Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Centre for Talent Development (CTD) buzzed with renewed energy this past week as it welcomed acclaimed US cultural entrepreneur and coach, Le’Kedra Robertson—marking a significant moment in the ongoing Artists Creative Entrepreneurship (ACE) Project.
Robertson’s visit, facilitated through a vital cultural exchange, brought a dynamic blend of international expertise, motivational coaching, and a strong call for professionalism to Bulawayo’s emerging arts scene.
In the intimate setting of the HideOut Café at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ), young artists, performers, and cultural practitioners listened attentively as Robertson delivered her message with clarity and conviction.
Her advice was direct: success in the arts demands professionalism.
“If you want this to work, you need to treat yourself like a professional. You can’t afford to be late for meetings. Your time, and the time of those you collaborate with, is your most valuable currency,” Robertson emphasised.
This focus on punctuality and professional conduct set the tone for the day’s discussions.
Robertson, author of the transformative 21-Day Devotional Journal: Vulnerable Enough SIFT, SHIFT, and SOAR from Darkness to Light, is widely respected for her ability to foster relationships “in the spirit of excellence.” Her work spans coaching, curating cultural events, and designing experiences across the United States and the African Diaspora.
She leads the New Orleans-based Milne Inspiration Centre (MIC-AMPED), a cultural hub that equips young visionaries with tools for community development and social enterprise. MIC-AMPED nurtures movement builders who reshape the social, economic, and cultural landscapes of their communities.
Her visit to Bulawayo — her first — forms part of the ACE Project, a multi-year cultural exchange initiative supported by the US Embassy in Zimbabwe. The project aims to equip 45 emerging Zimbabwean artists with the skills needed to thrive in today’s digitally-driven creative economy. MIC-AMPED and US-based theatre company Hand2Mouth are key implementing partners.
Before engaging directly with CTD’s cohort, Robertson virtually oversaw the “Environmental Protection Talent Show,” a component of the Youth Artpreneurship Training. This segment highlighted the role of art in socio-economic reform and advocacy, a theme developed in collaboration with training lead, Bulawayo’s Jobert Ngwenya.
Ngwenya, a Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programme alumnus (2021), represents another strand of U.S.-Zimbabwe exchange. Interestingly, Robertson — who previously visited Zimbabwe in 2018 through the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange (partnering with Jibilika)—had never met Ngwenya in person before this project.
“I’ve never met him in person but we’ve had conversations over the phone and he’s such a breath of fresh air. It has been incredibly easy working with him, a testament to shared vision and commitment,” Robertson shared.
Beyond workshops, Robertson immersed herself in Bulawayo’s cultural life. She attended the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo and sampled productions from the “50 Dates at The Theatre” programme at the Bulawayo Theatre. Highlights included the “Gender at Work Conference” by the Zimbabwe Musicians union (ZiMU) and the “Boys 2 Men” comedy show.
Her acclimatisation was eased by prior experience in South Africa, where familiarity with Nguni dialects such as IsiZulu and IsiXhosa helped her grasp elements of IsiNdebele, deepening her connection with the city.
Expanding on her message, Robertson offered practical strategies for sustaining creativity and managing the business side of art. She recommended listening to music to overcome writer’s block and reignite inspiration.
On funding — an essential aspect of ACE training — she advised: “Be crystal clear about deliverables and word counts when dealing with grant applications.”
She stressed that ambiguity undermines proposals, and clarity is key to success.
Thabani Moyo, ACE programme technical manager at CTD, highlighted the value of Robertson’s visit:
“Having Le’Kedra Robertson here has been an undeniable asset for our local artistic community. Her international perspective, emphasis on professional standards, and practical entrepreneurial insights directly address the challenges our emerging talent faces. She’s not just sharing theory; she’s providing actionable tools and fostering a mindset shift essential for sustainable careers in the arts.”
For Robertson, the experience was equally enriching. She spoke warmly of the “kindness of the locals” and the support she received throughout her stay. Most notably, she expressed being “mesmerised” by the depth of creative talent in Bulawayo.
Her visit, powered by the ACE Project and hosted by CTD, sparked vital conversations around professionalism, delivered tangible entrepreneurial skills, and forged connections that will likely endure — strengthening Bulawayo’s creative future.
The exchange truly embodied the ACE mission: empowering artists not only to create, but to thrive.
– Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
