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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
Germany-based hip-hop artiste Awakhiwe Sibanda, known as Awa Khiwe, has emerged as a powerful voice articulating the decline of local content knowledge in Zimbabwe, particularly in her hometown of Nkayi, Matabeleland North.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Awa recalled a childhood shaped by limited access to local media, stating, “Growing up eNkayi we did not have access to ZBC; my father bought a satellite dish in 2002. From then on, I consumed South African content daily, while local shows like Studio 263 and Amakorokoza were merely whispers from my cousins.”
The “Rap Gandaganda” hit-maker lamented the missed opportunities for local content to instil pride and identity, imagining a world where children learn about Zimbabwe’s diverse languages and cultures through engaging programming.
“If only we had Zim content, it could have been a powerful tool,” she said, envisioning educational shows similar to ‘Sesame Street’ that celebrate local heritage.
With limited access to galas and local events, Awa reflected on how many young people in Zimbabwe, like herself, grew up believing that local content was non-existent. The allure of relatable South African media led to a generation that often overlooked its own artistic talent.
“I think a lot of people had a similar childhood…we found it so relatable,” she continued.
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