Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
A new wave of opportunity is building momentum across Zimbabwe’s creative sector, as young talent scout Alex Tongogara steps forward with a vision to connect, nurture, and elevate emerging artists through a continent-wide initiative.
Tongogara, who represents the Africa You’ve Got It (AYGI) group in Zimbabwe and serves as a talent scout for the “Enter The Jungle” program, is working at the intersection of creativity and opportunity.
As a drummer, Tongogara said he understands firsthand the challenges many young creatives face not a lack of talent, but a lack of access.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. That’s where AYGI steps in to open doors for young creatives who have been waiting for a platform.”
Currently in its early stages, “Enter The Jungle” is already making inroads across schools in Zimbabwe.
The initiative focuses on identifying raw talent and nurturing it through structured workshops, mentorship programs, and creative development sessions.
From music and design to production and broader cultural expression students are being given tools to refine their skills and gain exposure at an early stage.
In an interview with Zimpapers, Tongogara described the movement as more than just a local project. “It is part of a broader African vision one that links Zimbabwe’s creative youth with their peers across countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, and Botswana.
“From being on the ground, I’ve seen a shift. There’s a growing connection between schools, communities, and even regions. It’s something that hasn’t really been structured before, but now it’s starting to come together.”
There’s also a formal launch coming up in June, which will bring more visibility to what’s been building behind the scene
Tongogara said the movement is positioning itself as a catalyst for cross-border collaboration.
By linking creative communities across Africa, Enter The Jungle aims to foster cultural exchange while building professional pathways for emerging talent.
For Tongogara, the mission is clear to transform overlooked potential into recognized creative voices.
“In Zimbabwe, we are engaging schools directly, running talent identification sessions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that allow students to refine their skills while gaining exposure
“The goal is to transform raw, often unnoticed talent into recognized creative voices, giving them both visibility and the tools to succeed professionally, while preserving authentic African expression.
“The June launch is a pivotal moment for the program, It marks the official rollout of the movement, signalling the start of organized programs and school engagement in Zimbabwe for the youth, it provides a platform to showcase their skills and creativity in music, design, production, and other cultural expressions, while gaining guidance and mentorship.
“Regionally, the launch sets the stage for cross-border collaboration, showing that African youth creativity is interconnected and capable of influencing culture beyond local borders. It’s about giving young people opportunities, visibility, and a structured environment where their talents can grow and be celebrated.”
