adminBongani Ndlovu Saturday Leisure Correspondent
LIKE undulating waves in a flooded river, the arts sector last year experienced a mixture of highs and lows.
Some artistes described the year as nightmarish while the more optimistic souls viewed it as “an all time low, from which there can only be growth.”
Renowned playwright, author, arts director, founder and director of Amakhosi Cultural Square, Cont Mhlanga labelled 2013 as the worst since 2000. He said it was horrendous in terms of organising events.
“The second half of the last year was the worst. We had a lot of promising things planned in the first half of the year, but because of the uncertainty with regards the politics in the country, it was an organisational nightmare,” he said.
Mhlanga said Amakhosi maintained a minimal level of programming.
Mhlanga said: “Everything is at a medium level. We don’t want to be too low or we will crash or be too high or we will suffocate. That is the attitude we are maintaining for this year.”
Famous historian Pathisa Nyathi said the pre-election period was the most difficult.
“The pre-election period made it hard for a majority in the arts sector because business and those with funding adopted a wait-and-see attitude. In the arts it is difficult to plan with an uncertain future,” he said.
However, Nyathi said for him on a personal level it was a successful year.
He said he managed to publish 10 books, his highest number ever.
“As a publisher and writer, 2013 was a successful year. I published 10 books the highest number I have ever published in a calendar year,” said Nyathi.
He said another highlight for 2013 for him and the industry was the establishment of the Ministry of Sport, Arts, and Culture, headed by Andrew Langa.
“The formation for the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture was a positive move. We know that it is still finding its feet and we are very expectant that it will bear positive fruits for us in the arts sector. This is because we have been clamouring for this ministry and the wait has been worth the while,” said Nyathi.
Born to Life director Butshilo Nleya said 2013 was a year of two halves.
He said the first half was good but the second half was unimpressive.
“The post-election fatigue set in and the arts sector had difficulties in getting into the groove of things. Planning became difficult and those who we sought funds from held them back,” said Nleya.
He said a major highlight was when Minster of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Professor Jonathan Moyo and his team came down to the city to consult people in various sectors.
He said his challenge to the ministry still stands that they should come up with a national agenda.
“The meeting we had with Professor Jonathan Moyo was good. We challenged him and his ministry to come up with a national agenda and we are certainly waiting for it. This will enable us to approach business and take advantage of national provincial events to seek funding and have ideas,” said Nleya.
Fingers Modelling Agency head Sarah Mpofu said the major low last year was the failure to hold Miss Zimbabwe and the disqualification of Bulawayo girls from Miss Zimbabwe.
“I was surprised that Miss Bulawayo and her princesses were disqualified as they said they were not suitable. I have been doing this for the past 15 years. However they were reinstated,” she said.
A positive note for her last year was when she got the Zimbabwean licence for Miss Supra.
“I received the Miss Supra Zimbabwe licence and I sent Lungile Mathe. I believe in second chances and that is why I sent her there and she is doing me proud,” said Mpofu.
Mpofu said looking back at 2013, she was grateful that she became a grandmother.
“I have a grandson that has been added to my family and a son-in-law from Guinea. All this has been possible by the Grace of God,” said Mpofu.
Online Reporter