dyton mupawaenda
Mbulelo Mpofu-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN recent times, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) has adopted and added a new layer to its meaning, that of business laced with pleasure as entertainment events have been curated around this bustling time.
One of the standout events is the “Bulawayo Creative Showcase”, organised by the British Council in Zimbabwe and the US Embassy in Zimbabwe, two influential forces dedicated to nurturing local talent amid the turbulent landscape of the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs).
Slated for April 25 at the National Gallery (NGZ) of Zimbabwe, this year’s showcase promises to be a vibrant celebration of artistry and innovation.
The line up features a stellar cohort of performers, including returning artiste Indigo Saint, Charles Mahlaba, Brintz, Noluntu J, Novuyo Seagirl, Kyla Blac, Kereng, Lemmzy Beats, Asaph Afrika, and MJ Sings.
Each of these talented individuals has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform, especially during a time fraught with uncertainty in the arts industry.
Asaph Afrika, a recent beneficiary of the Next Level Global hip hop programme, emphasised the importance of such initiatives.
“I’m super grateful for the opportunity because our talents and arts are our culture. These programmes provide us with a platform to learn how other young people do things while showcasing our own unique styles.
“The exchange of value is pretty amazing,” he stated, highlighting how these opportunities open doors for Zimbabwe’s brightest innovators.
Pint-sized singer Novuyo Seagirl, said, “I’m super excited to share the stage with some of Bulawayo’s greats. I appreciate the support from the British Council and US Embassy.
“More events like this are needed, where Bulawayo creatives can headline their own shows. It’s inspiring to see these organisations bridging the gap and proving our potential – it truly fulfils my heart.”
The continuation of the Bulawayo Showcase comes as a welcome relief for artistes, particularly in light of recent cuts to the UK’s overseas aid budget announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which echoed the foreign aid freeze implemented by US President Donald Trump.
Rapper Brintz said, “I’m elated and happy to be gracing the stage with some of my favourite artistes from my city and get to share my music with people. Every opportunity to perform is always something I cherish a lot.
“I get to translate the feelings I had when creating the songs to a live audience and see them connect to the music in real time, that feeling never gets old,” he said.
Charles Mahlaba expressed his relief, stating, “I feel excited to be part of the event and grateful that we still have platforms to showcase our talents despite the challenges in the arts industry.”
Lyricist MJ Sings echoed this sentiment, saying, “It’s always an honour to grace the stage at home for the people that continue to push me. I’m excited about this event, as it showcases some of my favourite creatives from the city.”
Producer and DJ Lemmzy Beats added a reflective note, acknowledging the significance of the moment: “Performing at this event means a lot, especially given the panic that swept through the sector when Trump froze foreign aid.
“It reminded all of us how fragile support systems can be. As a DJ/producer, music is my way of connecting and pushing messages out there. This set isn’t just about the vibes – it’s about standing in solidarity and using sound to speak when words aren’t enough.”
Returning artiste Indigo Saint is eager to build on his previous performance, stating, “The last showcase was fantastic, and it allowed me to share my music with other artistes from the city. I’m looking forward to doing more this year and leveraging events like these to grow.”
For some time now, the British Council and the US Embassy in Zimbabwe have been leading an artistic and cultural charge, as evidenced by various initiatives they have embarked on both separately and collectively.
These include Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe, the SoCreative Africa learning programme, the Artist Creative Entrepreneurship project, the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), and the Next Level Hip Hop Academy, to name a few.
These initiatives have helped local creatives carve niches for themselves and thrive in a challenging environment where making ends meet can be a struggle.
As the Bulawayo Creative Showcase approaches, it not only represents a celebration of local talent, but also serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in fostering creativity and resilience within the arts community.
Online Reporter