Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO was buzzing last weekend as the Artiste Creative Entrepreneurship (ACE) Final Word event brought the curtain down on a year-long odyssey of creativity, ambition, and transformation. This wasn’t just another graduation ceremony — it was the climax of a bold experiment in re-imagining what it means to be an artiste in the 21st Century.
At the heart of this movement is the Centre for Talent Development (CTD), the visionary hub behind the ACE Project, powered by the unwavering support of the US Embassy and enriched by US-based partners Mic-Amped and Hand2Mouth. Together, they’ve spent twelve months sculpting raw talent into entrepreneurial powerhouses, equipping young creatives with the tools to thrive in an unforgiving global marketplace.
The atmosphere brimmed with pride and anticipation as participants received certificates of participation — each symbolising months of learning, collaboration, and personal growth. What began as a creative skills programme has evolved into a movement that nurtures young artistes into thoughtful, strategic, and entrepreneurial creators.
Throughout the year, ACE equipped emerging artistes from Bulawayo, Lupane, Hwange, Victoria Falls, and Gwanda with essential tools to thrive in a rapidly shifting creative economy. Participants immersed themselves in workshops on branding, digital content creation, storytelling, financial discipline, and business strategy.
They worked in teams, supported one another’s projects, built networks, and learned to view their artistic work as both craft and enterprise. The project achieved one of its most important aims: cultivating creators who understand their own value and possess the confidence and clarity to shape their careers.
The Final Word event brought this journey into sharp focus. Distinguished guests graced the occasion, sharing wisdom and encouragement. Raisedon Baya, Director of Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo, highlighted the power of platforms that uplift artistic expression. Rachel Voko Ncube, acclaimed poetess, reflected on authenticity and the courage to speak one’s truth. William Nyandoro, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Bulawayo Province Programmes Officer, emphasised the importance of structure and national support in advancing the arts.
Entrepreneur Nkosana Mazibisa, founder of the Hustlers Summit, challenged participants to embrace innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to survive and thrive.
A standout moment came from Le’Kedra “Coach LK” Robertson, whose presentation became one of the defining voices of the day. Drawing from her Stewardship, Opportunity, Audacity, and Reach (SOAR) framework, she delivered powerful insights that resonated deeply with the artistes.
She reminded participants that “your belief system shapes your operating system,” urging them to examine whether they were operating from comparison or truly from their gifting. She spoke about stewardship as a discipline, encouraging creators to manage what they already have before asking to scale, and to assign value to every skill they possess.
On opportunity, she cautioned that “not every open door is divine alignment,” stressing the courage to choose wisely and protect one’s energy.
Her words on audacity were especially memorable — an invitation for artistes to make bold moves even before they feel ready, because audacity is a spiritual strategy that unlocks new levels of growth.
And on reach, she highlighted storytelling as the bridge to influence: facts inform, but testimonies transform. These insights reinforced the spirit of the ACE Programme, inspiring artistes to rise with clarity, intention, and purpose.
By the time certificates were awarded, the room was not just filled with celebration — it was filled with hope, readiness, and forward momentum.
The event showcased what ACE has built: a creative community equipped with knowledge, leadership, digital fluency, and the confidence to thrive in local and global creative markets. The project has not only trained artistes; it has empowered them to think as entrepreneurs, collaborators, and cultural leaders.
It all began last year, when the creatives first met at Eveline High School. Then, in June, the second edition of the ACE Bootcamp unfolded, transforming the scenic Masiye Camp in Matobo into a powerful space for young Zimbabwean creatives to unlock their potential.
“The ACE Project has been a great initiative and I would like to thank everyone who was involved to make sure activities happened. Starting with Jobert Ngwenya who designed the project and monitored the online programmes, Gift Chakuvinga who ensured participants stayed physically fit, and Mrs Bridget Sayers and Gugulethu Matshazi who handled administration.
Above all, the US Embassy Zimbabwe for the financial support. To our participants, we hope they will use the knowledge, skills and connections gained through this programme,” said Thabani Hilary Moyo, Programmes Officer for the CTD.
Though the Final Word marked the close of this chapter, for the participants it signalled a beginning — one defined by vision, strategy, courage, and a renewed belief in the power of their craft.
– Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu.
