admin
Angela Sibanda, Showbiz Correspondent
Zimbabwean-born arts promoter, Sean Magavu recently became the first foreigner to scoop the Zurawi/Crane award in Lublin, Poland.
The awards that have been in existence for the past 15 years adopted the name of the Crane, a bird that picks things up and rises with them. They are awarded to people who have managed to become game-changers in different arts avenues.
Across all categories, Magavu was the only foreigner on the list and he was honoured for his contribution and influence in promoting artists through the many concerts that he has been hosting since he arrived in Poland two years ago.
Magavu, a Kwekwe-born art promoter grew up in Harare. He is an academic product of Lomagundi College, Riverton Academy and Goldridge College where he learnt before leaving for Europe to pursue Medical Biology at Maria Sklodowska-Curie University.
In an interview, Magavu said although he has been in Poland for a short time, he has dedicated his time to the arts and has interacted with many artists by promoting them by organising shows.
“I’ve been in Poland for two years and I’ve been bringing people out of their homes for good reasons. I’ve been hosting several concerts, working with different artists from Africa and around the world.
“I’ve worked and collaborated with artists from Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey and many from Asia. My dream is to go as far as I can in terms of promoting other artists and opening avenues and opportunities for them,” he said.
Magavu said he has plans to implement projects back in Zimbabwe that will empower young people and promote local talent.
“I came to Europe to study, but I believe in making the most of every opportunity. My mission has been to create opportunities for those whose talents were never discovered, appreciated or unpolished
“My dream is to go back home and create such opportunities once I believe I’m in the position to do that. It’s a fact that everyone has one life and I want to help as many people as possible to have the best opportunities backed up by hard work, to not only survive in that life but to live that life,” said Magavu.
In May this year, Magavu organised an Africa Day commemoration in Lublin where he performed alongside artists from Zimbabwe and other African countries. The artists included poet Mthulisi Ndlovu aka KingKG, Bonginkosi Khumalo aka Kaey Flames, The Umcs Butterflies, Arvella, Khumalo Ngangezwe Mbehane, Evane, Sherrie, Kibu Lisa Nomakhue Khumalo and The Helping Hand Band.
Online Reporter