Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The “Bulawayo Creative Showcase”, an event organised by the British Council and the US Embassy is set to take place on April 25 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo.
The showcase promises to be a vibrant celebration of artistry and innovation, featuring a stellar lineup of performers, including returning artiste Indigo Saint, Charles Mahlaba, Brintz, Noluntu J, Novuyo Seagirl, Kyla Blac, Kereng, Lemmzy Beats, Asaph Afrika and MJ Sings.
The artistes have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform, especially at a time when the arts industry is facing many challenges.
Asaph Afrika, a recent beneficiary of the Next Level Global hip-hop programme, spoke about the importance of such initiatives.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity because our talents and arts are our culture. These programmes provide us with a platform to learn from other young people while showcasing our own unique styles. The exchange of value is pretty amazing,” he said.
Pint-sized singer Novuyo Seagirl added, “I’m excited to share the stage with some of Bulawayo’s greats. I appreciate the support from the British Council and the 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.”
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 shared his excitement, saying, “I’m elated and happy to be gracing the stage with some of my favourite artistes from my city and getting 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.”
Charles Mahlaba said, “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 the same sentiments, 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 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. These initiatives have helped local creatives to carve niches for themselves and thrive in a challenging environment where making ends meet can be a struggle.
– Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
