Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
CELEBRATED Zimbabwean lighting designer Mildred Moyo, affectionately known in the creative circuits as the “lighting bae”, is basking in the glow of a major career milestone. Now based in London, she has transitioned from a self-taught pioneer to an academic force, joining the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as a lecturer in Lighting Technology and Design.
While many were enjoying last year’s Christmas festivities, Mildred was busy settling into her new role at one of the world’s top performing arts institutions, under its Production Arts department. For the Bulawayo-born creative, this was more than just a new job, it was a culmination of years of hard work, determination and dreaming beyond borders.
“Being here feels surreal sometimes. Coming from Zimbabwe, where there’s no formal lighting education, no real mentorship structures, and very few role models in this field, it often felt like I was figuring it out alone.
“Now, I’m in an environment where lighting is treated as an art form.”
Mildred described the experience as both validating and transformative as the Guildhall platform has offered her the opportunity to grow, not just as a lighting practitioner, but also as a teacher and collaborator.
“It’s honestly been a game changer. I’ve grown so much already. Before this, I had never been a lecturer and at first, it felt like I was thrown in the deep end. But it’s in the fire where gold is refined, so I have been relishing this challenge.”
This week, Mildred steps into another global spotlight as she heads to Dijon, France to attend the prestigious Showlight Quadrennial, a four-day gathering of the world’s top lighting professionals across film, television, architecture, events and performance.
Set to participate as a full delegate, she views the Showlight event as a golden opportunity to broaden her horizons.
“I’m really looking forward to learning from other lighting professionals, hearing their stories, seeing how they approach their work, and just soaking in as much knowledge and inspiration as I can,” she said.
“It’s also a chance to build meaningful connections, explore potential collaborations and continue expanding my own creative language.”
The Showlight experience is especially poignant for Mildred, as she envisions a future where she will not just attend as a delegate, but also as a speaker, sharing her unique journey from Zimbabwe to the global creative space.
Her journey is nothing short of trailblazing. From being self-taught to earning a Master of Arts (MA) in Light in Performance from Rose Bruford College, on a first-of-its-kind, tailor-made scholarship, Mildred made history as the first black African woman to complete the programme.
Despite her international recognition, she remains rooted in Zimbabwe, using her platform to empower the next generation. Through her Phenomenal Festival of Lights, she actively bridges the gap in lighting education, offering aspiring local creatives an annual festival that celebrates light, storytelling, and possibility.
From Harare theatres to London lecture halls and now the global stage in France, Mildred Moyo’s story continues to illuminate paths for others to follow. — @mbulelompofu
