Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE past few weeks painted an emotional and painful but familiar picture for Bulawayo’s creative community.
Hundreds gathered twice at the Amphitheatre, united in grief and reverence to celebrate the lives of two fallen icons – the legendary broadcaster Babongile “Ndebele Rockstar” Sikhonjwa and the influential poet and legislator, Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo.
The tributes flowed, memories were shared and the collective loss felt profound. These posthumous celebrations were undeniably noble, offering solace and honouring immense contributions to the city’s cultural tapestry.
But a stark, uncomfortable question hung heavy in the air, echoing through the very space where the crowds had stood: Where were all these people when Babongile Sikhonjwa needed an audience for his tireless work in nurturing young talent? Where were they when Moyoxide poured his soul into albums and performances, fighting to put Bulawayo poetry on the map?
For a while, the city has been losing influential figures like Cal_Vin, Cont Mhlanga, Pathisa Nyathi, Sihlangu Dlodlo, among others but the trend of not fully embracing them while they lived continues.
These aren’t isolated incidents, it’s a deeply ingrained pattern that plagues Bulawayo’s creative sector. We excel at eulogising our heroes once they are gone, transforming them into untouchable legends. Yet, when they walked among us, creating, innovating and struggling to make ends meet, our support was never felt.
The evidence is glaringly apparent in the city’s performance venues. Save for the remarkable success of Saimon Mambazo Phiri’s 50 Dates at the Theatre — a shining but rare exception – shows featuring home-grown Bulawayo talent consistently play to half-empty halls. The message sent is devastating: Bulawayo does not support its own while they breathe.
The reasons are complex. Perhaps it’s a tragic complacency – taking local talent for granted, assuming they will always be there. Maybe it’s the allure of the “international” or “mainstream” blinding us to the brilliance in our backyard.
Economic constraints are real, but they don’t fully explain the apathy towards affordable local shows while funds materialise for elaborate memorials. There’s also a pervasive lack of awareness, many simply don’t know what’s happening or where to find it. Ultimately, it points to a failure to cultivate a vibrant, sustaining arts ecosystem where artistes feel valued during their careers, not just immortalised after they are gone.
Honouring our icons posthumously is important, but true honour lies in ensuring they thrive while alive. It’s time for Bulawayo to break this cycle of neglect. Here’s how the city can tangibly support its vibrant creative heart:
Show up consistently: Make attending local shows, exhibitions and performances a priority and a habit. Buy the ticket. Fill the seat. Your physical presence is the most powerful vote of confidence. Don’t wait for a national tour or a tragedy – discover the magic happening now at the theatre, Amakhosi, or the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo.
Invest financially: Support does not end at the door. Purchase albums directly from musicians, buy art from local painters and sculptors, and commission local designers and writers. Pay fair prices for creative work. Skip the pirate copy, your investment goes directly into fuelling the next creation.
Amplify voices: Become an ambassador. Share event flyers on WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. Tag artistes, leave positive reviews online, tell your friends about that amazing local play or new song. Social media is free; use it to build hype and break down the “nobody knows” barrier.
Demand local content: Lobby local radio stations (such as Star FM, Khulumani FM, Skyz Metro, etc.) and TV to significantly increase airplay and features for Bulawayo artists. Call in, request songs and engage with their content. Support newspapers and blogs that cover the local arts scene.
Foster partnerships: Local businesses have a crucial role. Sponsor events, offer venue space, commission murals or jingles from local artistes. Schools and community centres should integrate local arts into curricula and host resident artistes. Corporate social responsibility should include the arts.
Value the craft: Move beyond seeing art as mere entertainment. Recognise its power for social commentary, education, mental health and economic development. Provide constructive feedback, engage in discussions and appreciate the skill and courage it takes to create.
The outpouring of love at the Amphitheatre for Sikhonjwa and Moyoxide proved Bulawayo can unite for its creatives. That energy, that sense of collective pride and loss, must be harnessed. Let it fuel a fundamental shift. Let’s not wait for another memorial to pack a venue. Let’s fill the theatres, buy the albums, champion the names and invest in the living, breathing artistes who are Bulawayo’s present and future cultural legacy.
The next Sikhonjwa or Moyoxide is out there right now, rehearsing in a dusty hall, painting in a cramped room, writing lyrics under a streetlight. They need Bulawayo’s support. The question remains: Where are the people? Will we be there for them now or only when it’s too late? The answer defines not just the fate of our artistes, but the soul of our city. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
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