Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
The second edition of the All Female Artistes Awards Zimbabwe (AFAAZ) has expanded significantly and will be held over five days, from March 24 to March 28, culminating in the awards ceremony at the Marina Casino in Harare.
Held during Women’s Month, the event aims to promote, appreciate, and honour women in the arts sector by showcasing their talent and supporting their work.
The theme for this year’s AFAAZ awards is “Let’s Do It,” highlighting action, collaboration, and resilience.
AFAAZ is an initiative of Sarah Dee Creations Africa and Divas in Action Zimbabwe/Africa.
AFAAZ founder Sarah Dhliwayo, an artiste known as Sarah Dee, who is passionate about empowering women in the arts, expressed excitement about hosting the event and urged individuals and the corporate world to support female creatives.
“This is our second edition, and we hope to reach and empower women in the arts across all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe. For the industry to grow, we need to create a supportive and user-friendly environment.
Women make up the majority of the population, and by empowering them, we are building the foundation for the entire nation.
“We’re thus calling on individuals and corporate sponsors to join us in celebrating and uplifting women in the arts,” said Sarah Dee.
She said this year, the event will kick off with Black Friday, followed by four days of open markets and live performances.
“This will provide artistes with a platform to network and voice their concerns to the right authorities before we honour the best in the industry,” she said.
The second edition will feature multiple sub-events, highlighting female artistes’ creativity throughout the week. Starting on March 24, the week-long exhibition named “Thuthuka Expo Open Market” will run daily from 9am to 7pm.
“On the first day, there will be the official launch of the Thuthuka Expo (Harare chapter) where there will be performances by poets, street theatre groups, and gospel artistes. On March 25, Afro-pop and Afro-fusion artistes will entertain guests. On March 26, Jazz, Chimurenga, and Chakanyuka genres will take centre stage.
“On March 27, Rhumba and other genres will be showcased, concluding the sub-events. The day will also feature a sponsors’ cocktail party, where nominees will be awarded certificates,” Sarah Dee said.
