Nkululeko Nkala
Ita��s not every day that the city comes together to push local arts with the same energy. This rings true with what is happening on the ground with Bulawayo Arts Awards.
The local Radio station SkyzMetro FM was first to jump on board, they will broadcast the event live, next was Zimpapers Online who will also stream the event live.
We just signed an MoU with ZBC TV and ZBC radio stations, who will beam the showcase live. What does this mfor Bulawayo and the awards?
This has just moved from a regional event to a world event. All eyes are on us. The reach of all our media partners transcends borders. Please note I have not even spoken about bloggers, socialites and online TVs who without a doubt will spread the event even further.
So why should we be happy, our trade will be celebrated by us, in our own way and for the world to see. We have a chance to show why we are the Countrya��s Cultural Hub and the best at eventing.
Through these partnerships, artistes can let their consumers know what they are about. And considering the hype that has come with this event even beyond the city and our borders we need to throw the citya��s weight behind these awards.
Favourable rates have been negotiated with our media partners for advertisers and we are still calling on the corporate world to support this initiative.
We are especially excited by the ZTV development as we were worried that the tickets would not be enough vis-a-vis the demand for the 1 000 tickets on sale.
My excitement to the happenings substituted what I had in mind for this week. My plan was to write about artistes and political affiliation. I read one piece by Silvanos from Harare on an online publication.
He spoke about how artistes in Europe, America and South Africa declare their political interests. Look at the Obama and Trump campaigns, though one received negative support, it showed how these communities are like.
Just near here in South Africa Arthur Mafokate and Chommie made millions from supporting ANC. Why is it that in Zimbabwe when an artiste tries to align themselves or is hired by a political party there is an outcry?
Do you remember how Tuku was attacked? Is the money paid by political parties not money enough? And funny enough though, not many complain when ita��s MDC hiring creatives.
Does performing at a political rally or for a politician define me? Is it not my job to entertain? Are all my clients not equal? Obviously I would not condone performing at a hate rally or for someone that abuses human rights and or office.
Besides that I believe our job is to create and to entertain. We are crying about monetising the arts industry, I believe it has to start somewhere.
Would I sing at a political rally? Yes,A� definitely. Would I write a song for a political party? Yes, I would. Have you bought your ticket for Bulawayo Arts Awards? Until next week, be safea��
@nkuenkala .