Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WITH the Women’s Month coming to an end, the spotlight turns to the third edition of the All-Female Artist Awards (AFAAZ).
It’s a celebration of women in the entertainment industry.
Running under the theme “Show Up”, the awards are set for tonight at Ubuntu Bar.
The event, which coincides with Women’s Month, is meant to celebrate various contributions of women in the arts sector and how they have managed to balance the demands of the industry and their traditional roles in the society.
Founder of the awards, Sarah Dhliwayo, said this year’s event explains how women should start appreciating their hard work in the arts industry.
Dhliwayo also believes that if the awards get more sponsorship, they will be a bigger platform that can change the status of women in the industry.
“Women are strong people who need to be appreciated and they have achieved a lot in the industry, regardless of being pulled down by men.
“It is this resilience that has allowed them to expand and grow their brands as far as arts is concerned.
“These awards are a platform for women to showcase their craft, fashion designs, poetry and many other side hustles they are doing within the sector.”
She added that women are not much appreciated in the industry.
“We are tired of being abused by men and being taken advantage of in the industry and hence we provided this open market so that everyone can be aware of what women are doing out there to fund their projects,” she said.
The awards will feature different categories, encompassing a wide range of artistic disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, music, dance, theatre and literature.
There will also be honorary awards for legends who have made a significant impact in the arts sector.
“I have personally witnessed the immense talent and dedication of countless female artists who have often been overlooked or under-represented in the industry.
“The awards will provide a platform for these talented women to shine and be celebrated for their exceptional contributions.”
