Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
After a 12-day window period, Zimbabwean hip-hop dancers, MCs, beat makers and DJs aged 18 to 35 have until tonight to apply for the Next Level Academy programme. The programme will be held in Harare from July 8 to 18.
After a nine-year absence in Zimbabwe, the academy will offer workshops led by US artiste educators, including dancer Lady Beast, MC Dee-1, DJ Nick Neutronz and beat maker Krithi, alongside project manager Aysha Upchurch.
Applicants are required to select one artistic discipline. If selected, they will be assigned to the chosen workshop for the duration of the programme and receive instruction in arts skills-building and entrepreneurship.
US Embassy in Zimbabwe public affairs officer Larry Socha said the academy aims to spotlight how hip-hop can address community challenges and build social cohesion, drawing on case studies from the US and Zimbabwean contexts.
“The Next Level Academy in Zimbabwe will conduct half-day workshops for DJs, MCs, beat makers and dancers. The academy presents an opportunity for the 40 selected Zimbabwean hip-hop artistes to share their experiences with artistes’ educators from the USA — Lady Beast (Dancer), Dee-1 (MC), Nick Neutronz (DJ) and Krithi (Beatmaker) alongside Site Manager Aysha Upchurch,” said Socha.
Participants will receive instruction in arts skills-building and entrepreneurship, culminating in a final concert performance on July 19 at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare.
“There will be collaborative productions among participating local artistes and American artistes-educators. Other community engagements will include a cypher at Magamba Network and visits to cultural centres.”
“From its origins in the United States, hip-hop has become a global music genre; assumed local adaptations informed and influenced by local languages and culture and has been used by musicians as a form of social commentary. The academy will spotlight case studies in the US and Zimbabwean contexts of how hip-hop has been used to address community challenges and build social cohesion.”
Socha said Zimbabwe hosted the first Next Level Academy in 2015 where local hip-hop artistes, among them, Awa Khiwe, had the opportunity to collaborate and showcase their talents.
“Awa Khiwe who was then based in Bulawayo, travelled to Harare and collaborated with Zimbabwean peers and American artistes. The artiste is now based in Germany and has perfected her craft over the years and is leading Zimbabwean hip-hop artistes in the diaspora.”
Socha said participant selection deliberately includes artistes from marginalised communities across Zimbabwe so that the academy is reflective of the diversity of participants experiences.
Prospective participants can apply on the following link: https://forms.gle/szr4RW3aSxiac6tDA. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
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