Bulawayo artistes unite again to celebrate city

In a city known for its vibrant arts scene, one man has taken it upon himself to amplify the civic pride that courses through Bulawayo’s veins.

Trevor Mawaka, a local arts teacher and choir coordinator, has assembled a powerhouse team of musicians to create a song that celebrates the city he calls home. His collaborative project has been a labour of love, bringing together acclaimed artistes like Iyasa, Vuyile Nesbert “Vuyi Sax” Qongo, Kay Dee, Owen Maseko, Mgcini Nyoni, and Kinah The Music. Each contributor has lent their unique talents to “Bulawayo (The Place That We Call Home)”, weaving together a musical tapestry that captures the essence of Bulawayo.

Mawaka told Chronicle Showbiz that he wanted to test his creative aptitude beyond Charleston Trust Children’s Choir, a group he founded and is synonymous with.

“I wanted to explore my capabilities as a creative. Primarily, I’m an arts teacher, and my learners have always challenged me to practice what I preach. This project was my way of proving that I can be more than just an instructor — I can be a practitioner too,” he explained.

The creative process was a true meeting of minds, with each artiste leaving an indelible mark on the final product, which is set to drop in a fortnight. Iyasa, a renowned chorale and choreography group, brought their signature harmonies, while Kinah The Music added his artistic flair. Vuyi Sax’s sax prowess infused the track with a touch of spontaneity.

Together, Mawaka and his team were not content to simply record the song and call it a day. They wanted to ensure that the visuals complemented the audio, leading them to collaborate with the talented animator, Plumtree-based Kadelwa Ndlovu.

“I didn’t want to just have a video. It was supposed to speak the same language as the audio,” said Mawaka.

The project’s journey has not been without its challenges, but Mawaka has embraced the patience and perseverance required to bring his vision to life. It was recorded last year in August but hasn’t been released because, “If you’re a true creative, then patience is a must. Quick projects are often void of value. I’ve understood that if it’s worth the wait, then it’s worth the value.”

For Mawaka, this song is more than just a musical offering — it’s a testament to his love for Bulawayo and a rallying cry for artistes to embrace their urban pride.

“I love Bulawayo. I would struggle out of Bulawayo. Bulawayo is home. Bulawayo is the country’s hub of the arts. Bulawayo is where I was raised. The place I call home. I learnt arts in Bulawayo. I learnt to be creative because of Bulawayo,” he said.

The song’s lyrical composition is akin to Vusa Mkhaya’s Masiyephambili which has special mentions of Bulawayo’s neighbourhoods like Makokoba, Pumula, Cowdray Park, and Nkulumane.

As the song prepares for its long-awaited release, Mawaka hopes that it will resonate with those who appreciate true musical compositions.

“Those who love music will enjoy it. Those who are into names may struggle. I seek to add real music into the fray. I don’t seek to make it into the top 20s, but I seek to have those who value compositions of value to enjoy,” said Mawaka. – @MbuleloMpofu