Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’s creative sector is gaining new opportunities through the BLAZE Trailblazers campaign, a platform designed to turn artistic talent and ideas into sustainable careers and businesses.
The campaign seeks to bridge the gap between creative ability and professional opportunities by creating an ecosystem where young creatives can learn, collaborate and develop sustainable careers.
In a press statement, BLAZE Trailblazers founder Thabiso Molai said the initiative was focused on providing access and investment rather than charity.
He said the campaign sought to empower young Zimbabweans to become creators and entrepreneurs while helping them build viable careers in the creative industries.
“Trailblazers is built on a simple belief: young Zimbabweans have never lacked talent; they have lacked access and opportunity,” he said.
“It is not charity, it is an investment in the next generation of creators, entrepreneurs and leaders.”
The campaign intends to partner with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to expand its reach and ensure that young creatives from all corners of the country have an opportunity to access exposure and showcase their talent.
In this regard, Molai said trailblazers are not only about showcasing talent but about building a creative ecosystem that can generate employment and drive national development.
“A thriving creative ecosystem can stimulate tourism, entrepreneurship, technology and cultural exports — supporting creativity is also about supporting economic development.”
Stylist Llewelyn Kukondori (Tecco 10) highlighted that the workshops exposed creatives to the business side of their craft, proving that success requires more than talent alone.
“Our first workshop was in Harare, we learnt so much and were exposed to the different elements of business regarding our craft, notably the many elements that go into production, to name a few,” he said.
“It reminded us that succeeding in the creative economy requires more than artistic ability, it is about marketing, managing finances, and building a brand.”
Fashion creative and stylist Panashe Kunzero (Pinky) emphasised that Trailblazers validates creative work as an industry worth investing in, not just admiring aesthetically.
“It is rare to see people who care about your craft and want to capacitate you to reach your maximum. Our craft is not that understood, so to find a brand willing to expand your horizons is amazing.”
