Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AN exciting new alliance sees acclaimed UK radio presenter, author, and public speaker Julie Efrance joining forces with Bulawayo-based hip-hop enthusiast, radio personality, and artist manager Naboth Rizla (born Naboth Rimayi). Their shared vision culminates in a dedicated platform for Zimbabwean talent on Cosoro Radio, the UK’s “number one Afrobeats radio station.”
The pivotal partnership is engineered to amplify the voices of Zimbabwean artists, providing the crucial exposure required for them to flourish on the global music scene. With Ugandan heritage, Julie’s career has been steadfastly built on empowering individuals to find their voice; her journey exemplifies not just personal achievement, but the profound impact of meaningful conversations and heartfelt emotional connection.
“I thrive on meaningful conversations, emotional honesty, and exploring the layers of human experience,” she explains. For Julie, superficiality holds little interest — she seeks connections that resonate on a deep, soulful level. Her formative years, spent moving between countries, instilled in her the profound importance of visibility and representation.
“I learned early how easily people become invisible in the margins and in a noisy world,” she reflects. This understanding has fuelled her mission to champion the voices of those often overlooked. In a world where many feel unheard, Julie firmly believes that “the most radical thing you can do is make people feel heard.”
This philosophy has profoundly shaped her work in radio, where she strives to create platforms for raw, unfiltered storytelling. Her influence is deeply felt within the communities she engages with, making her an ideal ally for Zimbabwean voices seeking recognition.
The collaboration with Naboth Rizla marks a significant stride in offering Zimbabwean artists an international platform. Rizla, renowned for his dedication to nurturing local talent, has been instrumental in creating opportunities for artists in Bulawayo. Together, he and Julie aim to bridge the gap between Zimbabwean music and a wider audience via Cosoro Radio.
“I’m thrilled to be a bridge for Zimbabwean voices trying to break into the British market,” Naboth shares. “There’s so much talent back home that deserves to be heard, and this partnership with Julie is a fantastic opportunity to showcase that.”
Julie’s show, ChatSpace, has already become a vibrant hub for transformative conversations, featuring influential figures from diverse backgrounds. “ChatSpace thrives where vulnerability meets velocity,” she explains. This ethos perfectly aligns with the essence of Zimbabwean music, which often conveys profound emotions and compelling stories.
In her upcoming interview with Zimbabwean artist Ashta Eez, Julie plans to delve into the artist’s journey and the cultural influences that shape their music. This not only spotlights the talent but also invites listeners to connect with the rich tapestry of Zimbabwean culture.
For Julie, this collaboration is far more than a professional endeavour; it’s a mission to foster connections that transcend geographical boundaries. “The overlooked. The mentors who saw my fire before I did and the failures that taught me listening is louder than speech,” she shares, reflecting on her inspirations.
Her interactions with Naboth Rizla have been particularly inspiring.
“Our first conversation felt like I had met him 10 years prior,” she recalls. This immediate connection reflects a shared vision of empowering artists and cultivating a sustainable ecosystem for talent to flourish. Through her platform, Julie aims not only to promote Zimbabwean artists but also to instil a sense of pride and recognition in their work. She believes this visibility can spark a movement within the Zimbabwean creative community, encouraging even more artists to showcase their remarkable talents.
Adding another dimension to her multifaceted identity, Julie is also a Miss/Mrs Africa UK/IE 2025 participant. “This title makes me feel empowered and responsible,” she states. “I have not always been a model; this stems from my commitment to inspiring others.”
Her journey took a poignant turn when she decided to join the pageant to leave a lasting legacy for her son, who tragically passed away at the age of 19 just four months ago. “This desire rose from a lived experience of losing my son. I decided to create a charity in his name to support parents who have lost their loved ones suddenly by providing services such as counselling, mentorship, and therapy,” she explains, her voice tinged with emotion.
The Africa UK Pageant is not merely a beauty contest; it’s an empowerment programme that equips contestants with the skills and tools to advocate for their causes. “I am not just a finalist in this pageant but one on an authentic mission,” she emphasises.
Julie’s journey as a writer and speaker has been marked by profound vulnerability. Her self-published memoir, More To Life: A Single Mother’s Perseverance Through Rejection, Abandonment, Abuse, and Low Self Esteem, explores her challenges and resilience, allowing her to connect with others on a deeply personal level. “Writing was like performing open-heart surgery on myself with a dull spoon,” she admits, highlighting the sheer difficulty of sharing one’s truth. This vulnerability is something she actively encourages in the artistes she interviews. By creating a safe space for authentic expression, Julie hopes to inspire Zimbabwean talent to embrace their unique stories and share them with the world.
Having worked with people from all walks of life to encourage self-belief, Julie reflected on what she believes to be the greatest obstacle to personal growth. “The most corrosive enemy to self-development isn’t fear or failure; it’s the internalised narrative of permission,” she says. This includes thoughts like “I need to be ready,” “this is just how I am,” and the pervasive tendency to compare oneself to others. “The biggest barrier isn’t out there; it’s the voice in your head that whispers, ‘Not yet.’ Self-development starts with you and in your mind.”
Julie and Rizla’s shared vision of empowering Zimbabwean talent is truly forging new pathways for success. “We are not just giving voice; we are co-creating platforms where people can speak for themselves,” Julie asserts. This approach perfectly aligns with her belief that stories possess the power to change hearts and minds, paving the way for broader social change.
The partnership with Cosoro Radio is just the beginning. Julie and Rizla aim to build lasting relationships with artistes, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration can truly thrive. Their work will not only uplift individual talents but also contribute significantly to a richer cultural dialogue between Zimbabwe and the UK.
Julie and Naboth Rizla’s commitment to spotlighting Zimbabwean talent through Cosoro Radio promises to be a game-changer for artists seeking global recognition. Through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, Julie and Naboth Rizla are opening doors for Zimbabwean artists to be truly seen and heard — ensuring their stories resonate far beyond the borders of their homeland. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu.
