Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
BULAWAYO theatre practitioner John Mabuyane has fired shots at fellow artistes, accusing some of praising his success in the arts industry while failing to support his productions by buying tickets or attending his shows.
The outspoken actor and playwright took to social media to question what he sees as a lack of solidarity among Bulawayo artistes, saying some are quick to congratulate him on his achievements but have never shown up to watch his work.
In a pointed post, Mabuyane recounted an encounter with two musicians who praised his progress in the arts industry and used the opportunity to advertise their upcoming shows.
He was, however, left questioning the sincerity of their support.
“Funny how I met two musicians in a bar and they greeted me and said, ‘You doing well in the arts industry,’ and they advertised their upcoming shows to me. Now the funny part is, none of them have ever bought a ticket or attended my shows in Bulawayo. How then do they know I am doing well?”
Mabuyane did not stop there. He challenged fellow artistes to reflect on whether they genuinely support one another’s work, particularly his television productions.
“How many of you (artistes) know any of my television productions, let me say these award-winning TV productions? Food for thought. How many of you have spoken about my works?”
The actor, whose productions include Imbokodo (2026), Amanxeba, A High School Diary and Umndeni: The Heir, also questioned why he appears to receive more recognition outside Bulawayo than in his home city.
“Harare supports me more than my home city. Harare knows my dramas and yet they are in Ndebele language. Tell me why?”
Mabuyane said he has made an effort to support fellow artistes across different disciplines by attending their shows and buying tickets.
He cited musicians and entertainers including MJ Sings, Noluntu J, Seagirl, Novuyo Dube, Bhila, La Dee, Mzoe7, Mr Gagagugu Ndebele, Sandra Xantel, Zw, Msiz’kay, Bhekiwé Dube and Vusa Mangena, among others.
However, he said Seagirl was the only one among those he mentioned who had attended his shows.
His latest production, Empty Frame, premiered at Bulawayo Theatre in a two-person performance featuring veteran actor Memory Kumbota.
Mabuyane’s outburst has reignited debate about solidarity within Bulawayo’s arts sector, where practitioners often depend on audiences, publicity and support from fellow creatives to keep their productions alive.
His message was clear: congratulatory words and promotional talk mean little if artistes are unwilling to support one another’s work in practice.
