adminNkosilathi Sibanda Urban Beats
Bulawayo turns 120 years tomorrow. The arts have played an integral part in shaping the history of King Lobengula’s capital.
Drums have been played since the day King Mzilikazi kaMatshobana started the great trek from KwaZulu. Poets, dancers and theatre were there before our time too.
These 120 years make no meaning if we are to sideline the role played by artistes in this city. The streets that we walk upon everyday tell a story of a once small foot path walked by artistes and lovers of art.
Even as the settlers toasted wine in celebrating the granting of the town status, there was an artiste entertaining them.
Whenever humans come together, like they did in the establishment of the present day city, they play music.
From Mzilikazi kaMatshobana to the last recognised kings that formed this city for any reason, music is there.
Music is and was a part of the fabric of everyday life. Only relatively recently, did a distinction arose.
Pride is placed on Bulawayo as Zimbabwe’s cultural capital. Where did that come from? Not for a second will you stretch your head on that one. Artistes and the multi-cultural nature of the city and the neighbouring provinces speak volumes on why Bulawayo is called as such.
Of which, my concern is on the way music has revolved in the city for the past 120 years. Has it been for the better?
Tomorrow is history marking day. Historians like Pathisa Nyathi are revelling at the event. This is of much significance to all generations. The old, like our dear historian Pathisa have a lot to tell about Bulawayo.
When the history of a city so filled with grandeur would not be enough without a mention of its music and culture.
We read extensively on how these streets became a city but, sadly, not much is said about the development of music and the arts.
If ever there is literature on that, it has not reached my library. I have not gotten my hands on a book, or read anywhere in cyber space about the history of music and the arts in the city.
It is a toil to find that information. Most young people will agree with me. Could it be a deliberate ploy or historians missed the part?
Scholars in the arts and creative industry have said that the only source of such history is verbal. It is confined in the mouths and memories of our old folks.
Ask any elder how music was before Bulawayo was this old; you will be shocked. Stunned at how history writers could fail to document this, at least on paper.
What value is music history for musicians? You cannot call yourself a Bulawayo artiste, yet you know nothing about its art history.
In the city we have people who regard the arts as ungodly, left for failures in society.
Throughout most of the world and for most of human history, music making was as natural an activity as breathing and walking. We learn of the popularity of the Kwela music, the pennywhistle and marabi.
During traditional gatherings like inxusa, music and performance were the toast of the proceedings. Now that it’s been 120 years, artistes and art followers cannot keep up the pace.
Many reasons are thrown to the decline in appreciation of cultural and artistic forms in Bulawayo.
What has the Mayor, Martin Moyo done to restore this? Former city fathers are cheered for having built facilities that cater for the cultural and showbiz industries.
Concert halls, dedicated to the performance of music, theatre and film arose only because of the need to have people entertained. Some may call it escapist but it was a necessity. Even in 2014.
These community halls are now occupied by churches. We are left to go back to history and envy how our parents used to enjoy their youth at these halls.
So many prominent artistes honed their skills in community halls. Youth centres strived as stepping stones for careers in art.
It would seem that our old folks are content with telling us stories of how they used to enjoy in the comfort of their neighbourhood. That sounds like a boast.
Why not revive these centres, now that Bulawayo is 120 years? I wonder what stories are told of the city, when the arts are in a free-fall.
Will primary school children understand what we mean in Bulawayo being a cultural centre at 120 years? Fast forward this, talented artistes are wanderers in the concrete jungle; they do not have a place to perform for their community.
Cry the beloved musician as Bulawayo turns 120.
Understanding why we have to link the arts to Bulawayo’s history, is appreciating that the discipline is a window on the essence of human nature.
This may seem like an overstatement, but the fact is that music and all other arts genres are one of the most primal and fundamental aspects in the development of this city.
So what is the role of music and the arts in the growth of a city’s culture?
Happy birthday Bulawayo omuhle! Hoping every artiste will blow a horn in celebration.
Have a say on 0773481603 (WhatsApp only) or share a thought on twitter @nkosie legend.
Online Reporter