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The NACZ October 2024 Newsletter Issue 2

Point Black is pleased to present the October 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 

We warmly welcome you to the October edition of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe’s monthly Newsletter. As we celebrate another season of creativity and innovation, we are thrilled to highlight our latest initiatives and achievements. The month has been packed with exciting activities in the arts and culture arena.  The sector has shown us amazing support and participation throughout all our programs and this positive energy gives us hope to achieve our overall vision of a sustainable cultural and creative industry by 2030. Thank you for being part of our artistic journey.





DISABILITY INCLUSION

NACZ Director Mr Napoleon Nyanhi & DJ Milaz 100 Eyes

We are glad that we were able to assist a visually impaired DJ and make his dream of performing in Malawi a reality. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe responded to the appeal for financial support to enable the mobility of Milton Kanyenze aka DJ Milaz 100 eyes who had been invited to participate at the Blantyre Arts Festival in Malawi which was held from October 4-6, 2024. Milton is a volunteer DJ at Star FM and he is currently studying media at COSA. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) looked into his appeal and managed to fund return air tickets for him and his assistant Andrew Nunurai Japani.

Milton was grateful for the support rendered and returned to the NACZ offices on the 22nd of October 2024 to thank the organization and the ministry for making it possible for him to perform at the festival. We were met with the incredible news that he delivered a set so impressive that he has already been booked to perform at the festival again next year! Milton’s need for mobility funding is one of the many cases we receive at our offices as most of our talented creatives carry the burden of getting opportunities to perform abroad but lack the adequate resources to fund their travel. It is unfortunate that because of our limited resources, we are not able to assist every plea that comes our way. It is our long-term goal to be able to provide more financial grants to Zimbabwean creatives as we have great unexplored talent that has not made it to the proper markets because of limited financial support.

THE YEAR OF FILM

Our quest to come up with a comprehensive strategy document for the transformation of our local film industry has been fruitful. We are grateful to the drafting team for their dedication. The blueprint has been concluded and we are now preparing for the official unveiling to be done in November. We look forward to the successful launch and implementation of the ideas that were highlighted. The document carries 9 critical pillars that are essential for the turnaround of our film industry. 

To ensure the proper implementation of the strategy, the drafting team has highlighted the implementation targets and performance indicators that will measure our success. We were also able to undertake an allocation of roles to the responsible organizations.

NACZ Director Mr Napoleon Nyanhi & NACSA Director Ms Julie Diphofa

• Cultural and Creative Exchange Programs

• Heritage Preservation Initiatives

• Arts Education, including Residencies and

Partnerships

• Institutional Exchanges, Internships, and

Training

• Research and Development in the arts sector


The MoU will bolster relations between the two councils, creating reciprocal benefits for Zimbabwean and South African artists. Ms. Diphofa also emphasised the importance of knowledge exchange and mutual learning, particularly in strengthening NACSA’s policy framework while supporting NACZ in enhancing its funding model.

As we step into the 4th quarter, we guarantee Zimbabwe an exciting season of exhibiting our creative and cultural diversity. Thank you for your continued support and passion for the arts. Together, we can foster a vibrant, inclusive, and creative community for all.

NACZ PROGRAMS

By Mrs Barbara Gotore - The Assistant Director of Arts Promotion and Development

The month of October mainly featured the hosting of provincial competitions for Chibuku Road to Fame. The talent search show has been an interesting feature on the local entertainment scene and it has unearthed some of the nation’s great musicians such as First Farai and Romeo Gasa. 911 Band from Midlands were the winners of last year’s competitions and this year the provincial competition has shown that the national finals will be an event to look forward to. October was also dominated by big musical festivals. Key sector activities included the hosting of the European Union Film Festival in Harare, Kadoma, Gweru and Bulawayo.  This synergy has empowered the Zimbabwean Film practitioners by giving them networking opportunities with local and international greats. Choice Children's Choir also won at the Global Sing for Gold Competitions in Spain.

CHIBUKU ROAD TO FAME

Proudly sponsored by Delta Beverages’ Chibuku Brand, the programme is in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. This programme continues to benefit aspiring musicians by providing them with a platform to shine and an opportunity to record their music at professional-grade studios. October has seen the hosting of provincial competitions every Saturday ahead of the National Competition to be held at Glamis Arena in Harare on Saturday, 9 November 2024.

The Chibuku Road to Fame provincial competitions were held as follows:

FILM

NACZ collaborates with the European Film Festival 2024

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has declared 2024 as the year of Film. The theme has been followed by commendable efforts and commitment to the transformation through the drafting of a National Film Strategy document, which will be unveiled before the end of the year. This year, the organisation has collaborated with the European Film Festival for the 2nd time.

In pic: NACZ Director Mr Napoleon Nyanhi, NACZ Assistant Director Arts Promotion and Development Mrs Barbara Gotore, Deputy Minister MoSRAC, Hnr Emily Jesaya, NACZ Board Chairperson, Dr Nosipho Maraire and The European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Jobst Von Kirchmann

A round table discussion forum was held on Friday, 11 October, and this was an igniting kickoff to the fun-packed film festival. The Panel was rich with seasoned film practitioners who had a lot to share with their colleagues and film enthusiasts in what was a vibrant 2-hour discussion. The Moderator, Munyaradzi "Munya" Chidzonga is a Zimbabwean actor who rose to prominence in 2008, after his appearance in the third season of the Big Brother Africa reality TV show where represented Zimbabwe. Munya’s run on the show ended after he finished in third place. He is also known for his starring roles in productions like The Gentleman (2011), Tete B (2018) and Lobola (2010).

Other panellists were Nocks Chatiza, Josephine M Zvikaramba, Charlene Furusa, Leonard Chibamu, Nakai Matema, Collin Nyamuyaruka, James Mukwindidza, Walter Chari, Marian Kunonga and Antony Mutambira.

EU Film Festival Flyers and Roundtable Forum

Saturday 12 October Marked the Official Launch of the European Film Festival 2024. The Guest of Honour was the Honorable Emily Jesaya, who is the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Sport Recreation, Arts and Culture. The Deputy Minister commended the European Union for empowering the Zimbabwean Film sector. She elaborated that the commitment is in line with the government’s vision to transform film into a more sustainable industry along with other economic disciplines. Local films that participated in the BIOSKOP film competition 2024 received their awards on the night. The winners of this year’s competition were:

• Best Narrative – My Husband Joe, by Derby Bheta

• Best Documentary – Chasing Levels, by Dumie Manyathela

• Best Cinematography- Fat Bastard, by Jonathan Samukange.

• Best Sound – My Brother’s Keeper, by Tinashe Dorobeni

• Best Diaspora Narrative- Therapist, by Admire Zimbeva

• Best Actor/Actress- Chiedza Rwodzi, In Anne

The prestigious awards were handed over to winners by the Deputy Minister -  Honourable Jesaya, The European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann and The National Arts Council Board Chairperson, Dr Nosipho Maraire. Film practitioners also commended the festival for considering other cities around Zimbabwe. The events were free and open to the public. On 15 October, Kadoma Hosted the Festival at Campbell Theatre, and on 16 October, Gweru Hosted at the Gweru Memorial Library. Bulawayo Film lovers got to view the films at Ster Kinekor from 18 to 20 October.

MultiChoice ZImbabwe Makes A Courtesy Visit To NACZ

NACZ has been partnering with Multichoice Zimbabwe, a key stakeholder in promoting the work of creatives in the arts industry. MultiChoice General Manager, Siyabulela Jemsana made a courtesy call on the NACZ Director, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi, discussing how the two organizations can further their partnership to promote the work of creatives in Zimbabwe.

Exploring opportunities between MultiChoice Zimbabwe and NACZ will be a game changer in promoting creatives in our country. MultiChoice has already shown commitment to supporting local talent through initiatives such as The MultiChoice Talent Factor, which provides training and opportunities for filmmakers and TV producers.

MultiChoice Zimbabwe is also driving local content through local channels. It is in this discussion between Siyabulela Jemsana and Napoleon Nyanhi that it was agreed to ensure that hyperlocal content is produced and protected from piracy. More collaborations between NACZ and MultiChoice are going to be seen going forward. 

MUISC AND FESTIVALS

Festival Culture Continues To Grow

2024 has seen the emergence of top-notch arts festivals in Zimbabwe. This is an encouraging development in the local industry as the past years have recorded a low number of events with the major reason being the change of arts and culture activities consumption since the Covid-19 era.

Kadoma Music Festival

This period saw the hosting of the Kadoma Music Festival organized by Odyssey Entertainment on 5 October 2024. The event was attended by over 5000 patrons who came from different parts of Zimbabwe to witness performances by Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania along with local artists who included Jah Prazyah, Winky D, Saint Floew, Gemma Griffiths, Alick Macheso and Kurai Makore. The festival has defiled the odds as most people would assume big festivals are only successful in big cities like Harare and Bulawayo.

Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival

The month of October also saw the successful hosting of the Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival in Harare from 04 to 06 October 2024 at the Thorn Park Polo Club. The festival kickstarted with free music business workshops held on 2 and 3 October 2024 at the Venue in Avondale where several experts spoke to creatives. The arrangement was essential in promoting dialogue around arts development and fostering the business aspect of music. The event was organised by Ngoma Nehosho, a promoter registered with NACZ. The three-day festival attracted over 8,000 patrons who came from all over Zimbabwe and even out of Zimbabwe.  The festival was celebrating its 12th edition. A mixed group of foreign and local artists performed during the festival as lineups were well curated to cater for diverse audiences who came to celebrate culture through food, music and lifestyle. 

Netone 263 Culture Festival

The second edition of the Netone 263 Culture Festival lived up to expectations as thousands of revellers thronged Belgravia Sports Club on 26 October despite the gloomy and wet weather. The event featured local artists and DJs and foreign DJs and artists from South Africa. The headline acts were Kelvin Momo and Uncle Waffles who were supported by local artists including Voltz JT and Tamy Moyo.

Music Managers Networking Cocktail

Music Managers Networking Cocktail.

The National Arts Council Of Zimbabwe Director, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi was the Guest of Honor at the Networking Cocktail event which was organized by the Music Management Forum of Zimbabwe, an association registered with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. The event sought to provide a platform for music industry players and stakeholders to meet, have dialogue and establish strategic business relationships that can advance the growth of the music industry in Zimbabwe. Key speakers on the day included Diana Nherera – the Talent Manager for Nutty O the musician, Walter Wanyanya - Ngoma Nehosho Director and Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival Director and Marcus Gora - Band Manager for International touring group Mookomba. The three presenters shared their experiences in the Zimbabwean music industry, all three emphasized the need for authenticity, collaboration and professionalism to allow  Zimbabwean music to compete on an international scale. They also encourage artists and managers to have an interest in learning and training to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge related to their work.

The NACZ Director in his keynote address applauded the Music Management Forum of Zimbabwe for organizing the event. He urged musicians to be adaptable to changing audience preferences by being innovative and fostering collaboration. Mr Nyanhi reassured the music sector that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe is there to support their efforts by creating an enabling environment for music to thrive. He went on to encourage professionalism in the sector and denounced the use of drugs and substances by artists as they are ambassadors of influence in society.

Mr Nyanhi motivated musicians and music managers by drawing attention to the significant contributions that music and live entertainment play in other economies the world over. Music is a great contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)of these economies and he wished the same for Zimbabwean Musicians in the future. In his last remarks, the NACZ Director shared that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe envisions a vibrant, professional and sustainable music industry which will positively impact society and the economy.

SCHOOLS IN THE ARTS

Choice Children's Choir Special Send-Off Concert 17 October 2024

The NACZ Assistant Director, Mrs Barbara Gotore was invited as the guest of honor at an event held at Hartman House in Harare which was a send-off event for the Choice Children's Choir. The students were going to compete at a global level in Spain (24-28 October 2024). 

The NACZ Assistant Director expressed that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe values talent identification and its nurturing, especially at the grassroots level. It is grateful to learning institutions like Hartmann House for giving a strong foundation to children with artistic talents. She praised the Choice Children’s Choir for shining as they were selected to represent Zimbabwe at the prestigious international Sing for Gold Choral Competitions in Spain.

Mrs Gotore encouraged the choir to carry the National Flag with pride and to remain committed to their hard work. She also extended her gratitude to the children's parents for their love and support highlighting that the arts have long suffered in Zimbabwe from a strong stereotype where they are perceived to be for those who have failed everything else but forgetting that it is a career that has produced some of the wealthiest people the world over.

The sendoff concert in pictures

Choice Children's Choir wins Gold at Sing for Gold Competitions in Calella, Barcelona.

The Choice Children's Choir has once again made history on the international stage, proudly bringing home a Gold Medal in the Children's Choir Championship Category and a Silver Medal in the Folklore Championship Category at the recently concluded Sing for Gold Competitions in Calella, Barcelona, Spain held on 24-27 October 2024. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the choir's journey, showcasing their dedication, talent, and the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe.

This year’s accolades build on a legacy of excellence. In their first international competition in 2018, held in Tshwane, South Africa, the choir secured a Silver Medal. Their continued growth was evident in 2023 when they earned two Silvers in the Championship Competition, which is a level above the Open Competition. The choir’s latest triumph in 2024 not only reflects their hard work but also underscores their evolution as they compete at an increasingly high level.

The sendoff concert in pictures

The Choice Children's Choir, under the direction of Mr Bright Gwati, with Deputy Director Mr Blessing Mutasa and Pianist Mr Byron Manake, captivated audiences with their exceptional performances. Their showcase of traditional Zimbabwean music and dances resonated deeply with spectators in Calella, where they were one of the select few choirs invited to perform at the opening ceremony of the Sing for Gold Competition. As the Choice Children's Choir continues to rise in prominence, they remain committed to excellence in music and the celebration of Zimbabwean culture. Their journey is a testament to the power of music to connect, inspire, and uplift.

Dance Training Workshop

The NACZ Matabeleland South office participated in mobilizing dance adjudicators for a training workshop by the National Dancers Association of Zimbabwe. The first workshop took place in Gwanda at Jahunda Primary School on the 10th of October where fourteen teachers were trained on contemporary and traditional dance adjudication. The second workshop to cover the Bulilima and Mangwe districts was conducted on the 11th of October in Bulawayo at the ZIMTA offices, and 18 teachers were trained. All in all, thirty-two teachers were trained in Matabeleland South, 11 males and 21 females.  The empowerment of teachers with traditional dance adjudication skills works well to encourage the preservation of our arts and cultural heritage.

Interministerial Sports-Arts and Culture Festival

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe participated in the Interministerial Sports, Arts and Culture Festival which was held in Gweru from the 14th to the 18th of October. The festivities which were held at Mkoba Teachers College were officiated by Hon. J Moyo, the Minister for Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to promote health and wellness in the workplace. Such engagements also help to build strong relationships between colleagues, and will ideally result in more productivity.

ARTS AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Zimbabwe and Japan Cultural Exchange Program (Vuka Afrika and Kugani)

Vuka Afrika Performing Arts Trust hosted the Zimbabwe and Japan Cultural Exchange Program running under the theme Cultural Diplomacy Programme. The program sought to promote intangible cultural heritage. In doing so, the Kugani arts group from Japan performed a theatre piece at Jasen Mpepho Little Theatre on 22 October from 2-3 pm. The NACZ Head office facilitated the entry of the invited Japanese group, while the NACZ Harare Office attended the event and gave a speech on the role of promoting and preservation of Zimbabwean Culture. A total number of 100 people attended the event.

Inhanga/Gota/Ixhiba Cultural Exchange

In the spirit of collaboration and strengthening community participation in cultural programs, the NACZ Matabeleland North team attended the Inhanga/Gota/Ixhiba cultural exchange session held on 11 October at Mabhikwa High School. The event which brought together six schools from the district was a success. It showcased the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe through captivating traditional dance performances, informative exhibitions of local crafts, artwork, and innovations, and mouth-watering cooking competitions featuring traditional cuisine. The NACZ actively contributed to the event's success by judging the exhibitions and traditional food cooking competitions, providing logistical support, and fostering cultural exchange and learning among students.

World Sight Day Celebrations

On October 10, 2024, the NACZ Matabeleland North office supported the World Sight Day Celebrations held in Tshongogwe, by providing entertainment in collaboration with the Ministry of Education at the district level, making the event engaging and inclusive. The provincial Medical Director was the esteemed guest of honour at the celebrations. About 1000 people attended the event, and attendees included local Chiefs, Madam Nkunziwalela standing in for the Minister of State, and the District Development Coordinator, amongst others. The event featured free eye screenings, consultations, and distribution of eyeglasses, as well as awareness campaigns on preventable blindness and vision impairment. The provincial medical director emphasised the importance of eye health and vision care, highlighting the province's efforts to improve access to quality eye care services, particularly in rural areas.

Buja Annual Arts and Culture Festival

This year the festival took place at Chinzanga BSPZ Hall in Mutoko. The festival started with the Buja Cultural Gala on the 22nd of October from 6 pm to 6 am. The mainstream program was conducted on the 23rd of October with displays of traditional dance-themed Mafuwe, performing dance arts, exhibitions and Nhanga Gota Workshops. The event was graced by the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mashonaland East Province Mr Elias Gutsa. 570 people from various walks of life attended the event. The event focused on building climate resilience and strengthened communities with Buja Indigenous knowledge systems such as Mafuwe, traditional grains, cooking mhunga mealie meal and other diversified foods.

Kombi Station

Kombi Station Interview

The NACZ office facilitated the participation of Mashonaland East creatives in the Amplified platform called Kombi Station which was held on the 9th of October at PaGomo Leisure Center. Kombi Station is a space/program run by veteran journalist, content creator and founder of Earground, Mr Plot Mhako. Mr Mhako is also a National Arts Merit Awards nominee for amplifying young creatives’ voices. Over 20 creatives from the province took part in the interviews.

Contemporary Dance Competition

Provincial winner Black Bird Contemporary dance crew

80 Masvingo-based modern dance groups participated in the provincial title on the 30th of September at the Charles Austin Theatre. The competition sought to showcase skills and disseminate information on drug and substance abuse under the theme ‘Dance Against Drugs And Substance Abuse’. The event allowed young people to showcase their talents through music and dance. The event was supported by the National Dance Association of Zimbabwe (NDAZ). The winner, Blackbird scooped the provincial title and will proceed to the national finals.

LC Nechombo Old People's Day

LC Nechombo Culture Centre held an event on 5 October 2024 to support the elderly. The event was supported by the government through the Social Welfare Department, corporates like Econet Wireless, Nyaradzo, First Pack, Makaha Mining Community, village heads, numerous SME entities and individuals. The Guest of Honour was Hon Senator Dr Apolonia Munzverengwi. The event was attended by Local Chiefs from the Mashonaland East province and government officials. Hundreds of villagers gathered at LC Nechombo Culture Centre to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. Chief Nechombo has been celebrating this day since 2015 and this year is the 8th edition of the program. 600 elderly people have benefitted from this program to this day receiving food hampers that can sustain them for at least 3 months. Guest Speaker Dr Munzverengwi appreciated Chief Nechombo’s gesture which is in tandem with His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa’s vision of food sufficiency and that no one dies of hunger. She further applauded Chief Nechombo for his commitment towards Cultural investments.

National Day of Spain Commemoration

The Embassy of Spain on 10 October 2024, commemorated the National Day of Spain at the Spanish Residence in Chisipite Harare. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Senator Shava was the Guest of Honor. His worship, the Mayor of Harare was also present as a guest among other invited friends, stakeholders and partners who included the business community, diplomatic community, government officials, the media fraternity and others.

National Day of Spain Commemoration

Guests were entertained by the Spanish Classical Guitarists duo (Alexandre Garrobe and Luis Alejandro Garcia). The Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Mrs Natividad Isabel Pena-Bonillahe, as the host, shared that the National Day of Spain remembered annually on 12 October is the day of celebration on which the Spanish people commemorate the country's history, recognises and appreciates achievements, and, reconfirm their commitment to the Nation's future. The day celebrates unity and fraternity and shows Spain's ties with the international community.

In her speech, the Ambassador reaffirmed that Spain wishes to continue to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Zimbabwe and to participate in political dialogue, economic cooperation and cultural exchange and development. She acknowledged Zimbabwe`s commitment and participation in Spain concerning the visits made to Spain by the Minister of ICT, Hon. Mavetera and the visit made by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Rwodzi. She also praised the 1st lady for leading the cookout program which promotes food culture tourism and congratulated Zimbabwe for hosting the first UN Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, advancing its work to make gastronomy tourism a pillar for sustainable and inclusive growth across the region. The Forum was held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on 26-28 July 2024.

The Ambassador emphasized their willingness to work with Zimbabwe for mutual benefit. It is the embassy of Spain through the Government of Spain which fully funded the foreign artist IDIOPE from Spain who performed during the recently held Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival (4-6 October 2024) at Thornpark Polo Club in Harare. It is again the Government of Spain which fully funded the trip by the Spanish Classical Guitarists duo (Alexandre Garrobe and Luis Alejandro Garcia) who also volunteered to conduct free music workshops for Music Students at Music Crossroads in Harare. This is a sign of commitment and interest in fostering cultural exchange.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shava expressed that Zimbabwe enjoys productive diplomatic engagements with Spain and is also willing to participate in Political Dialogue, Economic Cooperation and Cultural Exchange. He emphasized interest in renewable energy and invited planes from Spain to fly to Zimbabwe, especially to Victoria Falls. He was thankful to the Government of Spain for availing women education scholarships to empower women from Zimbabwe. He further expressed gratitude, referring to the established football academies in Harare and Bulawayo courtesy of La Liga from Spain.

Music Industry Education

Copyright Awareness with ZIMURA

Creatives from Marondera who are involved in music creation participated in a Copyright awareness program hosted by the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) on the 9th of October at the Marondera Country Club. The objectives of the workshop were to correct various misconceptions and close information gaps among the stakeholders and the business community. Presentations of the workshop came from Deputy Director ZIMURA on the organisation and its functions, Roseline Banda Head of Documentation on ZIMURA membership rules and regulations, Polisile Ncube ZIMURA Executive Director on Intellectual Property in Music and Servious Matiza on ZIMURA Licensing. The National Arts Council Program Officer, Madyira Dennis presented on the Role of NACZ in the Music industry. The ZRP presented on expectations from stakeholders on charge sheet and docket development and the National Prosecuting Council presented on the Role of the Public Prosecutor sharing insights on operational procedures and expectations from stakeholders. The event was well attended by 70 participants.

Artist Accelerator

The following is an excerpt from The Artist Accelerator program being run by Point Black. This program aims to educate Zimbabwean artists and empower them with the tools they need to maximise their earning potential and reap the rewards from their incredible talents.

With the help of the National Arts Council, we will be travelling across the country over the next few months to give full-day workshops to artists and creatives on how best to protect their rights and increase their earning potential.

If you are reading this there is a high likelihood that you have dreamt of becoming a successful artist for a long time. The dream that is sold is often one that revolves around a talented artist who spends countless hours practising until they release a song that sets the world ablaze, with countless radio spins and TikTok dance challenges before labels all come knocking and you have your pick of the best deal that comes with a tonne of cash and fame. You sign on the dotted line and your illustrious career begins as more money, fame and awards follow.

Sadly this is just that, a dream. The music industry is a tough and unforgiving creature. Its teeth are especially sharp in Zimbabwe, and if you aren't prepared or realistic about your goals it will chew you up and spit you out leaving nothing but the bones!

Dramatic hyperbole aside, this is a tough industry and it's important that you are equipped with the tools you need to succeed. The term success is also extremely relative and subjective. Due to a number of factors in Zimbabwe, even the most prominent and recognized artists will struggle to earn more than someone working in a corporate middle management position. We won't be delving into that. However, my co-author Aurelia J. Schultz has an academic article that explains part of the reasons here.

The goal of this book is to make sure you get what you as a creative person are fully entitled to as outlined within the laws governing the country and the global industry. This is not a get-rich-quick guide; what this book will do however is equip you with the basic tools to ensure you understand your rights and enforce them so that you and your heirs get what you deserve. Note we said, heirs. Your rights and the value in your songs last long after you’ve left this earth. Composition copyrights last for fifty years after the songwriter dies, and neighbouring rights in sound recordings last for fifty years from the year the recording is made.

In that respect, we shall break this down into a very simple process. Since physical media (CDs/DVDs) are becoming increasingly obsolete we will touch on them only briefly in this book. This book will focus on revenue from composing a work, digital distribution, performances, radio, synchronisation and other licensing.

Stages of Music Creation

How Do I Make Money From My Music

As an artist in Zimbabwe, you have several options available to you to make money. Your abilities to generate an income stretch far beyond simply live performances. The table below outlines the options available to you and what they entail. If you’re interested in how these income sources are protected by the law, see the section on What is Copyright down below.

How REVENUE FLOWs

Conclusion

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe continues to advocate for a vibrant, professional and sustainable creative industry by 2030. We encourage our artists and promoters to register with us to enjoy the support that the organization can offer. Submissions for the NAMA awards are only left with 1 month to close, so those who have not applied can do so before the 30th of November 2024. To apply, you can follow the link on our online platforms or submit physically to NACZ offices nationwide. We are greatly optimistic about the month to come, which is lined up with interesting activities like the Chibuku Road to Fame Final on the 9th of November and the National Film Strategy Launch. Zimbabwe also has a number of artists performing at the Access Music Festival to be held in Kigali Rwanda from November 14-16.

Get In Touch with The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe

Email: natartsziminfo@gmail.com

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