adminTHREE things happened these past two weeks that I think have a serious bearing on the arts sector. The first was the launch of DStv’s Zambezi Channel. When the channel was launched many artistes who aspire to seriously work in television were left jumping up and down in celebration.
At last here was a channel for Southern Africa. For Zimbabweans who have been failing to have their stories aired on ZBCtv the coming of Zambezi Channel was sweet music. Here was their chance to get their work seen all over Africa! Here was a platform most had been waiting for. Here was competition for ZBCtv! At least that is the assumption.
The other assumption is that filmmakers from this region who have been complaining about getting a raw deal from the broadcaster would immediately take their products to Zambezi Channel for immediate airing. It’s now a couple of weeks since the launch of Zambezi Channel and sadly I haven’t seen any Zimbabwean film or programme on the channel. All I have seen are old South African programmes like Generations, Stokvel, Jacob’s Cross and others. What does this mean? I have been asking myself for days.
Obviously DStv did not just open another South African channel. Does this mean Southern Africa has no film products? Does this mean South Africa is the only country in the region with film content? And where are the local filmmakers that have been complaining about their products not been aired on ZBCtv. Have they taken these products to Zambezi Channel for airing?
The good thing about the coming of Zambezi Channel to our screens means serious competition for ZBCtv. And this, directly or indirectly, has led ZBCtv management to organise a series of meetings with artistes and stakeholders in order to map a way forward.
As I write the CEO of the national broadcaster is coming to Bulawayo to meet artistes and stakeholders, perhaps in an effort to revive the ailing State broadcaster’s fortunes. Or perhaps to open wider the platform for other players to have their stories told on national television. I think it is good that ZBCtv is consulting. Hopefully, the consultations will bear results. It is my hope also that the consultative meetings are not just another futile exercise meant to hoodwink the public, local artistes included, into thinking that ZBCtv really want to change the way it does things.
The second thing to happen these past two weeks was the death of Chenjerai Hove in Norway.
I hear the great writer died from liver failure. May his soul rest in peace. The sobering truth about Hove’s death was that he died a writer’s death.
Lonely, away from home and away from the people he was writing for. Writing is a lonely pursuit, especially for most people.
Hove’s death is like the falling of a great tree. The gap he has left will be too big to fill. But more painful is the fact that Hove died far away from home where he could have contributed more to the literary sector than he did while abroad.
Another sobering lesson from Hove’s death is that while the idea of going abroad sounds good for many artistes living there is not easy. It is hell for many.
The third thing to happen was the National Cultural Policy validation workshop that took place at a local hotel. At least the process of creating a meaningful and relevant National Cultural Policy is almost done. It has taken many years and some of us were already losing hope.
The validation workshop took place and the hope is now to see a proper National Cultural Policy in a few months. When this policy is pronounced it will definitely reshape the cultural landscape of this country.
On another artistic matter Intwasa Arts Festival is about two months away. The festival has partnered with the City of Bulawayo to promote artistic talent in schools and youth clubs.
For schools, Intwasa in partnership with Bulawayo City Council will be hosting choral music competitions for both primary and high schools.
The objective of the programme is to develop choral music in schools and allow students to use arts to engage their communities on issues affecting them. The theme for the Primary Schools Competition is Bulawayo, My City, My Pride. Focus here should be on keeping the City of Bulawayo clean and environmentally friendly.
For High Schools the theme is Water is Life — Every Drop Counts. The focus for high schools is the importance of water and water conservation. Schools can register their choirs at Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo offices.
In partnership with the City of Bulawayo Intwasa will be holding a couple of talent search activities in Youth Club in the month of August. Identified talent will then perform at the festival.
Online Reporter