Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FOR Bulawayo arts stalwart Bothwell Nkomo, better known as Gog’ Bekezela, the forthcoming Global Creative Summit (GCS) set for next month in South Africa is more than just another conference; it is a chance to put Zimbabwe, and particularly Bulawayo, on the global creative map.
The summit, which runs from November 13 to 15 in Johannesburg, will gather top creative minds from across Africa to shape a united continental agenda for the arts.
The GCS, founded by Sinamandla Kwepile, aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Kwepile describes it as “a bold step toward the Africa we want”, a united creative force that fosters collaboration, removes trade barriers, and amplifies Africa’s voice on the world stage.
Held under the theme “Visa to the World”, the summit aims to strengthen Africa’s Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), including music, film, fashion, digital arts, and literature, as engines of innovation and sustainable growth. It will also coincide with the 2025 G20 Summit, the first to be hosted on African soil.
Countries such as Lesotho, Botswana, Seychelles, Réunion Island, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe have already confirmed participation, with more expected to join. The event’s keynote address will be delivered by multi-Grammy-winning producer and UN Goodwill Ambassador Gordon “Commissioner Gordon” Williams.
Said Gog’Bekezela: “I’ve attended many conferences, but this one feels special. For 17 years in South Africa, I noticed Zimbabwe’s absence at such events. I’ve always wanted to represent my country and my city, Bulawayo as a creative hub. This summit is our moment.”
Attending as an artiste, curator, and founder of Gobela Arts Development Agency, Gog’ Bekezela believes Zimbabwean creatives’ greatest need is exposure.
“Networking is everything. We’ll meet artistes from across Africa, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. It’s time the world experiences Zimbabwe, and Bulawayo, as the cultural hub it truly is. The more exposed we are, the better our craft becomes. We need to see how others implement ideas and overcome challenges. That’s how our industry will grow,” he said.
He credits the late Cont Mhlanga for inspiring his drive, recalling the Amakhosi Cultural Centre founder’s advice to seek international exposure.
“He told me, ‘For you to grow musically, attend an international festival.’ I took that to heart.”
In 2008, Bekezela attended the Haifa International Film Festival in Israel, an experience he says changed his life.
“Seeing the scale and creativity abroad opened my mind. I came back knowing exactly what I wanted to achieve. Travel opens you up to new cultures and systems you can adapt at home.”
While preparing for the summit, Gog’ Bekezela remains active on the local scene. He recently performed in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and has private events lined up in Harare.
