The NACZ July/August 2025 Newsletter Issue 11

Point Black is pleased to present the July/August 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

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer  Mr Napoleon Nyanhi 

To our valued stakeholders, partners, and the entire NACZ family,

I welcome you to this July - August publication where we share the vibrant activity and strategic strides we are making in fulfilling our mandate to develop and regulate the arts sector.

We have worked on sector capacitation with information, as well as fine tuning our usual programs so that they add more value to our stakeholders. NACZ programs belong to the creatives, hence the continuous consultations of how we can make them something we are all proud of. The insights gathered are not just for discussion, they are actively integrated into our activities. Our commitment is to ensure that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe is not just a regulator, but a true partner in the growth of every artist and arts practitioner.

Looking ahead, we are energizing our efforts for the final quarter of the year. None of our achievements would be possible without the unwavering hard work of the NACZ team and the vibrant creativity of the artistic community we dearly serve. Let us continue to work together to build a more resilient, prosperous, and celebrated cultural industry for Zimbabwe.

ZIMBABWE DELEGATION'S PARTICIPATION AT THE DURBAN FILM MART 2025

Zimbabwe’s Delegation to Durban Film Mart 2025 and  Group Photo with the Mozambique Delegation

In a strategic move to bolster its burgeoning film industry, a Zimbabwean delegation led by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe actively participated in the 16th Durban Film Mart (DFM) from July 16-18, 2025. This marked a significant shift in priority for Zimbabwean policymakers, signaling a conscious effort to integrate into the global film ecosystem, especially following the government's declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Film" and the launch of the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030. The delegation comprised seasoned film practitioners Sizakhele Mukwedini, Charlene Mangweni-Furusa, Josephine Mlanda Zvikaramba, and Knox Chatiza, accompanied by NACZ Provincial Arts Manager William Ndinde.

FIRST WORLD MUSIC AND TOURISM FESTIVAL, KINSHASA (JULY 16-18, 2025)

Sulu Chimbetu and His Band Performing On Stage in Kinshasa

The inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival took place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo from July 16-18, 2025. This three-day event celebrated diverse cultures and musical sounds, showcasing a wide array of artistic talents from across the African continent. Held across four venues, the festival attracted an estimated audience of +/-10,000 people. The festival featured a stellar lineup of renowned artists from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and the host country, DRC, who captivated audiences with their energetic performances. Sulumani Chimbetu and Orchestra Dendera Kings, representing Zimbabwe, performed on July 17th during the festival's gala dinner.

CHIBUKU NESHAMWARI TRADITIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL NATIONAL FINAL COMPETITION HELD IN MUTARE ON 19 JULY 2025

The Top Winning Group Holding Their Cheque

The vibrant city of Mutare played host to the grand finale of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival on Saturday July 19, 2025. The Mutare Showgrounds buzzed with energy as ten provincial champions from across Zimbabwe converged to showcase the nation's rich and diverse cultural heritage through captivating traditional dance performances. After a day of fierce and colorful competition, the Green Stars Dance Troupe, representing Harare Province, emerged as the undisputed national champions. Their energetic and compelling performance of the Chinyambera dance captivated the judges and audience, earning them the coveted top prize. The competition saw other outstanding performances with the following groups securing the runner-up positions:

• Second Place: Goromonzi Arts Club from Mashonaland East, who impressed with their powerful rendition of the Mbende Jerusarema dance.

• Third Place: Host province Manicaland celebrated a podium finish with Semvumba Arts for their dynamic Dinhe performance.

TRAGIC ACCIDENT STRIKES HOW MINE ISITSHIKITSHA SEKUSILE DANCE GROUP

Mr N Nyanhi NACZ CEO sharing his remorseful remarks

In a tragic turn of events, How Mine’s Isitshikitsha Sekusile traditional dance group were involved in a road accident along the Gwanda-Beitbridge highway, approximately 15 kilometers from Bulawayo, on the evening of July 20, 2025 and lost 3 members.

The accident, which happened around 8:00 PM adjacent to Kensington Business Center, claimed the lives of group leader Simelinkosi Mpofu, dancer Irene T. Mike and Limited Mazara, a Human Resources officer from How Mine. Mpofu and Mazara died at the scene, while Irene T. Mike succumbed to injuries at United Bulawayo Hospitals due to severe bleeding from the nose and ears. Irene T. Mike was laid to rest on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Simelinkosi Mpofu was buried at Esihlengeni Communal Lands, while Limited Mazara was buried at Esigodini Communal Lands in Matabeleland South.

NACZ CEO, Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi, Mr. Chitando, NACZ Bulawayo staff, and Mr P. Vela from Matabeleland South attended the funerals. Witness Nkunziwalela attended on behalf of Neshamwari sponsor, Delta Beverages, and a four-member management team from How Mine was also present to offer their support.

KUSUMA MAMBO MANGWENDE – ZEZURU VILLAGE PROJECT

MOSRAC and NACZ staff with Chief Mangwende

On Tuesday July 22, 2025, representatives from the Mashonaland East Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (MoSRAC) and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) visited Chief Mangwende's homestead. The purpose of the visit was to formally seek traditional approval (Kusuma Mambo) for the construction of the Zezuru Village at Murewa Culture Centre. This project is part of MoSRAC Permanent Secretary Mr. N. Moyo's 100-day initiative. Chief Mangwende officially approved the construction of the Zezuru Village. Ms. C. Erengwi of NACZ informed the Chief about the next steps of the much-awaited project.

OSAKA EXPO-ZIMBABWE NATIONAL DAY

Deputy Chief Secretary, Office of the President and Cabinet – Rev. Damasane

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe assembled a star-studded National Cultural Ensemble to represent Zimbabwe at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The National Cultural Ensemble deivered a dramatic musical titled 'The Great Zimbabwe', featuring dance, music, poetry, theatre, graphic display and fashion. ‘The Great Zimbabwe’ performance was scripted by veteran writer Josh Nyapimbi, choreographed by Gibson Sarari and produced by Nkululeko Dube. During the final rehearsal event at 7 Arts Theatre, Deputy Chief Secretary, Office of the President and Cabinet Rev. Damasane emphasized to the group that they should market Zimbabwe through culture and attract cultural tourists as well as business investors.

Team Members:

Team Members

H.E President E.D Mnangagwa Giving his Keynote Address at the Zimbabwe National Day in Osaka, Japan

The Closing Dance with President E.D Mnangagwa

The Cultural Ensemble with Producer, Nkululeko Dube & NACZ CEO, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi

The group went on to deliver a stellar and captivating performance during the Business Forum and the National Day Celebrations held on 15 and 16 July respectively. Attendees, including Japanese government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Zimbabwe, were treated to a vibrant showcase of the nation's rich cultural heritage. The Guest of Honor, His Excellency, President E.D Mnangagwa joined the team for the closing dance as the crowd erupted into cheers.

HOUSE OF ARTS ASSOCIATION FESTIVAL: DEVINE SUCCESS ACADEMY, HATCLIFF

House of Arts Festival Exhibitions

In a bid to support and upscale NACZ’s visibility within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) especially in areas where arts organisations registered with NACZ operate, the NACZ in Harare partnered with House of Arts Association in hosting its annual festival. The House of Arts Festival, running under the theme “Facelift the Ghetto”, was held on 25 July in Hatcliff from 10:00hrs-16:30hrs at Devine Success Academy. The annual festival serves as a crucial platform for young people and artists to showcase their talents, exhibit their businesses and display their artworks. Beyond artistic expression, the festival uniquely facilitates direct interaction and dialogue between government officials and the community, particularly the youth, bridging important communication gaps. The guest of honor for the event was Honorable Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya.

MUSINA CULTURAL EXCHANGE FESTIVAL

Musina Cultural Exchange Festival in Pictures

The NACZ Masvingo and NACZ Matabeleland South Provincial Managers,  H. Mudefi and P. Vela were invited to attend and participate in the hosting of the Musina Festival, which ran under the theme: “Promoting Intercultural Understanding, Tolerance and Social Cohesion”.  The two NACZ officials accompanied Zimbabwean Cultural groups to Musina Cultural Festival between the 17th and 20th of July 2025. The NACZ partnered with American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace and Messina Legal Advice Office in this project which aims to contribute towards learnings around intercultural exchange, social inclusion, and tolerance. This significant event primarily targeted people on the move in the Limpopo corridor, including refugees and asylum seekers, providing a vital platform for dialogue and cultural exchange.

NACZ HOSTS AWARD-WINNING HOLLYWOOD FILM PRODUCER.

Photo showing proceedings during the engagement with Film practitioners

Group photo after the engagement at NACZ

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe convened a high-level Film Industry Round Table at its headquarters in Harare on the 8th of July 2025, bringing together Zimbabwean filmmakers, producers, directors and screenwriters. The collaborative dialogue was aimed at accelerating the development of the local film sector in alignment with the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030. The roundtable featured a delegation from the US Embassy in Harare, including Public Engagement Coordinator Butho Nyathi, acclaimed Hollywood producer Alix Madigan and Dorin Amina Abubakar, who leads the Africa Creative TV project. The US Envoy visited as part of a broader US-Zimbabwe cultural exchange and capacity-building programme. The discussion aimed to explore opportunities, address challenges and develop strategic plans for expanding Zimbabwe’s film industry.

THEATRE IN EDUCATION TRAINING INITIATIVE

Theatre Training in Pictures

NACZ Harare Province partnered with Vhuka Afrika Performing Arts Trust in rolling out a capacity building program hinged on the Theatre in Education Initiative whose overall goal is to complement the Heritage Based Learning (5.0) trajectory that Zimbabwe is pursuing. Based on the recital of the literature novel (set book) Tambaoga Mwanangu this initiative is two-pronged in approach via imparting acting (theatre) skills to in-school theatre practitioners as well as enhancing understanding of the literary aspects of the set book. Being pioneered in Harare Province, the Theatre in Education Training Program is set to spread to other provinces. The program is hinged on the following pillars; Storytelling, Interactive Elements (encompassing call-and-response), Role Playing and Discussion.

MUDZI CULTURE DAY LAUNCH 

Guest of Honour Chief Goronga posed for a picture with teachers

Culture and heritage modelling

The Mashonaland East Province proudly hosted a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage with the Mudzi Culture Day Launch on Friday July 4, 2025. The event, held at the LC Nechombo Culture Village in Makaha Mudzi District, was a resounding success which brought together community members, schools and cultural enthusiasts. The launch drew an impressive crowd of 400 attendees, demonstrating strong community engagement, with 170 males and 230 females participating. Chief Goronga graced the event as the Guest of Honor, underscoring the significance of cultural preservation in the region. Chief Goronga's presence highlighted the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer and community leadership in promoting heritage.

African Union Sports Council CULTURE NIGHT 

Dance team in pictures

Dance team in pictures

The NACZ played a pivotal role in the coordination of the Culture Night event that was recently held at AUSC Region 5 Games in Namibia. The event was held on 9 July at University of Namibia, Gym Hall from 19:00hrs to 21:30hrs. Zimbabwe competed amongst southern region countries and performed on the 9th ballot. NACZ officer, Eric Mutanga was given the role of curating the dance performance which showcased Zimbabwe's cultural diversity. 24 athletes from the volleyball sporting code - coming from different schools and backgrounds without any knowledge of traditional dance - were mobilized and choreographed to come up with the traditional performance showcased on the regional stage. The performance was a fusion of Mhande, Mbakumba and Mbende traditional dances. The dances, musical and embodying of diverse cultures represented Zimbabwean national unity and UBUNTU. Present at the event was Dr Dube, Permanent Secretary in Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi’s Office, Dr Chidhakwa Director of Sports in the Parent Ministry, Ambassador to Namibia Her Excellency Mrs M. Chaurura and SRC Board chairperson Dr Madzivanyika.

AUGUST

NAMA Hosts National Stakeholder’s Workshop

Events Evolution CEO, Dr Talent Banda & Scarlet Studios Managing Director, Mr Reginald Matinanga following the proceedings

The workshop panel of presenters

NAMA Event managers, Scarlet Studios & Events Evolution, successfully hosted a NAMA workshop on 27 August 2025 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). The workshop brought together artists from across the country and covered vital topics such as Branding by Paul Banda, Digital Marketing by Phil Chard, NAMA processes by Mrs. Barbara Gotore, and NACZ registration by Tafara Vuta. Artists were greatly inspired by Mr. Banda’s insights on branding and intellectual property rights, while Mr. Chard emphasized the continued relevance of traditional media alongside digital platforms. Discussions also centered on new award categories for the 24th edition of NAMA, including Fashion Awards and Digital Arts Awards.

Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 

Matabeleland North Winners

Mashonaland West Winners

The 25th edition of the Chibuku Road to Fame provincial competitions began on 23 August 2025 at Speedway Bar in Kadoma. Midlands’ Afro-fusion group Core Vibes and Mashonaland West’s All In One emerged victorious and secured their places in the national finals. Core Vibes impressed the judges with a polished performance, edging out Ambassadors and Ecossa Rhythms. In Mashonaland West, All In One also gave a captivating performance, with Boom Jazz and Nhapi Tapi taking second and third place respectively. Matabeleland North also hosted their competitions on Saturday 30 August and the winners were as follows:

1. Simuniziva - Afro-fusion

2. Abelifa the inheritors - Traditional Jazz

3. Zambezi Fusion - Aquastic Fusion

Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Visits NACZ

NACZ Management with Hon Minister’s Delegation

On 27 August 2025, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Rtd Lieutenant General A.N Sanyatwe, paid a strategic visit to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe headquarters in Harare. The visit was aimed at reviewing NACZ operations, strengthening policy frameworks and identifying ways to ensure the growth and sustainability of Zimbabwe’s creative sector. The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister Hon. E Jesaya, Permanent Secretary Mr. N Moyo, and Chief Director Dr. E Chidhakwa, reflecting strong government commitment to the arts sector.

NACZ pays visit to Sungura Legend

NACZ Director Arts Promotion & Development left, NACZ Harare PAM lower middle, Madzibaba Zacharia standing in the middle and NACZ Deputy Director for Communication & Marketing on the right

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe paid a moral support visit to Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria at his home in Chitungwiza on the 20th  of August 2025. The team led by Director Arts Promotion and Development, Mrs Barbara Gotore, strengthened the Senior Lecturer by assuring him that the arts fraternity will always be behind him because of the work he has done on and off the stage. They also handed over a grocery hamper which the family well appreciated. The Sungura Maestro, who is among the 40 creatives honored as NAMA legends, was in very high spirits regardless of his battle with diabetes. Nicholas Zacharia recently suffered a mild stroke which affected his legs. By the time of the visit, he had just been discharged from hospital.

MISTER TEEN UNIVERSE – ZIMBABWE SHINES 

Mr Teen Universe- Ngoni Mpofu

Zimbabwe continues to shine with Ngoni Sanchez Mpofu who was crowned third runner up at Mister Teen Universe, becoming one of the male models from Zimbabwe to qualify for the Top 5 of an international pageant. Mpofu is leaving a mark as the first ever model from Zimbabwe to contest Mister Universe. The competitions were held in India from 11 to 17 August 2025.

DIGITAL ARTS ONLINE CONSULTATIVE MEETING

On 8 August 2025, The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe conducted an online meeting with Digital Arts creatives to discuss the inclusion of a Digital Arts Category in the 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA). The creatives who attended included Lucky Aaroni from Bustop TV, Mai Tt, Yahya Goodvibes and Code Red Studios. NACZ CEO, Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi, chaired the meeting and gave a brief history of the NAMA, and also some takeaways from the consultative meeting held in Bulawayo in March 2025. 

Some of the suggested awards were:

• Outstanding Male Social Media Content Creator

• Outstanding Female Social Medial Content Creator

• Outstanding Podcast

FASHION ONLINE CONSULTATIVE MEETING

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe held a fashion consultative Zoom meeting on August 7, 2025, chaired by the NACZ CEO, Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi. The meeting focused on which awards to add to the fashion category for the upcoming 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards. In attendance were top fashion gurus that include Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Gilmore T, Joyce Chimanye and Zargue’sia.

The meeting was a follow-up to the consultative meetings held in Harare in November 2024 and in Bulawayo in March 2025. During those meetings, the NACZ announced three final awards in Fashion: Outstanding Fashion Designer, Outstanding Emerging Fashion Designer and Outstanding Fashion House. This online meeting served as the final opportunity to gather feedback from the fashion sector.

Some of the suggested awards were:

• Outstanding Male Fashion Designer

• Outstanding Female Fashion Designer

• Outstanding Contributor in the Fashion Industry

NACZ experiences an upsurge in Registrations

NACZ CEO, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi hands Mai TT her registration Certificate.

Sipho Mazibuko & NACZ CEO, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi

NACZ is pleased by the increased compliance in registrations by our established creatives. Popular comedian, actress and entrepreneur Felistas Murata is among those who registered in August. This comes amidst her efforts to further professionalize her already successful creative career as she prepares to launch the “Lost in Ashes” film. The development also falls in line with the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030, which calls for international collaborations in film. Mental Voices Trust came on board with their registration renewal. They are the custodians of Mr & Miss Rural Zimbabwe, a beauty pageant founded by Sipho Mazibuko.

A VISION FOR THE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND MODERNIZATION OF ZIMBABWE'S ARTS AND CULTURE SECTOR

MoSRAC Permanent Secretary, Mr N. Moyo Leading the Dialogue

DR Samwanda (MoSRAC Director Arts and Culture) giving opening remarks

Arts and Culture Practitioners and Stakeholders following the proceedings.

On the 7th of August 2025, a pivotal stakeholder engagement meeting convened by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (MOSRAC), Mr Nicholas Moyo, was held to address the future of the nation’s arts and culture industry. National Arts Council of Zimbabwe was among the key participants. The meeting served as a crucial platform for dialogue on the sector's industrialization and modernization. The key discussion points included industrialization of the arts, digital transformation and community Infrastructure.

MANICALAND ICH WORKSHOP

A UNESCO workshop held in Chipinge District, Manicaland Province, from July 28 to August 1 2025, focused on safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in line with the 2003 UNESCO Convention. The workshop's objectives included identifying, documenting and protecting ICH elements in Chief Musikavanhu's area, while promoting local traditions, facilitating knowledge transmission to younger generations and contributing to the national ICH inventory.

A crucial part of the workshop involved fieldwork at Chief Musikavanhu’s farm to add specific ICH elements to the inventory. This included documenting the preparation of dried pumpkin leaves (Kubikwa kweMufushwa weBangarara), rituals for returning a deceased person's spirit (Kudzoswa kweMweya weMufi Afira Mumusha Usiri Wake), traditional marriage rites (Maitirwo eMutimba), preparation of traditional porridge (Kubikwa kweMuputuyo), and the traditional dances of Muchongoyo and Mphongo. Ethical procedures, including consent forms, were followed during documentation.

CHARITY DLODLO up for Viola International Festival

Charity Dlodlo

Charity Dlodlo is a NACZ-registered Zimbabwean actress popularly known for her role as Mai Madziva on the popular television soap, Studio 263. On the 6th of August she had an amazing showcase at the British Council. Demonstrating her vast experience in theatre, her play was selected for the Voila International Festival in the United Kingdom where she is scheduled to perform. 

"Once an Actress," her solo play explores themes of identity and the challenges faced by female artists. Its selection for the Voila International Festival is a major milestone, as the festival is known for showcasing innovative and diverse theatre from around the world.

Get In Touch with The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe

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Contact Point Black

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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The NACZ May 2025 Newsletter Issue 9

Point Black is pleased to present the May 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 Chief Executive Officer  Mr Napoleon Nyanhi 

Dear Valued Stakeholders, Partners and Friends

As we embrace the vibrant month of May, I am delighted to connect with you through our newsletter, reflecting on our collective achievements and the exciting journey ahead. May is special because it is Culture Month and we have dedicated it to celebrating our diverse and unique culture. The theme, “Celebrating Indigenous Voices”, resonates deeply with our mission at the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, as we recognize and amplify Zimbabwean heritage, traditions, and artistic expressions that define who we are.

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe remains steadfast in nurturing and promoting the arts as a cornerstone of national development. Over the past month, we have witnessed inspiring collaborations, groundbreaking exhibitions, and performances that celebrate the diversity and talent within our artistic community. None of this would be possible without your unwavering support and passion for the arts.

In this edition, we highlight key initiatives and outstanding activities that took place during this month. We are committed to providing platforms that elevate Zimbabwean art both locally and globally. We believe that art is more than just performance or display; it is the heartbeat of our nation. Whether through the mbira’s call, the storyteller’s chant, the bold strokes of a painter’s brush, or the poet’s verse, Zimbabwean creativity continues to inspire and unite us. Let us continue to unite in purpose, leveraging the transformative power of the arts to inspire, educate, and drive social change. Take a moment to immerse yourself, be inspired, and share the pride of Zimbabwean artistry. Enjoy the read.

CULTURE MONTH 2025

Nacz CEO Mr Napoleon Nyanhi taking President E.D Mnangagwa and the esteemed guests through the tour of exhibitions.

This year’s Culture Month celebrations were ignited by a thunderous National Launch hosted in Masvingo province. On the 22nd of May Zimbabwe’s arts and culture stakeholders converged at Rusununguko Clinic Open Space, under Chief Tshovani in Chiredzi for the much-awaited event where His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa was the guest of honour. The event was marked by unique exhibitions and cultural presentations followed by scintillating entertainment from prominent artists like Freeman, Sandra Ndebele, Mark Ngwazi and Sasha Madhuve. The people in Chiredzi also enjoyed a film courtesy of the European Union. The Honourable Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lt-Gen (Rtd) Ambassador A.N. Sanyatwe handed over a gift of a special heifer to the guest of honor in appreciation of his support.

FIRST LADY APPOINTED CULTURAL AMBASSADOR

Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lt- Gen (Rtd) Amb A.N Sanyatwe handing over the ministry’s gift to the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa

The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture appointed Her Excellency the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, as the country's Cultural Ambassador, a testament to her unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting our rich heritage. She is a highly visible and active champion of Zimbabwean culture. Her work goes beyond symbolic gestures, focusing on practical preservation of food, crafts, language and values. She has spearheaded programs like Nhanga/Gota Ixiba, Traditional Cook out Competitions, Nharirire yeMusha among others. She is the mastermind behind the National Fabric, which has given Zimbabweans across all age groups, a sense of pride among other nations when it comes to national dress. At her acceptance dinner held at the Culture Village on the 29th of May, Dr Mnangagwa appreciated the ministry’s recognition of her work, and she mentioned that she does everything out of genuine love and passion for Zimbabwean culture. The first lady is working with the spouses of traditional leaders to encourage the preservation of Zimbabwean values.

NACZ partners EU for the Harmonies of Expression Festival

Fashion Exhibitions of design collaboration between Zimbabwe and Spain

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe partnered with the recently introduced European Union National Institutes for Culture to host the Harmonies of Expression Festival. The event brought together fashion designers, chefs, dancers, and musicians from Zimbabwe and Europe to create unforgettable moments of cultural exchange and artistic dialogue. The fusion of Swedish R&B and mbira, interpretive dance, vegan cooking, and repurposed materials turned into couture left everyone inspired. The event was held on the 10th of May 2025 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare.

Ambassador Jobst Von Kirchmann & NACZ C.E.O Mr Napoleon Nyanhi 

CHIBUKU NESHAMWARI ROARS TO LIFE

NACZ, ZNTDA & Delta Beverages officials presenting the 1st prize to Imvimbi Arts, The Matabeleland North Provincial Champions

The annual traditional dance festival which is hosted by the tripartite partnership of National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association and Delta Beverages’ Chibuku brand is back again. Provincial competitions for the Neshamwari Dance Festival kicked off with Midlands hosting first in Gweru at Mkoba 4 Beer Hall on the 10th of May. The provincial winners so far are as follows:

Mashonaland Central will put the curtain down on the provincial competitions on the 5th of July. The national competitions will be held at a venue and date to be announced.

UKHALO FILM PROJECT - MAT NORTH A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN FILM EMPOWERING YOUTH

The short film Ukhalo is a local production that emerged from the 2023 World Theatre and World Poetry Day celebrations in Jotsholo. These events served as a catalyst for identifying and developing young talent from both urban and rural areas. Acclaimed arts practitioner, Sticks Mhlanga, was inspired by the festivities to write a short play, which then evolved into the film Ukhalo. This production is a collaborative effort, supported by the Ministry of Sports Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Lupane State University Media and Film Department, and community leaders.

MASH EAST WOMEN'S DAY SPORTS AND ARTS FESTIVAL

MoSRAC Deputy Minister, Hon Emily Jesaya touring exhibitions at the festival

Mashonaland East province hosted the Women's Day Sports and Arts Festival at Rujeko Primary School in Murehwa on the 15th of May. The event featured a variety of artistic activities including traditional games, art exhibitions, music performances and traditional dances and exhibitions for Arts and Cultural products. The festival provided a platform for women to showcase their talents, skills, and creativity. It also brought together women from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. There were entertainment performances by ZPCS Mutoko Traditional Dance Group, Rauya Gen'a dance group, St Peter's Primary School and Poets. During the event, Deputy Minister Honorable Emily Jesaya shared the importance of women participation in Sports, Arts and Culture.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM: HOUSE OF ARTS ASSOCIATION 

House of Arts Association Founder, Mr Casper Chigama addressing attendants at the workshop

House of Arts Association, an institution registered with NACZ under the Harare Province, successfully hosted a Cultural Exchange program between Zimbabwe and Sweden. The program deliberated on issues dealing with situations female artists face on their journeys to greatness. The NACZ managed to mobilise upcoming artists from Mbare district who attended the event. It is important to note that the Zimbabwean artist who was interviewed was once a Chibuku Road to Fame participant and Music Crossroads student sitting next to Swedish young female artists. They shared their journeys and different challenges which they faced and how they managed to overcome them. This worked as an eye opener to young talented artists following the same career path.

NATIONAL CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES (CCIS) PUBLIC FUNDING WORKSHOP 

Staff from NACZ and Chenhaka Trust pause for a photo with some of the participants

Chenhaka Arts Trust, in partnership with the NACZ, convened a workshop at Alliance Française Harare on 7 May 2025 focused on National Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) Public Funding under the hashtag #sustainablepublicfunding. The dialogue covered key areas as follows:

• Project Proposal Development 

• Public Funding Strategies

• Contribution & Needs of the Arts Sector

• Current Funding Flow

The NACZ facilitated stakeholder identification and mobilization for the May 7th workshop, themed "Development of an inclusive and data-driven roadmap for increased public funding support to the CCIs through stakeholder participation.

Creative Economy Workshop in Manicaland

NACZ Manicaland Provincial Arts Manager, Caroline Makoni presenting at the workshop

The NACZ, in a collaborative effort to bolster the local arts scene, supported a dynamic event on 3 May 2025 featuring both an educational workshop and an engaging musical showcase in Mutare. The morning session centered on the Creative Economy Workshop, a valuable initiative made possible through the generous funding of the British Council to Magitare Africa Trust which is led by Tariro Chaniwa. Participants had the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the creative economy, gaining knowledge and perspectives on how to leverage their artistic talents within this evolving landscape. Adding a local context to the discussion, the NACZ Provincial Arts Manager, Caroline Makoni delivered a comprehensive presentation on the current state of the creative economy specifically within the Manicaland province, providing valuable insights into regional opportunities and challenges. As the day transitioned into evening, the atmosphere transformed with the Acoustic Night, expertly organized by Magitare Africa Trust.

Zimbabwean Musicians continue to shine on the global stage

Grateful Concert 3.0

On Saturday 31 May, award winning gospel singer, Eleana Makombe hosted the Grateful Concert 3.0 at the international Convention Centre in Birmingham. The event attracted Zimbabwe’s top gospel acts that include Minister Michael Mahendere, Everton Mlalazi, Blessing Jedthun and Sharon & Ellard Cherai. Speaking at the event where he was the guest of honour, NACZ CEO, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi applauded Zimbabwean gospel artists for raising the bar when it comes to professionalism and standards of event hosting. He shared his belief that Zimbabweans in the diaspora can make the change that the sector needs and launch Zimbabwean art significantly to the world. NACZ is glad to offer the necessary support to Zimbabwean artists in the diaspora. Now is the time to register and be part of the massive transformation of our creative industry towards the better.

NACZ, celebrating 40 years of creativity, resilience, and cultural pride!

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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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The NACZ December 2024 Newsletter Issue 4

Point Black is pleased to present the December 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 

Welcome once again to the monthly publication of cultural and creative activities in Zimbabwe. As we pull down the curtains to an eventful year that brought a spotlight on arts and culture, I take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders for supporting Zimbabwean creatives in so many ways. By consuming artistic products, you are contributing to the growth of this nation’s creative economy, and we love you for that.To the artist, let us prioritise formalising our craft by registering with NACZ. As the year begins, remember to renew your registration to enjoy the numerous benefits that come with being one of us. The month of December is always a hive of activity for creative workers and consumers. There is so much creative diversity to celebrate so take your time to go through this publication and catch up with the recent arts and culture news. I wish all art-loving Zimbabweans a prosperous and artsy 2025.

EVENTS ROUNDUPS

King Kandoro’s Celebration Centre Show

STAND-UP COMEDY IS NOW A POWERFUL FORCE

In 2015 the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe made a Board resolution to actively support the growth of Standup comedy in the country. This led to notable strides like the filling up of the HICC by the Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime. 9 years later, Zimbabweans have fully embraced the value of attending a stand-up comedy show and parting with their hard-earned money to enjoy a good laugh. In December, our own King Kandoro hosted a sold-out show at Celebration Centre in Harare attended by over 3,500 people after a series of other successful shows in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls during his Propaganda World Tour. Nigel Tha Slick Pastor has also filled up Reps and 7 Arts Theatre this year.

King Kandoro and Nijo Live On Stage

BULAWAYO SHUT DOWN

Bulawayo Shutdown 8th Edition

Harris Entertainment held the 8th edition of the Bulawayo Shutdown on 27 December. The well-put-together event was held at The ZITF Hall and was filled to capacity. The star-studded lineup lived up to expectations delivering impressive performances. The event MCs were Mzoe 7, DJ Nospa and Metty Intombi ‘Emfitshane.

CELESTIAL CHORUS 2, A GAME CHANGING CONCERT

The Celestial Chorus Soiree that was held at HICC on the 31st of December was the perfect event to sign out of the eventful 2024.The event hosted by Bridging Gaps Foundation ticked all the boxes that resemble a well organised musical production. It featured a 100 piece symphonyand had a total of 182 participating artists from Zimbabwe, South Africa and the USA making it one of the biggest investments into the arts in 2024. Guests were treated to a memorable experience, marked by flawless timing, exceptional performances and an atmosphere of great excitement.It was indeed another testimony that with good investment, Zimbabwean art can be a powerful force in the region and beyond.

NEWS FROM THE MUSIC SCENE

Baba Manyeruke live at the Gospel Legends Night

The month of December started with the elegant Gospel Legends Concert hosted by Eleana Makombe at the HICC. Legends like Baba Manyeruke and Fungisai Zvakavapano showed that they have been in the game for a long as they kept fans asking for more. NAMA Award-winning music promoter, Patson “Chipaz” Chimbodza was at it again with another edition of the Zimdancehall Cup Clash 2024 where the winner, Ngwere Lite drove away with a brand-new BMW as the grand prize. The Doek n Slay Harare Edition which was held at Alex Sports Club on Saturday 15 December recorded an attendance of around 23,000 ladies.

Left: ZimDancehall National Cup Clash 23 Dec 2024, Right: Doek n Slay Harare 15 Dec 2024

WOMEN IN ART

Art is usually perceived as a male-dominated space but this year, women have done exceptionally well, dominating various art disciplines and showing that creativity knows no gender boundaries.

Charmaine Mujeri (Writer, Director, Actress)

In the world of theatre and television productions, Charmaine Mujeri needs no introduction. In the Month of December, she has been starring in most of the theatre productions that ran at Reps Theatre and Theatre in the Park. The renowned stage and television actress has been part of the most successful productions that the country has ever produced, including Cook Off, which was screened globally via Netflix, and was a recipient of multiple awards from the National Art Merit Awards (NAMA) and the Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF).

Ronika Tandi and a tourist in Kariba

Ronika Tandi is a Zimbabwean sculptor. She is primarily known for her abstract stone carving, often with a rough, unpolished surface that retains the natural texture of the stone. One of her pieces, Kariba Waves has become famous to tourists in Kariba, right by the Kariba Heights stands a 2-meter-long sculpture.

Feli Nandi at her restaurant in Eastlea

FELI Nandi is an Afrofusion musician, Fashion designer and entrepreneur. This year she celebrated Christmas in style by hosting people at her recently opened restaurant in Eastlea, serving tantalizing traditional dishes and the day was a resounding success. She has set a true example of how artists can diversify in terms of business investment. The multi-talented diva is now occupying space in the world of culinary arts.

NAMA 23

NAMA 22

On the 1st of March 2025, the 23rd Edition of the National Arts Merit Awards will be happening live at the Harare International Conference Centre. The Theme behind the upcoming NAMA edition is AFROFUTURISM. The theme resembles a way of looking at the future and alternate realities through a black culture lens. It focuses on works that examine the past, question the present, or imagine an optimistic future. It is meant to inspire a sense of pride in the audience. Get ready for an epic experience with scintillating local performances. The edition should breathe a new vibe of creativity into the future of Zimbabwean art.

FORMALISING THE CRAFT

The NACZ has been on a drive to make sure that arts and culture activities are formalized. Creatives face challenges in getting loans from financial institutions among other industry complications because of lack of formalization. It is encouraging to note that various disciplines of art have established institutions that help in governing their activities. We have the association for music promoters, the music managers forum, the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association etc.

Doc Vikela, COCAZ Member

The NACZ Communications department recently had a chat with Doc Vikela, who was representing the Content Creation Association of Zimbabwe (COCAZ), which was founded in 2020. He outlined the association’s vision which is to empower and elevate Zimbabwe’s creative voice and they believe in the transformative power of digital content to inspire, educate, and connect people across boundaries. As 2025 begins, NACZ encourages all arts associations, promoters, venue owners and art practitioners to renew their registrations and be counted among the professional creatives in our country.

For registration requirements, visit our website www.nacz.co.zw or email us at natartsziminfo@gmail.com.

MUSIC INDUSTRY EDUCATION

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.

Introduction To The Business

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.

In future editions, we will discuss the remaining steps, how artists can make money from their music and how these revenue streams flow.

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Get In Touch with The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe

Email: natartsziminfo@gmail.com

Facebook: National Arts Council of Zimbabwe - NACZ

X (Twitter): @naczim (@naczzim) / X

YouTube: National Arts Council of Zimbabwe -NACZ - YouTube

Call Us 

• 0242-304526

• Mobile/WhatsApp: +263712442135

Contact Point Black

Phil Chard at PodQuest 2024

Last week, Freddy Mulli invited me to speak to a group of talented finalists in the "PodQuest 2024" podcast competition in Kenya, hosted by Youth+ Radio, where I shared what I have learned from running one of Zimbabwe’s biggest podcasts for over 10 years

Here are some of the highlights that would apply to anyone in content creation

• Build a funnel that allows you to turn listeners and followers into Names, Emails and Numbers

• Start with Passion, Not Profit: Don't start a podcast because you read about what Call Her Daddy or Joe Rogan is making! Focus on creating a podcast that you love and that offers real value to your listeners. Passion should be your North Star

• Community is King: Convert your listeners into email subscribers and WhatsApp group members as soon as possible

• Collaborate and Share the Workload: Team up with other creators! Collaboration is key for building a strong network and getting your content in front of a wider audience.

• Go Organic, Then Get Fancy: Word of mouth is your best marketing tool. Focus on creating high-quality content that people will love to share. Then, when the time is right, explore short-form videos and paid promotions to boost your reach.

• Tech isn’t Everything: Don't get caught up in the gear race. You can start with a simple setup (even your iPhone) and focus on mastering the basics of audio editing.

Master the Work Behind The Content: Learn how to edit and produce your podcasts yourself first before hiring to do it for yo

Permalinks

Youtube : https://youtu.be/cG6ze05b3jY

Soundcloud Link: https://on.soundcloud.com/fHxYbf2DfHF8oUHj6

The NACZ November 2024 Newsletter Issue 3

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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Get In Touch with The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe

Email: natartsziminfo@gmail.com

Facebook: National Arts Council of Zimbabwe - NACZ

X (Twitter): @naczim (@naczzim) / X

YouTube: National Arts Council of Zimbabwe -NACZ - YouTube

Call Us 

• 0242-304526

• Mobile/WhatsApp: +263712442135

Contact Point Black

Phil Chard Presents Promoting Zimbabwe's Music Sector in the Digital Space for UNESCO And The Artist Accelerator

A few months back, I had the pleasure of presenting at a UNESCO workshop about "Promoting Zimbabwe's Music Sector in the Digital Space” to some of the country's most talented artists and music professionals

I gave a presentation called "Tips and Tools for the 21st Century Creator: Music 101 in the Digital Space”, which is self-explanatory

The workshop also launched a new report commissioned by UNESCO and the National Arts Council to understand the role digital channels play in the value chain and how they can be leveraged.

My Key Takeaways from the presentation and the report

1. Zimbabwe’s Digital footprint is incredibly small

• Only 34% of the population have access to the internet

• Only 1.5 million Zimbabweans are on social media (not including WhatsApp)

• To maximise reach an artist still has to use traditional media and marketing

2. We live in Meta’s World

• The top 3 social media platforms in Zimbabwe are all run by Meta. WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram. Build your strategy around those channels

3. Build relationships with fans.  

• Collect names and emails, not followers!

4. The money is in the metadata

5. Invest in Your Skills and understand each platform uses and updates

I have been working on a more fleshed-out educational resource for artists titled The African Accelerator. If you are an artist keen to learn more about the skills you need to increase your earning potential, please start by joining our WhatsApp community here

Link to report:

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

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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

Facebook: National Arts Council of Zimbabwe - NACZ

X (Twitter): @naczim (@naczzim) / X

YouTube: National Arts Council of Zimbabwe -NACZ - YouTube

Call Us 

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Contact Point Black

The Creative Hustles Talk With Phil Chard, Walter Wanyanya and Charlotte Kanter

Phil Chard was invited to be a panellist in an online discussion hosted by the British Council focused on Creative Industries and how best to build a sustainable business online

The conversation was recorded as part of the "Creative Hustles Space" and was hosted by Fungai from Enthuse Afrika.

The panellists were;

• Phil Chard from Point Black Entertainment

• Walter Wanyana from Ngoma Nehosho

• Charlotte Kanter from Morse Code

Key Takeaways:

1. Creative spaces and collaboration are essential

2. Challenges are common in the industry and more so in Zimbabwe

3. Understand the environment you are working in.

Actionable Advice for Artists:

• Create a dedicated creative space: Even if it's a small corner of your home, having a designated space for creative work can help you focus and be more productive.

• Connect with other artists: Join online communities, attend workshops, and network with fellow creatives for support, inspiration, and collaboration.

• Learn basic technical skills: Familiarize yourself with recording equipment, software, and troubleshooting techniques.

• Plan and prepare for your recording sessions: Have a clear objective in mind, choose a quiet recording environment, and ensure your equipment is properly set up.

• Embrace flexibility and adaptability: Challenges and interruptions are part of the creative process. Be prepared to adjust your plans, experiment with new approaches, and find creative solutions.

Soundcloud https://on.soundcloud.com/kg3ggfPSKzs1rKZn7

• Full Transcript

  [This was made with the help of an AI transcription service and they may be grammatical inaccuracies]

  Today, we're going to be speaking to three esteemed panellists. We have Phil Sharpe from Point Black Africa. We have Charlotte Kantor from Victoria Falls Gin, and we have Walter Wanyanya from Gomanewosho. They are going to be our three panellists, and they're going to be picking their brains on the best practices on how to create for international markets and how to expand your reach as a creative entrepreneur. So, now, we'll give it over to our panellists to give a brief overview and introduction of themselves, starting with you, Walter. Walter, please just introduce yourself briefly.

  Hi um uh Thank you for having me. I hope you can hear me clearly.

  We can hear you.

  Um, yeah. My name is Walter Wanyanya. I am a creative entrepreneur um, I run a company called Ngoma Nehosho, which is an artist development company. It's a company. Um, and we do management and uh everything that has to do with um, enhancing the creative space, uh, more so through music than uh, than any other part of the creative sector. Yeah. So, that's a quick a quick introduction for myself.

  Okay, fantastic. Over to you Phil. Please introduce yourself a bit.

  Hey guys. um I'm Phil um I'm the managing director of Point Black. We are uh essentially a creative agency that focuses mainly on digital, well, content and then how that intersects with the creative industries and the arts. So, we also manage and release music for a few contemporary artists.

  Yeah, I think that's it. Fantastic.

  Thank you Phil. Over to you Charlotte. Please introduce yourself.

  Hi guys. Um good to be on this chat with everyone today. My name is Charlotte Kantor. I am the uh Director of Morse Code, which is my marketing agency. Uh clear communication that cuts through the noise. I work with a lot of South Africa's, or sorry, Africa's top artists. I used to be the marketing director for the Victoria Falls Carnival. And through that, has sprung my latest venture, which is Victoria Falls Gin, a proudly Zimbabwean product that I am focused on promoting to the international market.

  Fantastic. And my name is Fungai, just for reference. So, without further ado, we'll get right into it. So, the process of expanding your creative ventures beyond your borders probably takes time and a great deal of patience. How did you get started on your journey of creating for international markets and expanding your reach? We'll start with you, Charlotte.

  Okay. So, I was the marketing director for Victoria Falls Carnival for, sort of, eight years um, and that's how I know its - - - - its. At that time, I always thought why isn't there a proudly Zimbabwean spirit? Because at the event everyone drinks, you know, um, Zambezi, Sapphire, Tanqueray, London Dry, and uh Victoria Falls in particular is such a special place, obviously. The water and the falls themselves, one of the seven wonders of the world. If you could bottle this, in an international audience would absolutely love it. It's also a fantastic tourism tool. And that's actually how Victoria Falls Gin started to, um the lady that started it, Luna Scott, she was on the board of tourism for the area. So, it's very interesting to think of products as, um vehicles to promote areas and to drive tourism, and that's how I got started with Victoria Falls Gin. I actually started it during COVID, because events became illegal. Um, so all my work personally dried up, and it was sort of a sync also, um, and in this case, I thought this is an idea I've had for a very long time, and now is the time to sort of grasp this opportunity and make the most of it. And, that's how I began creating the product for international markets.

  Great. Great. And Phil, how did you get started on your journey?

  Um how much time do we have? Uh I think I think in short, um I've always been somewhat involved in the creative arts, um from high school. Um, after that, um when I started working, I found myself um blogging. My business partner Ross already had started the blog and asked me to join and at that time, it was 25 to Life, which later became the African Hip-Hop Blog. Um and our audience grew um to the point where we started having brands knocking on our doors, asking to advertise with us, but we did not fully understand how to um pretty much process those payments. How to run ads. So, we we learned all that on the fly. And, the majority of those brands were international brands. So, um this is around um the last decade. Um I think of the first big brand to come calling was Heineken. And they had a massive campaign with um the James Bond movie. Then, there was Mtn South Africa, Vodafone South Africa. Um and then alcohol brands like Absolut Vodka, and then a few other brands under the Diageo stable. So, it's hard to say um what exactly we did because there was no deliberate plan to make international content. We were literally just blogging about the content that we loved at the time, which happened to appeal to an international audience. And then we started figuring out how to um adapt our blog to to meet those requirements.

  Alright, great. Thank you for that. And Walter, how did you get started on your journey for on creating for international markets?

  Um, not necessarily for international markets per se, but uh I I I focus more on the Zimbabwean market and Zimbabwean artists. And, then, uh organically we didn't uh got out of Zimbabwe, through the artists that we were working with, but we started off uh directing all our work uh specifically to Zimbabwean artists, but um, personally, I started off as a musician, as a bass player. Um, I played um uh, bass for a number of years. Uh for Celebration Choir, for a number of other artists. I recorded uh music for them. Um, and then, I got into business, running um an Apple authorized dealership, which then kind of put me more in touch uh with artists and creatives. So, basically setting up studios, setting up uh creative spaces with Apple products and that kind of thing. So, I started working a whole lot more with artists on that side of things. Um, but I was still playing at that time. Um and then, like what Chad said, you start getting requests for this and that and that. Uh helping artists. So, we then started, uh Gomanewosho, uh to formalize all the work that we were doing already with artists. Um, and then uh, um after that, we uh got uh artists on board to manage. We started managing uh Brian K, Victor Kunonga. Uh, we then ended up working with Pumacol. Uh managing Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi. And, um and then in the middle of all that, as well, we started the Jacaranda Music Festival, which is on its sixth year running this year. We also started the Jabulani Jazz Festival. And, um, and holding a whole bunch of concerts in between the big festivals, and the big concerts. Yeah. So, basically, it was very organic. Um um Again, like how Phil said it, we really did not intend um to have uh we didn't really have a direction, per se, kuti this is exactly how we wanted it to happen. It kind of like um we found our way, as we were going. And we found out these these needs, and this is what we're capable of doing. And then we just aligned ourselves to the needs that were there in the creative space. And, then, obviously, we turned that into business. Alright, great. Great answers for all of you. Very impressive. So, you know, the individual journeys, right? And you've talked about how any of you were approached by brands to do something with them to market them. And, some of these enterprises can serve as one of the deals that don't necessarily lend themselves to long-term engagement. What are the best ways to maintain these international connections and ensure that you continue to have engagement with international markets and audiences for sustained monetization? We can start with you, Walter.

  I think when you when you when you're looking at the international markets, there are practices that are there. And um you just can't work, uh, if you're working still in your backyard. So, I would say it's it's knowing what international markets need, as a professional, and then you align yourself to that. And, knowing what the international market needs is basically just seeking out education. So, no one knows everything. And, no one has all the information in the world. So, the good thing about uh today's world is that information is literally in, you know, in our hands through our devices, and stuff like that. There are a lot of uh there's a lot of information that you can Google. There's a lot of um uh workshops and seminars that happen where information is given out. Um that's basically the quickest and easiest way for one to actually find out what's going on out there internationally. So, that one can then prepare and say, okay, here in the local space, this is how we do business, but on the international stage, this is what is demanded of you. And, people take you seriously when you do A, B, C, D. So, it's a case of just knowing what the international market demands in the creative space, and then you align yourself to that, so that you are marketable. You are you you you are a product that they can you know, they can receive without them feeling like, oh, we're dealing with another Zimbabwean who doesn't know how to do business, or we're dealing with another, whatever. Um, so it's just a case of just making sure you know what is needed, and then you make sure you prepare for that. So, that when the opportunities come, you are you are ready to to be able to be part of the international creative space. Alright, great. And, Charlotte, what have you found to be the best ways to maintain these international connections, and continue engagement?

  So, I think when you're talking about playing on the international stage, of course you have to level up in all regards. So, they will use you once, maybe for a particular reason. Maybe it's an introduction, a connection. Maybe you worked on a project they were involved in. It's up to you to make sure they work on with you on a repetitive basis. Of course, as you were saying, um, you want to have longevity to these relationships. So, as Walter was mentioning, you have to educate yourself. What are the world-class standards in your field, as a creative, whatever that may be. And, all that information is available online, whether it's through Google, whether it's through learning academies. There are a lot of free courses. You have to update your own knowledge. You have to make sure your practices are relevant, and you really have to deliver world-class product. Because, if you don't, they'll choose someone else the next time. So, it's really up to each of us, or all the creatives that are on this call, um, to level up when it comes to playing on a world-class arena.

  Interesting. I I I like the idea of leveling up, you know, to just keep on growing. And, Phil, what's your advice in order to maintain these international connections?

  Um, I I think it's been covered pretty well by the other two panelists. It's um ultimately, if a brand is approaching you, an organization is approaching you, it's to affect their bottom line. So, if you're not helping them make money or making the job of whoever is contacting you um easier, you you're not going to get a return call. So, figure out what it is that they need for whatever their success metrics, figure out what those are, and over deliver wherever you can um so that they keep coming back. And, you have case studies for future clients, as well.

  Alright, great. So, you know, you are always, probably, born and originally based creatives. It carries its own unique challenges and opportunities. In what ways have the experiences being a Zimbabwean creative entrepreneur, and the specific context of operating here benefited your work abroad? Sorry. Do you mind Do you mind repeating that again? You mind repeating that question again?

  I said in what ways has starting out in Zimbabwe and its specific, challenging context benefited your work abroad?

  Um, for me, personally, I would say Zimbabwe is a very hard place to work in any any any any area. Um being the creative space, it's actually even harder. So, because it's very hard to get started, because it's very hard to break to break out of whatever mold, it means that, you know, when someone is out there working, doing the same thing, maybe from another country that has systems and they're supported from either corporate and government, government, or whatever, when we are you know, when they are putting in um 10% effort into their work, and 90% comes from elsewhere, we are putting in 90% work, and then 10% comes from elsewhere, if not less. So, I found that when other people are doing whatever they're doing, we're doing, you know, we're going the extra mile to make sure that we stay, you know, um on the same level as possible. You know, competitors or counterparts, whatever you want to call them. Um so from my end, I actually find that as Zimbabweans, when we get out there, we would have, you know, we would have we like almost overpowered, even for artists um is is uh when you when artists are asked to perform, to come and perform on an international stage, uh because we work with very very minimal stuff. Um when you go out there, you are giving everything else that you need for you to be able to deliver a performance. So, when you get there, you're ready to do whatever needs to be done for you to be on the stage uh where other people are waiting for A, B, C, D to be done for them. And, then they can be able to deliver. But it's as if we We're ready to do whatever needs to be done. So, I find that we, you know, we have the kind of advantage um from that perspective. It's basically making the most of our negatives.

  Um great. Making the most of your negatives, using the downsides to help you to make upsides, right?

  Yes. Exactly.

  Alright, great. And, Phil, what's your perspective on this? How has operating in this Zimbabwean context um affected you and benefited your work abroad, or vice versa?

  Um, I think uh like, as Walter said, um Zimbabwe is hard. Um it's like that um frankly, not really. And, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Simply because when you leave and you're working with um places or systems or support networks that are actually functional, it's child's play. But being able to function in this environment is incredibly difficult. So, it's now figuring out, if I'm in an environment where I know my revenue is not guaranteed. I I may have to pay salaries, or I may have to pay service providers. How do I do that? Um, that's the tough part. And so, it's figuring out how to build that base here in Zimbabwe. And, once you succeed here, um getting success internationally, it is easier from a work-wise, I think what's more difficult now, switching to the conversation around music. I've been in rooms where because our population isn't um large, and because the average median income is so low, Zimbabwe is almost doomed, as a negligible market. On certain spread sheets, it we literally appear as a province in South Africa. So, that's the difficult thing is now figuring out, how do you create something that is Zimbabwean, but still appeals to a wider audience, when Zimbabwe is not deemed as a viable market in certain aspects. Um but as Walter said, um if you just figure out how to work here, it'll The hard work um will come easier in other places. It's now figuring out how to market your your brand, whatever it is you're working on creatively, to appeal to a much wider audience, because Zimbabwe, relatively speaking, is very small.

  Alright, great. I guess, when you are strong enough to lift 500 kgs under the worst gravity conditions, lifting 200 is going to be much easier. And, Charlotte, what has been your experience with this?

  So, um just a little bit of background, I am actually South African. Um but I did find myself working, obviously on the Victoria Falls Carnival and now Victoria Falls Gin. So, I have the experience, as opposed to working in South Africa, and then again working in Zimbabwe. And I think I can um mirror what the other two speakers have said. It's a lot more difficult. It's a lot more challenging, but, of course, it's under those conditions that we ourselves are forged. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. So, I am learning about the struggles and the challenges. Um uh I saw an opportunity, I suppose, in relation to a product, as we say. That can appeal to a global market. So, it is much more challenging to work in Zimbabwe than it is in South Africa. But, um I think it teaches you a lot of things. And, we all come out of it stronger, in my opinion.

  Great. Great. So, you know, cultural contexts are very important. Charlotte, you mentioned you are originally from South Africa, right? And, perhaps, you can start and speak off speak on this particular topic. What have you found with the greatest cultural differences between Zimbabwe and the more international space and how do you navigate these differences?

  So, um I think because everything is not as easy in Zimbabwe, Zimbabweans just seem to like make it work, whatever the situation. Whereas, in other countries, and I I don't just talk about South Africa, I've lived in London, and I've lived in Ireland. So, I talk about sort of global workplaces. People do not have the same work ethic, by any means. They have a job to do and they'll do the job using the tools that are available. And, if they can't complete it that way, that's not their problem. Whereas, Zimbabweans, definitely, will make it work, come hell or high water. Um and I think that's an amazing um attitude to have. And, I think you know that's That is how people are going to weather the storm. Um and then, once you break out and you do get into the international markets, it's so much easier to get things done.

  Alright, great. And Phil, you know, you are involved with a lot of international brands, from Heineken, Vodafone, and MTN, which means that there's inevitably going to be a lot of cultural differences. So, what are some of these differences that you've found across the corporate monetization, creative culture, and how do you navigate these differences?

  Hmm, I I wouldn't really say um a cultural thing, or cultural differences. Um with the brands you mentioned, that's when we were running the blog. So, um when those brands would approach us, they would approach us because we had a larger readership in South Africa. So, they already had an agency in market. They already had the CI guide and brand messaging. All we were taking was taking those assets, and posting them on our website. Um I think where that most applies is now, where uh I'll be receiving briefs from let's say, Yum Brands, cuz uh there was a time we were the agency that's we're we're doing pizza hut or when we're working with Pinotage record for Jameson. Um there is a bit of education that we have to do when they give us a brief to say, this messaging might work globally, but in market, these are what the um buyer trends, this is what customer data is saying. And, then having the data to back it up. Um and then, ultimately, showing and proving once again, with the numbers, no matter what the cultural difference is, because we live in a capitalistic world. Um if a brand is approaching you, it's either one of two goals. It's either part of the CSR, which is corporate responsibility, which and they will clearly have defined goals that they need you to reach, or it'll simply be for an ad campaign. And, it'll be how much can you improve our sales. How much can you improve our visibility? Which is pretty much numbers. So, in that respect, the the only thing is this contextualizing the information um for local markets. So, the best advice I would give anyone in this room is, understand the people you are trying to reach, locally and internationally, and then know how to adapt briefs, or know how to adapt messaging to reach them. Um, that's the simplest answer I can give.

  So, would you say that there are more similarities in terms of culture, or are there still little nuances that need navigation?

  Um, that's such a such a vague question because it it it depends on who you are trying to reach. Um, I think Zimbabwean culture is very unique to Zimbabwe. Obviously, because like, South Africa is this massive planet that pulls everything gravitationally towards it. There is a lot of South African culture that's embedded in Zimbabwe. But, it depends in in which demographics you you're trying to reach, and who the people you're trying to speak to. So, there are definitely cultural differences, but, as a cultural practitioner, it's now incumbent on you to understand who you are trying to reach. You need to understand your audience. Um, you need to understand what they care about. What motivates them, so that ultimately, you can earn a living.

  Alright, great. And, Walter, you know, you have this background in music, and you've worked with likes of Pumacol and Oliver Mtukudzi, lots of artists from different backgrounds. Do you find that the culture translates across or there are differences, and how best do you navigate these differences?

  I think um, from my end, looking at the music scene, uh cultural differences are actually, you know, what bloo- uh us together. Or, what makes uh Zimbabwean artists out there valuable. Because, you have to present something that's totally different to what someone is already doing. So, for example, if um uh uh the HIFA Festival, or Bushfire, is creating a lineup of artists that are uh, that they want to put on that uh, on their stage. They're going to look for people that are going to present music that is different from what they can what they have locally. So, I find that the cultural differences are not necessarily it's not a problem, but it's actually a good thing, because if you are true to yourself, if you're true to where you come from, you're true to being Zimbabwe, you are actually more likely to be booked. You are actually more likely to to to have um um a seat on a table where differences are valuable. Where people are looking for people that are going to bring something that's totally different. Whether it's going to be music. Whether it's going to be how you look at um uh uh ways of selling products or whatever it is. I find I've found that being different, and being a Zimbabwean, and presenting yourself as authentically Zimbabwean as possible is actually a plus. So, I haven't all the artists that I've worked with and they've all they've all done well because they are actually different. And because they are authentically them. Uh, whether they're South African or Zimbabwean. They're not trying to fit in into any mold that is, you know, whatever is trending. So, if if if the Nigerian sound of music is what's trending. Um, they're also trying to fit into that. If it's Amapiano that's happening, they're trying to fit into that. Because, they think that's what the world wants. But no, I've found that if if people are stuck to the to their culture. If they're stuck to the what makes them unique. That actually is what um what people are actually are looking for. They're not looking for duplicates of themselves. And, we I can't be an American. So, so there's never going to be a time we're going to be a better American than an actual American or a South African, because I'm not South African. I can only be a Zimbabwean. And, they can't be me. And when you look at it like that, that's where the value is.

  Alright, great answers all around. And I'm curious about that because there's a potential that some markets might be reluctant to embrace someone viewed as an outsider, particularly with elements like music where language and background and context play a huge a huge role. So, how do you create engagement with your target audience on the international stage and ensure that you have the best reach possible to your international market? We'll start with you Walter.

  I think when it comes to music, really language or the language that you sing in. Uh when we're talking of the lyrics um uh I will give you an example of Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi. He's saying, like, 90 8% of his, you know, of his songs in in Shona, and the 2% is just a word, a sentence, and a statement here and there in one of his songs. But, he's singing a lot of his music in in Shona. And a bit of Ndebele here and there. But, um when you think of music and the way that I look at music is music itself is a language before you understand the words that someone is saying with in a song. So, there are songs that you can listen to that someone is playing and you have no idea what they're saying, but you feel the pain or you feel the joy or you feel the excitement or whatever it is, before you even go and Google and say, "Okay, what is this person singing about?" But, the music would already spoken to you. So, we have a situation where uh I don't think that it's it's it's critical. I wouldn't even advise any artist to say because you're trying to reach the British audience, you must be very you must be you know, you must be you know, um you must be singing only in English, because you're going to go to England, they speak English there. Because, you're going to speak you're going to go and perform in China, now you must learn Mandarin so that you can appeal to them. I don't think it works like that when it comes to music. Because, music, in itself, before you even put lyrics and words, is a language. And, that's one language that everybody understands without having any um uh uh someone that comes and and interprets and says okay, this is what this song is about, and this is what the song is about. So, we then add lyrics onto it. So, you basically now almost have two languages being uh uh being delivered within a song. I don't know if that makes sense, but we have put it across. But yeah, so I don't think the language barrier is is is an issue when it comes to music. I remember growing up, I would listen to a lot of uh rumba music, and rumba was big in Zimbabwe at the time. I didn't know what uh Yende Muny means. But, it's one of my favorite songs and we used to dance to it and you know, and if you played it in Zimbabwe, if you played it at any wedding, at any party, people would dance to it, they know the song. But, they may not even know what the song is about or what the lyrics are about. So, when it comes to music, which is what I can talk about. I don't know about the other uh the other scenes, you know. Uh when it comes to music I wouldn't really say language is a barrier um when it comes to relevance or you being heard by by by an audience that doesn't speak whatever language that you're singing.

  Now, so the language of creativity and creation is universal.

  Definitely.

  Alright.

  Yeah. So, Charlotte, would you say that there's some reluctance by international markets to embrace someone that might be viewed as an outsider? And, how do you create engagement to overcome that potential reluctance?

  Um, so I think if you're talking about competition, yes, your comp your competitors are reluctant to embrace you. But, if we talk about international markets, I think it's the exact opposite. I think they are yearning for something different. I think they are open to embracing African creativity. Um and I think there's actually a huge gap in the market. You know, they're so used to If we talk about um, you know, I also work in the music space, space. I work with like, Tresor, and some of the top artists like um I've worked with U2, luminaries, et cetera. So, if you talk about music or you talk about creativity as a whole, I think they're so used to this westernized, American sort of approach, and I think they really want to embrace something different, and original creativity is coming out of Africa. And, I think that's something that sort of all Africans can be proud of, and I think um that it's a huge benefit, and it's something that we must keep forging forward with.

  Thank you. And, you know, Phil, how do you feel about the potential reluctance of the international markets to embrace an outsider? And, if that reluctance exists, how do you best overcome that?

  Um I I I genuinely don't think um any outside markets are reluctant to accept um Obviously, there are consumers who are going to like what they like, and they don't want to deviate from that. But, there's so many people, especially in the last um few years, coming out of the pandemic, who love something that's new, something that's different. Um there's a massive subculture of people in Japan, that love Amapiano music. Um I think my frustration, and I think the the thing that's holding especially Zim artists back is just a failure to adapt international best practices. Um I keep having this rant about artists who release music that's only available on YouTube, or Audiomack, um when there are so many options for them to use, digital service providers to make sure that their songs are widely available. Because, with so much music being released, if someone just happens to hear a song of yours that they like, that's probably the only time they're going to remember, "Hey, I liked that song, let me Shazam it." Oh, it's not available on Shazam. They're going to move on to the next thing. Stuff like that, which is holding our artists back, where they take all the time and effort to create this amazing art, but they don't invest in promoting and marketing that art properly. And, then, monetizing that art on the back end. There's um multiple cases, and multiple people that we've worked with, where they made a data loss. They've got uncollected royalties. They're not collecting their publishing, um, and for those of you who don't know, you only have 3 to 5 years to collect your publishing. It's what's called black box um revenue. After that, it's then dispersed to other members of collection societies. So, you have artists who are making this great arts, who are throwing money away all across the value chain, which then limits their ability to continue creating valuable art, which then limits the lifespan of their careers. So, that's the issue that I've found. It's not most of the people aren't receptive. They're very receptive. It's more so once you've made the the effort to create the art, make sure you're putting as much effort, if not more, in promoting that art and making sure that you are being paid for your talent.

  Alright. And, you answered really just segways into the next question. What would you consider to be best practices for monetization and marketing of yourself, outside of the country? You mentioned the issues like them only restricting themselves to a singular platform, where they can be Shazamed and discovered, but then there's much more that they can do. So, what do you think are the best practices to ensure that they overcome the challenges in monetization and marketing? We'll start with you, Phil.

  Um well, if if you're speaking strictly to music, um we could go on for hours, but I think the simplest thing is um whatever artist you are, whether you you are just starting out and you're using a DIY distributor, or you you're working with a major label, they all have um two kits. Um CDBaby, um DistroKid, they all have seminars, they all have free e-books, they all have resources available for you to understand, this is what uh needs to be done. Because, from their side, it's also in their benefit to make sure that they have success stories of people using the platform because that's how they then sell these services to other musicians. So, use what's available. I think Charlotte was also mentioning, just continuously update your knowledge base. The same applies as an artist. If you're spending time learning how to use um a sound card, learning how to use vocal compression chains and so forth, do the same with learning how to market your music. Um yeah, I'm not going to delve deep uh into it, unless you guys want me to. But, I think the simplest thing is just educate yourself on those processes, because it's going to benefit you in the long run.

  Alright. By all means, give us whatever you think is relevant. Dive deep. That's why we're here.

  As it's going to be a long and boring conversation, uh um I would say, like this start with the basics, like obviously mixing and mastering. Make sure that your music sounds as good, if not better, than the music that's been released by international artists. Obviously, you don't have access to these incredible studios and these incredible, uh, mixing and mastering engineers that major artists have. But, do the best with what's available. There are massive hits um from South Africa, for example, that were recorded in a closet, that were mixed and mastered on Fruity Loops. So, it's possible to do that. But, then, once your song is done, do you have a marketing database? Do you have relationships with radio DJs? If not, stop stop stop the music. Make sure you start building those relationships with the radio DJs. Know who the people that you need to contact are. Do these radio DJs play the music you are making? Make sure that you find the right DJs. Do you have relationships with um DJs in the clubs, or who are performing? Do you have relationships with promoters like Walter, so that after you've released your music and you've got you maybe built an EPK and a bio, you can approach him and say, "Hey Walter, I've released this body of work. I'm trying to get it to as wide an audience as possible. This is an example of my previous performances. I'd love to perform at your next event. That type of stuff. Um, do you have relationships with your fans? Do you even know who your fans are? Um, one of the big mistakes um people get stuck on is vanity metrics, like, "I have 100,000 Instagram followers." That's great, but do you know their names? Do you know their email addresses? Do you know their phone numbers? Because you don't know those followers. Uh, Meta knows those followers. And, Meta is never going to give you free access to reach all 100,000 of those followers. That is why you have to pay to promote your posts on those platforms to reach a fraction of your following. That's their business model. So, do you have one-on-one relationships with them? If you are performing at a show, can you contact them directly, so that um they attend? Do you know who your high-value customers are, or your high-value fans are, which is every time I release a body of work or every time I announce a performance without a shadow of a doubt, I know so-and-so is coming to my show. And, I know they're coming with three more people. And, I know they're going to buy these drinks. That gives you leverage, so that when you go to um event owner, or Walter, or Charlotte, whoever it may be, they now know, hey, this person might not have a large following on social media, but every time I book them, I'm guaranteed 50 seats in the house. And, I know those 50 seats are spending $10 at the bar. Stuff like that is very valuable. Far more valuable than a lot of the things that people seem to be paying attention to. Um yeah, I think let let me stop there, before I delve deeper. But, I think the most important thing is understand the best practices for releasing the music. Understand the best practices for um creating value within the value chain and proving your valuable cog within that value chain. And, then, maximizing on that cuz that's then how you can get heard outside um Zimbabwe.

  Alright, thank you for that deeper exploration. So, Charlotte, what would you say are the best practices in terms of monetization? You know, you worked with Victoria Falls Carnival and everything, and international audiences, what have you found to be the cross-cutting best practices that would help anyone who's trying to reach a broader international market?

  Okay, so I think something that's really amazing about our times is how we can reach a global audience so easily. If we talk about products, events, or musicians, you know, it used to be a case of in order to reach your target market, you put a sign up in your shop, hopefully it attracts people to come into your shop. And they're going to buy whatever your product is. Maybe you run an activation. Now, we have all these platforms. You know, Facebook, I mean, obviously, is not as popular anymore, but you look at Instagram, um Twitter, TikTok, you can essentially reach a world population. And, so, if we talk about best practices um across all fields, I would say quality content and consistency. There's no excuse to not be taking advantage um of the access to these global markets. And, there's no excuse to be lazy about your content either. Um so, if I talk about my product, which is Victoria Falls Gin, you know, I am creating sort of 5-10 pieces of content per week, and it's all quality content. If I don't have the skill set, I'm hiring a professional. So, that every single time I'm representing my brand, it is of a world-class standard. So, as an example, I have a photographer on retainer. I'm not an amazing photographer. I don't pay them that much. They have to give me X amount of photos per month, but that makes sure that everything that I'm putting out there is high quality and does represent my brand correctly. Um, so, I think that can apply to any field. So, if you can upskill yourself to deliver content that is of a quality that is going to bring results, because that's what all of this comes down to. Are you going to sell tickets to the event? Are you going to sell your product, or whatever the case is. Whatever creative field you're in, and the field I'm in, it's very very obvious if you've done a good job or not. If no one's at your event, there's nowhere to hide from that, especially if you're at the event. So, you know, or if it's your product, I can see my sales in real-time. If I put out a a drive to action to buy the product, and there aren't any sales, I mean it's very obvious to me. I can see the metrics of who visits my website. All these metrics are available. So, if we talk about best practices, I would say number one, the highest quality content that you can produce. And, number two, to be consistent about the content that you do put out there, and also to look at the metrics to see is this yielding the results that I want?

  Alright. Great. Thank you for that. And, Walter, what would you say are some of the best creative practices for monetization, and consistent marketing?

  I think um the two panelists have really gone in deep into uh what it actually, you know, what it actually takes for you to to be relevant and to market your products. I mean Phil is is a guru at at this type of thing. And, um, he's really gone in deep into uh into the music side of things, and and the same with um with Charlotte bringing in that other angle. I don't really think that I can add anything more to that, otherwise, we're just going to be repeating ourselves. But yeah, they've basically covered everything that I can that I that I would have stayed as well.

  Alright, great. So, final question, before we turn it over to our listeners for some of their questions. You know, you've all had individual journeys. And, the beauty of that is that an individual journey can offer broader insights for some people who might be trying to do something similar to what you've done. What are some of the lessons you've learned from your particular journey that you believe others could benefit from in the long run, and in trying to market themselves to a more international audience? We'll start with you, Walter.

  Um, I would say um my growth and my business growth has has been more to do with uh fostering and uh promoting the right relationships. And, the right relationships have been lead to uh the the the doors that we needed to open to open, and for us to do what we need to do. So, relationships are key. Um and I think Phil touched on that a little bit about having relationships with different people that can actually propel whatever it is you're trying to do. Whether you are a musician, or you're a promoter, or whatever it is that you trying to put out onto the international market. So, those relationships are uh um you develop them by being in the right places, and talking to the right people. And, um investing in going to places where you're going to meet the right people that are also like-minded, that are also going in the same direction, and doing what you're wanting to do. So, and and investing in those relationships. A lot of people just think that um, for example, when you talk of music, and when you talk of talent-based products, that because you are talented, automatically uh the work is going to come, automatically you're going to become a superstar, automatically you're going to be booked, but talent is actually a very small percentage of what's needed for you to to blow up or for you to be successful, or for you to be relevant on the international stage. Um obviously, it is needed, but it's not like the the biggest thing that's needed. So, there are a lot of other issues and a lot of other things that you need to do um for you to be able to be relevant. And, also that comes from all the questions that you've asked. You know, things like, "What do I need to do so that I can monetize my product? What do I need to do so that I can be heard? What do I need to do so that I can stay relevant?" You ask yourself all those questions, and then you actually go with them. So, it's one thing to to acquire the knowledge, it's one thing to sit in seminars and workshops and hear people speak about these things. It's one thing to also, even, tune in to something like this and hear about it and take notes. But, then if you don't actually do what's supposed to be done, it's not going to happen, you know, by itself. So, you actually need to get up uh off your chair and be able to actually do active work and to get out there and do it. Yeah. So, that's basically what I would say would be my my last thing there.

  Alright, thank you, Walter. And, Charlotte, what are some of the lessons you've learned from your individual journey that you believe others could benefit from?

  Okay, perfect. So, I think the last speaker actually touched on this quite well, but I think something that's very very important is to just start. If you have an idea, you're a creative, you have a dream, you want to represent this artist, or you want to release this music, or you want to start your own marketing agency, or you have an event or whatever the case is, you don't know how to do it. You just need to start. Um I've seen it so many times, people that have so much analysis paralysis. And, yes, of course, you need to plan, and um the journey of being an entrepreneur is difficult. But, really, the biggest advice I can give to anyone that's on this session, is as a creative, don't just have an idea. You know, often, we get stuck in our heads, and we have concepts, and you really just need to start, because otherwise, nothing is going to happen. I had my idea for Victoria Falls Gin for eight years before I did anything. And, it was only because of COVID that it was sort of pushed me off the bridge, and I had to jump. And, um, I'm sure there are people that are sitting on this call, and they have ideas, whether it's for product or anything, really. And, whether you you have a roadmap, you don't have a roadmap. You know, you just need to start the journey. Um uh If you have like a seed of an idea, the only way it can grow is if you plant it, you know. So, I think that's very important, just start. Because, you can't get anywhere unless you do. And, um what value can you offer? And, that that's across any creative field. So, I think another speaker mentioned this earlier, but if you can over deliver, even if you under promise and you over deliver, that's going to mean so much more than people that do over promise, and then they don't meet their deliveries. So, whatever the value is, you know, what's my product? That's something I think about a lot, you know. And that's how you do you build those personal relationships. So, it's not just a case of having a product. I have coasters. And, the coasters are the Big 5, and basically each place you buy a drink, you receive one coaster. So, the concept is that you're going to buy five drinks to get the Big 5 coasters, and they're free. And, that's an added value. Um I created a map, because when people arrive in Victoria Falls, they they don't know They don't know the area, and they don't know where they need to go. So, it's like this beautiful map, and people also get that. And, that has my branding on it. There was a conference, and I created these beautiful tote bags. So, it's all about creating this sort of like lifestyle brand with a lot of value. And, as a entrepreneur in any fields, um you know, I think it was Walter was saying that if a musician can bring seats to an event, that's a huge amount of value that you're going to offer a promoter. So, it's not just about making a product and selling it. It is about the value. And, it's about just starting, wherever you are.

  Alright. Action beats contemplation. Thank you for that.

  So, Phil, what are your individual lessons that you feel other creative entrepreneurs could benefit from, if they try to reach out to broader markets?

  Um, yeah, I think uh like like Charlotte and Walter have said, "A, just start. And, then be consistent." Um uh um I try and do um even now, like I try write a blog post every day, or I I try and do something creative, even at my level every day. With the artists that I work with, um, we now have a challenge where every day, they have to send a song. Even if it's just a top-line melody, even if it's just an instrumental, but something, because that's going to force you to consistently hone your craft and get better, and understand how things work. So, if you are creative in any space, whatever you're doing, do that, or the minimum of that, every day. Jake Cole speaks about how every morning he wakes up, and he writes a verse. The first thing he does every morning is he writes a verse. So, as a creative in whatever you do, I would say have a routine that reflects whatever it is that you want to do, and do it consistently, so you become better at it.

  Alright. Thank you for that. So, we're now going to open up to our listeners. I'm sure they have plenty of questions to ask you guys. So, to the listeners, please just wave and request to be a speaker, and I'll put you on so you can ask your question.

  Okay.

  Over, you know, lap, but also have, you know, specific uniqueness that allows one to take what they need to take from it and go on. I don't know if he still does it, but um I happened to be attending this concert anyway, but he had invited me to attend a Kendrick Lamar concert, and he had bought or he had got I think it was like over 10 tickets. Uh, might have been more. Walter can correct me. And, literally, Walter took a number of Zimbabwean creatives, took them to this international concert, and exposed them um um to this. And, stuff like that is incredibly important. And, I certainly do appreciate it, and I think it also speaks to um the the topic that we're discussing here. Is, wherever possible, try and expose yourself to things outside what you're used to, and things outside your environment. Um you won't really understand how to reach an international market if you aren't able to travel. Obviously, it's very cost prohibitive in Zimbabwe. But, if wherever you can, even if it's just catching a bus. Catch a bus, um travel, get to see other performers and then learn from how they prepare their set lists, how they do their sound checks, how they set up their stages, how they deliver their music.

  Yeah, that's very important. I believe part of it is, you know, mentorship. It's a critical element that we don't always speak about and touch on, you know, someone who has been there and done that, helping other people who are still trying to come up, grant them that exposure to a different worldview, to a different perspective, and different markets and environments, so that they can continue to flourish in that. So, yeah, thank you guys for that.

  Yeah, Phil. Um I actually forgotten about that. Thanks for reminding me. Yeah, um We did Yes. We did take about We took 15 artists uh to South Africa when uh Kend- Kendrick Lamar came to to perform there. And, the whole goal was, obviously, uh like, what Phil said, to expose uh our local artists to how things are done internationally, how you know uh artists execute their acts. And I remember uh uh it was actually quite a a really really great opportunity that we had, spending time together. But what we've done is we That was before we actually started doing the festival events that we do now. But, like you said, Phil, it actually cost a lot for us to be able to take 10 15 20 artists out out of the country, or creatives, or creative entrepreneurs, to expose them outside. So, what we've found was we we now do it the other way around. With the workshops that we do at the Jacaranda Music Festival, at the Jabulani Jazz Festival, and all the other events that we do. So, we run uh educational workshops, and um conferences. So, instead of sending 10 out, what we do now is we actually bring 10 in. So, what what we do there is last year, we had the managing director of uh Mistral from come to speak at the Jacaranda Music Festival. We had the founder and creative director from Bushfire come through. We had um Glenn come through, the managing director for Glenn 21, come through to speak in Zimbabwe. This is only just last year. We had um uh the managing director of MindScape from Namibia. um They hosted Burning Man after that, Delicious Festival performance in Namibia. That's another company. So, we bring We now bring in uh uh creative entrepreneurs from other countries to Zimbabwe, so that we can then now have 50 to 100 Zimbabweans in a room uh, you know, receiving education from the 10 that we've brought in. We found that that is a a a much better um um uh uh way of doing it, rather than to send 10 out. We bring 10 in, then we have 50 to 100 creatives in a room. It means that we can educate a whole lot more people that way, and then, we have uh maybe one or two that we work with and then we send out to the other places. So, we found that it was actually much easier, and much better to do it like that. That's why we did now uh started doing workshops and the creative uh conferences that we attach to the events that we do, and also the festivals that we run. So, yeah, that's that's definitely something that that really really helps. So, I encourage people that whether it's Jacaranda Music Festival that's doing it, whether it's Shoko Festival that's doing it, anyone that is doing that, I think also, in in Intruz, and uh uh British Council, and all these people, they do a whole lot of these educational conferences. So, if you really want to learn, and you are hungry for it, attend these things. They are important, and you will learn a lot. And, uh, then after obviously learning a lot, then you can action it. So, yeah, it's definitely important.

  Thank you for that. It's very insightful. So, we have Morse on line, who has a question. Morse, you're free to ask your question.

  Uh, hello, I am assuming maybe that 10 is mine. Um

  Rewrite this summary as if you are a leading entertainment reporter looking to create an engaging piece for your listeners. The summary should be focused at artists and provide them with relevant and actionable information. The tone should be informative with some whit and engaging humour but suitable for print in a newspaper