Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE hills of Matobo are about to echo with talent, hustle, and bold ideas as 45 young creatives gear up for ACE Bootcamp 2, a high-energy arts and entrepreneurship retreat set for Thursday to Saturday at Masiye Camp.
Powered by the Centre for Talent Development (CTD) with backing from the US Embassy in Zimbabwe, the Artist Creative Entrepreneurship (ACE) project is back with a bang. After an outstanding debut at Eveline High School in March, the second bootcamp promises even more drama, drive, and digital flair.
This three-day creative power session will equip rising artists aged 18 to 30 from across Matabeleland with practical skills in branding, business, collaboration, and pitching, all under one tent.
Leading the charge is Hustlers Summit founder Nkosana George Mazibisa, who will drill the young creatives on turning talent into profit. He’ll be joined by Jobert Ngwenya, tackling social media strategy, and Thabani Hilary Moyo, unpacking the basics of Intellectual Property Rights.
“The stage is set. Final touches are underway. We can’t wait to welcome our participants and kick off with fireside performances on Thursday night,” said Moyo.
Expect bonfire jam sessions, cold pitching sprints, team-building madness, and a no-holds-barred Final Pitch Panel where participants will battle to impress a panel of industry mentors with their big ideas.
Even US Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer Rebecca Archer-Knepper is expected to witness the action live.
After the bootcamp, the hustle continues online with a Grant Writing Workshop running throughout July to sharpen the artists’ funding game.
As Zimbabwe’s creative economy takes off, ACE Bootcamp 2 is making sure the next generation is ready to fly.
Watch this space. Talent is about to explode.
Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Londile Moyo