adminRicky Mandizvidza Entertainment reporter
Sculptors have hailed the one day National Youth Expo that was held in Harare recently saying it gave them the much-needed exposure. Speaking to The Herald Entertainment, some visual artists said that though all was not rosy in the industry, the expo served a purpose of creating a forum of interaction with their prospective clients.
Metal and stone sculptor, Crispen Pemba, who participated at the expo said artists lacked support from the locals hence the expo would go a long way in helping creating dialogue between artists and the local market.
“Locals rarely buy our products mainly because they do not appreciate much the kind of business we are in however such platforms created are able to help us market our wares to the locals better and probably help in improving our sales,” revealed Pemba.
Ketai Mudzamiri who was exhibiting his sculptures, noted that there are negative perceptions about their products altogether from the locals and forums such as expos could help change such perceptions.
“One of the major reasons why locals do not buy our wares is rooted in their general misconceptions that the pieces are too expensive hence they just keep a distance and not even bother to inquire but the expo has given room for interaction which may go a long way in changing our fortunes,” narrated Mudzamiri.
Mudzamiri further noted that the expo had given artists the opportunity to try and educate the locals about their products which could see locals also chipping in on consuming the products.
“Many of the locals have the money to buy our products but would rather choose foreign made ornaments to furnish their homes thus there is need to help the market appreciate local arts so that we do not entirely rely on foreigners.”
The expo saw youths from different fields showcasing their products and services as well as interacting with the business community present.
Meanwhile Zimbabwe College of Music group Divine Jewels put up a sterling performance during the official opening of the National Youth Expo on Friday.
The expo, organized by The Zimbabwe Youth Council and which ran under the theme “For Us By Us: The Youth Dream for Zimbabwe” was affected by the rains prompting other artists failing to perform as the public announcement system was affected.
Even with the absence of a functioning sound system, Divine Jewels staged a lively performance that saw the majority of guests going to their feet with the guest of honour, Francis Nhema, the minister of Youth, Indigenization and Empowerment joining the group on stage.
The group, which performed several traditional songs punctuated with energetic dances, is entirely made up of students who are learning different musical professions at the Zimbabwe College of Music.
The students indicated their pleasure at the opportunity granted them by the Zimbabwe Youth Council to be able to perform at the function.
“It was an honour to be part of the activities here and we are really grateful to the organizers as they gave us the chance to showcase our talents,” said one group member.
Other artists who graced the expo include the Churchill High School band which also did well in leading the congregation through the national anthem.
Madzibaba Teaspoon, Fire-flame and Foundation Crew were also part of the artistes who performed and did well.
The expo was meant to showcase what young people are doing as well as creating platforms for interaction to those already in different businesses.
Online Reporter