi
Dear Valued Partners, Stakeholders, and Team Members,
As we close the first half of 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the collective effort that has driven NACZ’s mission forward. In June, we celebrate milestones that underscore our commitment to foster, develop, and promote the arts in Zimbabwe, while also preparing for the exciting opportunities ahead. Last year, we launched the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025 – 2030, a bold roadmap to empower filmmakers, amplify local stories, and position Zimbabwe as a hub of cinematic excellence. This month, we took another leap forward as we announced the winners of the 2025 Short Film Grant. We have signed partnerships which are strategic for the benefit of sector players, from legal assistance on IP issues, to international collaborations and cultural exchange.
The coming months will be transformative as we scale up efforts to digitalize our systems and improve service delivery to our stakeholders.
We perceive unleashing groundbreaking solutions that give memorable experiences to those that engage with us. My special thanks go to our registered practitioners. None of this would be possible without your unwavering support. Finally, I invite you to stay engaged with NACZ’s journey, whether through volunteering, sharing ideas, or collaborating on upcoming projects. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and create lasting impact.
ENGAGEMENT WITH DJs
NACZ CEO Mr N. Nyanhi Chairing the meeting with DJs
On 10th of June 2025, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe convened a meeting with key music stakeholders, specifically Disc Jockeys (DJs), to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges within the Zimbabwean music industry from their perspective. The meeting, chaired by Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi, highlighted critical issues including the undervaluation and exploitation of DJs, lack of effective regulation, safety concerns for female DJs, disunity within the DJ community, and challenges in promoting local music in various public and private spaces. The discussions also brought to light the disparity in performance fees for local versus foreign DJs and limited funding for new talent. The NACZ is committed to addressing these issues and implementing the Zimbabwe Music Strategy to foster a vibrant and sustainable music industry.
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS SUMMIT ZAMBIA
Dr. B Samwanda & Mrs B. Gotore
The "Creative Industries Business Summit" held in Lusaka, Zambia, from June 25th to 28th, 2025 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, under the theme "Unlocking Africa’s Creative Potential," presented significant insights and opportunities for the creative sector across the continent. While primarily hosted in Zambia, the summit's agenda, key discussions, and particularly the direct participation of Zimbabwe offer valuable takeaways and strategic considerations for Zimbabwean creative industries. The summit convened various stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, artists, entrepreneurs, and financial institutions, to deliberate on strategies for fostering a vibrant and sustainable creative economy in Africa. Zimbabwe was represented by Dr. B. Samwanda, Acting Chief Director in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture along with Mrs B. Gotore, the Director-Arts Promotion & Development at National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. Mrs. Gotore was a presenter in Day Two's Breakaway Session 1, titled "Conversations on Arts Regulations and Reforms". Her involvement in this critical discussion on regulatory frameworks and reforms for the arts across different African nations was relevant for policy development and industry standardization through shared experiences and learning.
EUROPEAN UNION FILM FESTIVAL ZIMBABWE (EU FILMFESTZW) IN HARARE
NACZ Director with one of the winners-Takudzwa
Group photo from the EU Film Fest
The 10th edition of the European Union Film Festival Zimbabwe (EU FILMFESTZW) in Harare was held from May 30 to June 1, 2025, at the Mbare Art Space. The festival embraced the overarching theme "She Means Business," a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of women in various spheres. The festival also featured the unveiling of winners for the Bioskop Short Film Competitions and launched the new "The Hustle Through Her Eyes" mobile-first short film competition. In attendance was the NACZ Board Chair, Dr N.J Maraire, NACZ CEO and NACZ Director Arts Promotions and Development, Mrs Barbara Gotore.
Culture Month Celebrations Continue
The month of June saw a series of Culture Month provincial celebrations across the nation following the National Launch officiated by H.E. President E.D Mnangangwa at Rusununguko Clinic open space in Chiredzi on the 22nd of May.
MATEBELELAND SOUTH PROVINCE: CULTURE MONTH PROVINCIAL LAUNCH
Matebeleland South Province proudly launched its Culture Month celebrations on May 30, 2025, with a vibrant provincial event held at the newly established Nilukawu Culture Centre in Dombodema Communal Lands, under Chief Hikwa, within Bulilima District. The event drew a remarkable crowd of over 4,000 attendees and was graced by distinguished guests, including Chief Hikwa, Chief Mphini and his wife, and a representative from the Minister of State's office. The guest of honour, the Minister of State Hon. A. Ngulube, was ably represented by Mr. Richmond Ncube, Director in the Minister's office.
MANICALAND PROVINCE: CULTURE MONTH PROVINCIAL LAUNCH
Manicaland Province successfully hosted its Culture Month Provincial Launch on May 30, 2025, at the esteemed Chief Zimunya's homestead. The event drew an impressive crowd of approximately three thousand people. The guest of honour for this momentous occasion was the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, whose presence highlighted the government's commitment to supporting cultural initiatives at the provincial level.
MASH EAST PROVINCE: CULTURE MONTH PROVINCIAL LAUNCH
On Friday, 6 June 2025, the Mashonaland East Province successfully launched its Culture Month celebrations at the Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe (UMP) district. The event attracted thousands of attendees from across all nine districts of the province and was presided over by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mashonaland East, Hon. Advocate I. Ndudzo.
MASHONALAND WEST PROVINCE: CULTURE MONTH PROVINCIAL LAUNCH
The Mashonaland West Province successfully launched Culture Month on June 20th, 2025, at Chief Msambakaruma’s homestead in Kariba District. The event, aimed at celebrating and preserving Zimbabwe's diverse cultural heritage, brought together traditional leaders, community members, and various dignitaries. The Guest of Honor was Hon. Marian Chombo, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution. Other dignitaries from various ministries, commissions, and organizations were also in attendance. A "mbira night" was hosted on June 19th and 20th at the Chief's homestead, preceding the main launch.
CITY OF HARARE DEPARTMENT HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES IN COLLABORATION WITH NACZ HARARE-CULTURE MONTH CELEBRATION
The Event in Pictures
With technical assistance from the NACZ Harare Office, the City of Harare hosted an event to celebrate Culture Month 2025 at Holland Community Centre in Kuwadzana on 6th June 2025. Characterized by an exhibition, performances spanning poetry, music and dance, the event was graced by officials from Ministry of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture, Ministry of Youth and Vocational Training, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, learners from schools in Kuwadzana (both public and private) and the local people. The Provincial Arts Manager (NACZ) officiated at this event as the Guest of Honour. The proceedings were all hinged on the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Voices”. Graced by an audience that roughly numbered 800, the event laid bare the importance of culture as a way of living. Chronicled was the history of the celebrations that started when Zimbabwe ratified the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions and the importance of 21st May as the Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
MAHINDEKINDE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
The Event in Pictures
The Event in Pictures
Constituting an inaugural arts festival hosted under the tutelage of the Music Consultancy Society of Zimbabwe, the Mahindekinde Visual and Performing Arts Festival was held on 7th June 2025 at the Society’s premises in Hatfield. The proceedings were marked by a visual arts exhibition by learners, Marimba, and Mbira performances in addition to contemporary music. Designed to enrich the heritage-based learning trajectory in schools, learners from ZRP Support Unit, St Martin’s, Tiny Tots and Amandas learning institutions flaunted their prowess in Marimba music with Tiny Tots scooping the overall first position. The opening speech that laid bare the importance of music in people’s lives socially, economically and generally was delivered by the Provincial Arts Manager, NACZ Harare Province. The festival complimented the just concluded Culture Month 2025 national celebrations as part of the activities hosted in Harare Province.
CULTURE WARRIORS EDUTAINMENT TRUST: VUKA IGNITE PROJECT
Participants at the Vuka Ignite Project
The NACZ Harare Office played a pivotal role in the hosting of the Vuka Project together with Culture Warriors Edutainment Trust, a registered entity with NACZ. The project’s main thrust is achieving global recognition for Zimbabwean artists through the creation of a digital directory in which arts organisations, trusts and associations can log in and market their works for free. The workshop also assisted participants with legal knowledge on how to tackle issues of branding and contracts via presentations by an invited legal practitioner. In the same vein, the Harare Office also took the opportunity to inform artists on registration requirements. The guest of honour for the event was the Acting Provincial Head from the Parent Ministry Ms Chitopo. The event was held at Stordard Hall in Mbare.
CHIBUKU NESHAMWARI TRADITIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL
Chibuku Neshamwari Finals Flier
The countdown has already begun for the National Competitions which will be held at Mutare Show Grounds on Saturday 19 July. 10 groups who were crowned the best in their respective provinces will be battling for the national title. Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Murehwa, Mashonaland East, won the 2024 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals which were held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo. In a quest for inclusion, this year’s celebrations go to the Eastern Highlands and revellers will enjoy a free treat from Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah and Enzo Ishal among other entertainers.
MARONDERA UNIVERSITY BEAUTY PEAGANT
Hon Ndudzo and MUAST VC pose for a pic with Mr & Mrs MUAST
Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) held its inaugural beauty pageant on the 13th of June 2025 at Hopefay Hotel in Marondera, themed "Cultivating the Beauty of Kings and Queens." The event marked a significant milestone in the university's commitment to holistic education, aligning with the government's Vision 2030 to produce well-rounded graduates who excel in various fields. The event's guest of honour was Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Advocate Itayi Ndudzo.
The pageant, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of students, featured contestants from different faculties showcasing their creativity, and charisma. 19-year-old Tania Mapfumba a Crop Production student was crowned Miss MUAST 2025, while 22-year-old Matthew Majoko took home the title of Mr MUAST 2025. The winners will serve as ambassadors for the university, embodying the spirit of excellence and cultural pride that defines MUAST. The pageant was also attended by Members of Parliament, Honourable Farai Walter Mapfumo and Honourable Vimbayi Mutokonyi, who showed their support for the students and the university.
INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY CELEBRATION – EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Charles Warth Primary School
Chief Nhema
The NACZ in Masvingo initiated an exchange program with Zvapfuka Arts and Tokwe Mukosi dance groups from Midlands and Masvingo respectively in commemoration of International Dance Day. The running theme was, “Dance for Generations.” The programme was supported and officiated by Chief Nhema and was hosted at Tongogara High School on 28 June. He stressed the need to document some intangible heritages for future generations in schools. He also indicated that one day is not enough for such a memorable event. Chief Nhema applauded District Development Co-ordinator, Rural District Council Chair Shurugwi and five Councilors for resources received.
NACZ Announces 2025 Film Grant Winners, Boosting Zimbabwe’s Film Industry
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has unveiled the recipients of its highly competitive 2025 Short Film Grant, awarding funding to the top three filmmakers. Each filmmaker will receive $2,000 USD. The Short Film grant is a follow up to the Zimbabwe Film Strategy which was launched on the 20th of November 2024. During the launch, the NACZ Board Chair, Dr Nozipo J Maraire announced the Short film grant, which was funded by the Lotteries and Gaming Board. Among the invited guests was The Acting Director for Arts and Culture in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mrs Charity Manhuwa, the Chairperson of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, Dr Eugenia Chidhawa and the Director of ZIFTESSA, Mr Tongogara. At the announcement ceremony held at Jameson Hotel on the 27th of June, Dr Chidhakwa acknowledged the funding constraints hitting the film sector in Zimbabwe, which is why the lotteries and gaming board stepped up as funding partners to the grant. On her Keynote address, NACZ Board Chair went on to applaud the creatives for submitting works which tell authentic and untold Zimbabwean stories.
2025 Short Film Grant Winners:
1. Jonathan Samukange's "Outcast"
2. Bridget Paradza's "Homecoming"
3. Tatenda Hove's "Kukomba"
Lotteries & Gaming Board Chairperson: Dr. Eugenia Chidhakwa giving the Sponsor Remarks
NACZ Board Chairperson: Dr. N Maraire giving the Keynote Address
Dr. E Chidhakwa giving The Multichoice Zimbabwe General Manager Mr. Siyabulela Jemsana a gift.
Jonathan Samukange
Bridget Paradza
Alfred Zvavamwe receiving the prize on behalf of Tatenda Hove his co-worker
AFRO SINO DREAMS CONCERT
Afro- Sino Dreams Flyer
On June 28, 2025, the Theatre Upstairs at Reps Theatre in Harare became a vibrant stage for cultural innovation during Afro-Sino Dreams, a groundbreaking concert presented by Note2etoN. The event brought together musicians from China and Zimbabwe in a powerful celebration of heritage, artistic mastery, and unity through sound. It was more than a performance, it was a testament to cross-cultural collaboration, music education, and shared humanity. The event was highlighted by performances from Belle Qiu, a professional Guqin player from Sichuan, China, Anesu Ndoro, a self-taught instrument builder and multi-instrumentalist and Sabelo Nyoni, a seasoned pianist, musicologist, and founder of Note2etoN.
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