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Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
LAST week, the United States of America (US) Embassy in Zimbabwe through Chargé d’Affaires Elaine French met musicians from Bulawayo, Jeys Marabini, Msiz’kay, Zarae Music and Thandy Dhlana at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) American Space to learn about Bulawayo’s dynamic music scene and artistes’ efforts to reach global audiences.
Jeys Marabini
This is where Msiz’kay got to learn the plight of other musicians vis-à-vis his own.
“Meeting the acting American ambassador to Zimbabwe was a great experience as we got a chance to discuss issues that affect creatives, especially musicians in Bulawayo and how we can overcome them. We shared our journeys as musicians and exchanged ideas on how we can better the sector moving forward. I was quite intrigued by Jeys Marabini’s journey to stardom as he’s one of the most celebrated artistes we have around,” Msiz’kay said.
“The major conclusion from the discussion was that the US Embassy in Zimbabwe is willing to assist the local artistes. This will be done through linking local acts with American ones which I feel is a great initiative.”
In a social media post on Twitter, the US Embassy confirmed its willingness to help local artistes.
“We aim to deepen US-Zimbabwe artistic professional networks to share entrepreneurship best practices to take advantage of e-markets,” read the post.
French was in Bulawayo to engage various stakeholders and toured the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo to hear how the gallery supports emerging artistes and cultural development in Bulawayo.
The Chargé d’Affaires also visited historical landmarks in central Bulawayo with historian Pathisa Nyathi, including the Inxwala Site, Hanging Tree, and the Joshua Nkomo statue. She paid a courtesy call on Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube and the pair discussed issues on how to aid the health and economic growth in the city and surrounding regions.
Mr Pathisa Nyathi
Local entrepreneurs Nkosana Masuku, Mpi Ndebele, Blessing Machiya and Andrew Chikomba also got a chance to brief French on their start-ups that create job opportunities and spur economic growth at a meet-up at The Oasis. – @eMKlass_49
Online Reporter