Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, [email protected]
WHAT began as a bold vision in the mind of Gwanda creative T Schedule has quickly become one of the town’s most talked-about cultural events. After drawing a sizeable crowd and attracting some of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable digital creators, the inaugural Content Creators Connect may have left its organiser with a new challenge: how to surpass a debut that exceeded expectations.
For one evening, Gwanda transformed into an animated centre of creativity, ambition and inspiration, proving that the mining town is nurturing a new generation of storytellers determined to leave their mark on the digital world.
Mount Cazalet Hall was alive with energy on Saturday as content creators, aspiring influencers, entrepreneurs and supporters gathered under one roof. What began as a dream evolved into a lively celebration of talent and opportunity, with attendees enthusiastically embracing the discussions, performances and networking opportunities on offer.
There was a distinct sense that something important was unfolding, a platform designed not just to entertain, but to equip and inspire local creatives.
At its core, the event was about creating opportunities. It provided Gwanda’s emerging content creators with a space to connect, learn from established personalities and showcase their abilities. More importantly, it brought conversations and industry insights that are often difficult to access outside major urban centres.
Throughout the evening, the message was clear: talent can thrive anywhere when given the right platform and support.
For T Schedule, the initiative was also about challenging perceptions. He wanted to demonstrate that Gwanda is home to gifted creatives capable of producing quality content and contributing meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s growing digital economy. The event highlighted the richness of local talent and reinforced the idea that creativity is not confined to bigger cities.
One of the topics that generated the most interest centred on a question that continues to dominate conversations among aspiring creators: can content creation become a sustainable source of income? The discussion resonated deeply with attendees eager to understand the realities behind the glamorous image often associated with social media success.
Popular creators Abu Dhabi and Bee Wezhira offered practical insights into the business side of the industry, sharing both the opportunities and challenges involved in turning content creation into a livelihood.
“As content creators, it’s important to balance content creation with your work as well. You can’t just rely on content creation alone, but also have a permanent job,” they said.
Their message was rooted in realism, encouraging aspiring creators to build steadily while maintaining financial stability. Rather than presenting content creation as a shortcut to success, they stressed the importance of patience, discipline and long-term planning.
Sekuru Bitterness continued the conversation by addressing a question frequently asked by aspiring digital creators: does content creation actually pay?
“Posting once a month will not get you paid in content creation. You need to be consistent always. That’s how brands notice you,” he said.
His remarks underscored one of the evening’s dominant themes: consistency. Success online, attendees were reminded, requires regular effort, persistence and the willingness to remain active even when growth appears slow.
Yung Steazy shifted the focus towards the fundamentals of creating content, urging emerging creatives to remain authentic while understanding the demands of the industry.
“As content creators, it’s important to do content that aligns with your beliefs. Do not try to be someone you are not; at the end, it will trouble you. One important thing is to always be relevant as a content creator. Make content about the things that are trending; that’s how you gain traction,” he said.
His advice encouraged creators to balance authenticity with relevance, a combination that can help build a loyal audience in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. Ashton TXL echoed similar sentiments, urging creators to remain focused, continue learning and invest in developing both themselves and their brands.
Among the standout speakers was Mai TT Diaries, whose presentation blended motivation with practical guidance. She reminded attendees that building an audience is a gradual process and that creators must give people a reason to engage with their content. Persistence, she emphasised, is often the difference between success and failure.
Mai TT Diaries encouraged creators to keep posting and promoting their work, even when growth feels frustratingly slow. She also challenged the common belief that success depends on owning expensive equipment.
“You don’t need the most expensive camera. I’m still using my phone for content. Everything you see is that phone,” she said.
Her remarks resonated with many aspiring creators who often view costly equipment as a barrier to entry.
“All you need is your phone, good lighting, creativity, and the courage to start,” she said.
She went on to encourage participants to learn editing skills and make use of the resources already available to them.
Rather than believing they needed to relocate to bigger cities, she challenged Gwanda’s creators to find stories within their own communities. From local businesses and personalities to fashion, music and culture, she pointed to countless opportunities waiting to be explored.
“It’s not where you live. It’s how you live,” she said.
Mai TT Diaries also encouraged local creators to think beyond Zimbabwe and aim for international audiences, challenging them to view their work through a global lens.
While much of the evening focused on creativity and growth, T Schedule highlighted another important element of the creative industry: support. He reminded attendees that supporting creatives does not always mean providing financial assistance. Attending events, sharing content and offering encouragement can be equally valuable forms of support.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Gwanda for their strong turnout, T Schedule said the response confirmed the need for more platforms that nurture local talent. He also revealed plans for a bigger event next year, with hopes of bringing international artists and content creators to the town.
The night was not solely about speeches and discussions. Entertainment played a major role in creating the event’s energetic atmosphere. Dancer Gama had the audience on its feet with a high-octane performance, while
Mfanomsotho added a cultural touch through his Sotho music. Zagoe Radge, Black Operator and Psalmist Dumo
Moyo also delivered crowd-pleasing performances that kept the momentum going throughout the evening.
Mai TT Diaries later surprised attendees by showcasing her modelling skills, adding another dimension to the programme. Laughter filled the hall when Ashton TXL concluded his address with one of his trademark “drip checks”, a moment that quickly became a crowd favourite.
