Chronicle EditorMbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN an epic marriage of education and art, the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo is set to host the US Embassy in Zimbabwe for the Fullbright Scholar Annual Address on Thursday.
The lecture set to be delivered by Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology, Dr Jennifer Kyker from the University of Rochesterin America will feature an archive long-lost photos from the late renowned Zimbabwean photographer, Chicago Dzviti who produced a dynamic visual record of Zimbabwean social life, with emphasis on musical practices ranging from the iconic mbira to the endangered musical bows.
The Fulbright programme is the premier international educational exchange programme sponsored by the United States Department of State. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright programme is an annual appropriation by the United States Congress.
The lecture will also be attended by the US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont who has demonstrated particular enthusiasm for cultural heritage sector and art. Dr. Kyker, a lecturer with a rich history of research in Zimbabwe will be a perfect fit having previously studied Ndebele music and dance through Hloseni Arts Ensemble, bringing a deep appreciation for the cultural fabric of the region.
At the heart of Dr. Kyker’s lecture will be the Chicago Dzviti Photograph Collection, a remarkable archive comprising over 4 000 images that capture the essence of Zimbabwean social life and musical practices.
Dr. Kyker articulated the significance of Dzviti’s photography from historical, social, and aesthetic perspectives, emphasising its role in challenging colonial narratives.
“His legacy is especially valuable in the context of an ongoing shift away from colonial and Western lenses on Africa, toward modes of representation that privilege the work of African photographers,” she explained.
“Chicago Dzviti’s portrayal of a diverse range of subjects, contexts, and activities offers a detailed record of the Zimbabwean nation through Zimbabwean eyes—a true portrait of Zimbabwe.”
Dr. Kyker told this publication that highlighting how Dzviti’s work serves as a vital reminder of the vibrancy of traditional Zimbabwean culture, which often faces stigma as a relic of a bygone era.
“Through Chicago Dzviti’s images, we are reminded that traditional culture exists in the present rather than the past, and that its practitioners are creative, innovative, and vibrantly alive,” she noted.
Her connection to Dzviti’s work began in the 1990s when she first encountered his photographs published in “Dandemutande,” a small magazine circulating among students of mbira and marimba music in the Pacific Northwest.
“His sensitive portrayals of mbira musicians and makers immediately captivated me, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to bring his work to a wide audience,” she remarked.
During her lecture, Dr. Kyker will aim to inspire attendees to engage with Dzviti’s work through both an in-person exhibit at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo and a digital counterpart.
“My talk is intended to encourage audiences to connect with Chicago Dzviti’s work and explore the cultural richness it represents,” she stated.
She plans to showcase signature images from the exhibit, discussing their significance and how her project exemplifies international collaboration in promoting Zimbabwean arts and culture.
“This initiative paves the way for future projects that showcase Zimbabwean arts, music, and culture through digital platforms,” Dr. Kyker added.
The Dzviti collection not only aims to foster appreciation for Zimbabwean culture but also serves as a tool for cultural preservation.
Dr. Kyker anticipates that the archive will interest individuals in various fields, including art, music, history, and gender studies.
“The exhibit is designed to reach both scholars and the general public, reshaping our understanding of Zimbabwean musical and cultural life,” she explained.
The potential applications for the archive are vast, ranging from future gallery exhibits to educational resources for teaching Zimbabwean music and culture.
“There is also the potential for commercial use, such as in documentary films, books on Zimbabwean history or culture, and other initiatives,” she noted.
Dr. Jennifer Kyker’s lecture at the Fulbright Scholar Annual Address not only celebrated the life and work of Chicago Dzviti but also reinforced the importance of recognizing and preserving Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
Kyker might be American but she is Zimbabwean at heart as she found “Tariro”, a non-profit organisation thay pays school fees and related expenses for orphaned and vulnerable teenaged girls in communities affected by HIV/AIDS in 2023.
As she continues her advocacy for Zimbabwean arts, her efforts promise to open new avenues for appreciation and understanding of the nation’s vibrant musical landscape. The lecture will serve as a reminder of the power of photography in documenting and celebrating cultural identity, ensuring that traditional practices remain alive and relevant in contemporary society. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
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