Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Popular stand-up comedian Victor “Doc Vikela” Mpofu says many Zimbabwean skit-makers misuse the term “content creation,” producing work aimed mainly at social media likes.
Doc Vikela, chairperson of the Content Creation of Zimbabwe (COCAZ), expressed his concerns at a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Harare that was attended by actors from Zambia and Nigeria.
He urged creators to produce professional content that authentically tells the Zimbabwean story. Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, Doc Vikela said it was important for people to learn the difference between a mere skit maker and a content creator, since many smartphone users are now abusing the term by sharing explicit material and promoting hate speech.
“In real terms, a content creator is someone who creates, publishes and produces material to give to people so that they are entertained,” he said. “In other words, musicians, filmmakers and actors create content that we all consume. Sometimes people want to watch different formats and different versions.”
He urged content creators to speak with one voice and be professional in order to be taken seriously. “As content creators, we need to be organised and speak with one voice so that we can be heard and taken seriously. At the moment ZBC has set aside a US$10 million grant that is meant for us, but we need to be organised to be heard and to be complemented for what we are doing. Let’s come together and say: this is a special group of people.”
