Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE majestic spray of the waterfall wasn’t the only thing illuminating Victoria Falls last week.
Inside the Victoria Falls Theatre, a different kind of glow shone brightly as UK-based, Bulawayo-born lighting design luminary Mildred “Lighting Bae” Moyo, along with her protégé Collin “Scotchy_Black” Sambo, hosted a transformative two-day Lighting Masterclass.
Among the attendees was Zambian creative professional Dominic Nshimba, who left deeply inspired and equipped with a new grasp of the art and science of light.
The masterclass, themed “Introduction to Stage Lighting: From Rigging to Design,” drew in participants eager to delve into the fundamentals.
For Nshimba, a professional active across Zambia’s creative, cultural, and corporate sectors, the event marked a key step in broadening his technical expertise. Known for his passion for innovation, Nshimba found the structured focus on lighting invaluable.
His initial experience with Moyo, the driving force behind the self-funded initiative, set a powerful tone.
“Mildred Moyo is a humble and outstanding teacher. She ensured the masterclass was a two-way learning process, encouraging us to ask questions and patiently explaining concepts with clear examples.
What stood out even more was the fact that the entire masterclass was self-sponsored by her, which speaks volumes about her genuine passion for helping others,” Nshimba said.
For Nshimba, whose professional background as a Tech Specialist in exhibition design is inherently linked to lighting, the masterclass offered foundational knowledge that was both new and deeply relevant.
“It was a great experience learning about stage and lighting design, as it was my first introduction to the subject. I found it amazing to gain a deeper understanding of the basics of lighting safety, the different types of lights, and how to design effectively while working with other equipment such as the console,” he said.
Observing the Zimbabwean lighting scene firsthand through the masterclass provided Nshimba with a positive perspective on the regional industry’s potential.
“I truly feel Zimbabwe is in safe hands with such masterclasses. After attending the Simunye Victoria Falls Theatre, I got to witness how lighting is being used, and through these experiences, I believe the sky’s the limit.”
The practical, hands-on nature of the masterclass was a major highlight for the Zambian professional.
“My highlight of the masterclass was gaining a clear understanding of the basics of lighting design and safety, as well as getting hands-on exposure to how different types of lights and equipment are used in practice,” Nshimba stated, crediting Moyo’s engaging, practical, and easy-to-follow teaching style.
Nshimba highlighted that the masterclass reinforced four key tenets.
First, safety and the importance of rigorous protocols. Second, toolbox knowledge for a deeper understanding of the specific tools of the trade.
Third, collaboration between designers, technicians, and other team members.
Finally, the most resonant takeaway was inspired by Moyo herself: the power of passionate knowledge-sharing to inspire growth.
For Nshimba, these lessons are a foundational framework applicable to his broader creative work in Zambia.
His experience at the masterclass didn’t just illuminate the mechanics of light, but also the core values that elevate lighting design from a technical task to a collaborative and impactful art form.
