adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
THREE Bulawayo designers have been selected to represent the country at the African Fashion Week taking place in Toronto, Canada from August 7 to 10.The designers are Sidumiso Tshuma of the Shadow label – famous for world class print works, Nkululeko Ncube of Rebelious Klothing and Sheenah Moyo of the label BlinQ – a button work line.
Unfortunately, the designers are facing difficulties sourcing funds for the trip to Canada. However, in a move to try and assist them, socialites Gilmore “Tee” Moyo and Mbo Mahocs have come together and are on a crusade to assist the designers to be able to travel to Canada. The amount of money that needs to be raised is $2,450.
As a way of raising funds, the two socialites have so far organised a show which will feature Harare’s afro soul songstress Tariro Negitare.
People will have to part with $5 to attend the event which will be held at the Rainbow Cinemas next week Wednesday.
Mbo Mahocs said they had decided to assist the designers as the fashion week was a stepping stone to other international events.
“The African Fashion Week in Toronto is just a step towards in the right direction. Their selection for participation there shows Zimbabwe’s talent and growth of the local fashion industry as well,” she said.
Tariro “Negitare” Ruzvidzo, who did not charge for her performance, said she was supporting the designers as she wants local artistes to be exposed to the outside world.
“I have benefitted from exposure to the international market and it has given me a drive to produce quality music which can be consumed by the international market.
“This is why I am supporting this initiative so that the three designers can have exposure to the outside world and perhaps produce quality products,” she said.
Tariro said it would be her first time to have a solo performance in Bulawayo as she performed last year but with other artistes.
“I performed in Bulawayo last year but I was with Edith weUtonga during the Ibumba Festival. My visit next week will be my first solo performance in Bulawayo,” she said.
She added that she wanted to tap into the Bulawayo market as it was a market she felt she had not fully explored.
Online Reporter