adminNkululeko Nkala
I know we have all come across the words a�?music knows no boundariesa�? and a�?art knows no languagea�?. These words aptly describe the beauty of the arts.
Ita��s like trying to explain the unexplainable, the joy one feels because of art. The way art can be used as a vehicle to tackle issues affecting communities. I mean no malice with this piece. Neither am I saying anything. These are just questions playing in my head. Some are because of situations I have seen and been in, yet some of the questions are just my mind running wild. Please do not quote me or take this as gospel. If anything, leta��s discuss.
Scenario 1: I attended the MiCasa show last Friday as I have also attended other house music shows in the past few years. This one though was particularly different in that almost half the audience was white people, music fans nonetheless. Surprising was the numbers in attendance, numbers of our white brothers and sisters. Was this because the front man J Something is white?
Scenario 2? Local artistes have been putting up shows at the Bulawayo theatre for years on end. I have watched some amazing art. Good theatre.The kind of products deserving of Westend and Broadway. Most of these productions are by the usual suspects, Raisedon Baya, Thabani Moyo, Matesu Dube ,Lewis Ndlovu and Memory Kumbota to name a few. Now, I know our people should be front line in supporting us. People should come out for theatre if we are to make a living from this art. Ita��s not a race or tribe issue. But I will just mention that of all black shows there is less than 3 whites watching our pieces. Yet we always go out of our way to publicise.
Scenario 3: This is an extension of scenario 2. Our white brothers will silently put up shows. No press, just a Billboard in front of the theatre and a mailing list from the theatre. Then boom, a full season of 4 days with about 6 sold out shows. A sea of white people if you like. It does not matter if the show is by school kids or amateurs, it is packed all the same. Lucky for them they dona��t need us. Because just like them, there are only 3 or 4 blacks at their shows.
At this moment I am almost convinced there is us and them or them and us. We are not one. Because if one of us can fill up the theatre. Why not fill up any other show irregardless of who put it up. Why not see a sea of white faces at Intwasa like at Hifa? Push Products before colour and tribe.
Scenario 4: Our music is in desperate need of a lift. Put up a bunch of locals or maybe all of them see how many people will attend. Sometimes even if ita��s a free gig, we struggle to hit the numbers. Then call on Jah Prayzah and Winky D. Packed to the brim. Where are all these audiences in between times? Why cana��t they afford us the ear they afford the others? Fact is, there is a lot of good talent in the city. All we need is a moment to prove we are equally good. After all they say we are the hub of the arts. In conclusion I think our attitudes need to change, Black, White, Green, Venda, Shona, Ndebele etc. Especially those of people from Bulawayo. Attend shows. Support local art.
Until next week, be safea��
Online Reporter