Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
OVER one metamorphic week in August, the rolling hills of Domboshava echoed not only with the rhythms of nature, but with the hum of dimmers, the glow of intelligent fixtures, and the palpable buzz of creative exploration.
Hosted by the internationally acclaimed, UK-based Zimbabwean lighting designer and educator Mildred “Lighting Bae” Moyo, the sixth Phenomenal Lighting Masterclass and Festival (4-10 August 2025) successfully transformed the Ngoma/Ingungu Cultural Arts Centre into a vibrant hub of technical artistry. Its evocative theme: “Finding Light in Darkness: The Power of Shadows.”
Marking a significant departure from its previous venue at Gordon Park in Matopos, the event found a dynamic new home, drawing a diverse cohort of lighting designers, sound engineers, performers, and producers primarily from Zimbabwe and neighbouring Southern African nations. Guided by a distinguished international faculty featuring experts from the UK, Ghana, Switzerland, and South Africa, participants immersed themselves in a unique blend of rigorous technical instruction, collaborative performance creation, and profound artistic exchange.
Mildred Moyo, founder of Phenomenal Lighting and Power Solutions and a lecturer at London’s prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, anchored the masterclass with her signature approach. Her sessions went beyond mere button-pushing, focusing instead on the fusion of deep technical knowledge with the nuanced artistry of storytelling through light.
Ensuring the festival met exacting international standards while celebrating authentic local expression was UK-based Petok Productions. Led by Cypriot powerhouse Pembe Tokluhan, the company co-produced and managed the complex event. The sonic landscape was expertly curated by Simbarashe Mazai, director of Prosoundman, while celebrated performer and educator Othnell “Mangoma” Moyo energised participants with dynamic music and movement workshops, emphasising the intrinsic link between physical expression and visual design.
For attendees, the week was less a course and more an epiphany. Harare-based photographer and participant David Tinotenda Jeradi emerged as a vocal proof to the experience’s depth.
“I learnt that light is more than a technical element — it’s a storyteller. Each cue, each beam, and each moment of shadow worked like brushstrokes on a living canvas. Through collaboration with my peers and the invited mentors, I discovered how sound, lighting, cinematography, and performance can together cut through the ‘darkness’ — whether that’s a silent stage, a heavy scene, or even self-doubt — to reveal beauty and meaning,” Jeradi reflected.
Jeradi’s reflections struck at the heart of the festival’s theme.
“My greatest takeaway was that darkness and shadows are nothing to fear; they are not an ending, but a blank canvas that we, the light of the world, can shine in and paint happiness, as you say: Light brings happiness!”
His gratitude towards the organisers and mentors was palpable.
“We can never express our appreciation of you and satisfactorily match the way you inspire us. You are the steady lantern-bearer, guiding us through the intricate paths of both technical ambition and life fulfilment through pursuing our passions. Like lighthouses on a stormy coast, you keep us focused, safe, and inspired, helping us find our bearings and shine at our brightest.”
He concluded with renewed personal vigour: “I am inspired to push passionately towards my goals and to insist on my dreams. The dream can be bigger than the present money. Nothing is more satisfying than the days we get so tired from the activities, but then remember the smiles on the faces we interacted with throughout the day.”
The impact resonated strongly with organisations dedicated to youth development. Courage Shumba, Director of House of Talents, expressed profound appreciation.
“On behalf of House of Talents, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional training and warm support you offered during our recent technical workshop. Your dedication to equipping young people with skills in lighting and sound engineering was not only professional but truly inspiring. The patience, knowledge-sharing, and genuine care you showed had a great impact on our participants. You didn’t just provide training — you nurtured dreams.”
Shumba highlighted the unique value of the partnership.
“It is rare to find partners who combine technical excellence with a caring heart, and we are grateful to be among those you chose to empower. We look forward to future collaborations as we continue investing in the creative potential of our youth.”
Tafadzwa Mupfawa, a local resident from Matabvu, a few villages from Domboshava, said the Masterclass and Festival “was a profound journey that wove together the technical fundamentals of stage lighting with the artistic soul of performance. It was a testament to the belief that true mastery lies at the intersection of skill and spirit. It provided a solid foundation in the mechanics of electricity, demystifying the difference between direct current (DC) — the steady pulse of a battery — and alternating current (AC) — the rhythmic flow that powers our world. Crucially, it instilled an unwavering respect for electrical safety and the methodical art of troubleshooting, equipping every participant to work with power as a tool, not a threat.”
For performing artists seeking to elevate their craft, the masterclass offered crucial practical insights. Bulawayo-based artist and lighting enthusiast Abraham “Absoll Luz” Sandile Juba attended with clear goals.
“Personally, I expected to learn more about lighting so that it could help me advance my musical performance to make it more phenomenal than it was before.”
He departed with a fundamental understanding.
“I also learnt that lights have the power to build or destroy a performance, and that teamwork makes the workload lighter, especially when you are lighting up the stage.”
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