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Nkosilesisa Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
TROUBLE has brewed at one of the country’s biggest online magazines, Urban Culxure which has seen one of the founding members, Nigel Ndlovu resigning from his position at the online hub.
Ndlovu’s resignation comes after he and co-founder of Urban Culture Kudakwashe Tawanda had a difference of opinion over the recently announced National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) nominees which Ndlovu felt were rather unfair as he expected Urban Culxure to be nominated for Outstanding Online Media and went on record, slamming the Nama nomination process.
In response to Ndlovu’s fired shots, Urban Culxure released a statement, distancing themselves from Ndlovu’s statements.
“We are totally against the F** words said by one of our founding members regarding #NAMA2017 <https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/nama2017?source=feed_text&story_id=377340455972778> we are 100% behind the ceremony. Whatever he is on about is in personal capacity.
“It is in this regard that as an institution which looks to grow to a visible brand in the Arts sector in Zimbabwe wish to notify its stakeholders and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe that we strongly disagree with the statement made by Ndlovu with strong vulgar words.
“It is our belief that you will find it in your hearts to forgive Urban Culxure as a brand. We can’t let three years’ work be destructed. We strongly disassociate ourselves from that statement. We strongly respect Nama decisions,” read the statement.
Shortly after this statement, Ndlovu announced his resignation from the online magazine on his Facebook page.
“So I have resigned from Urban Culxure for speaking my mind. It’s been a great and you can expect something new from me. I will not conform to rubbish. I believe in freedom of expression. I will push local artistes and international ones like never before on my own terms. It’s nothing personal, its business. I am human, I am not a robot,” read Ndlovu’s post.
Speaking to Sunday Life, Ndlovu said that he still stood by his sentiments.
“I really expected a nomination for Urban Culxure. We have submitted entries to Nama for two years now and we still get no nominations. However, I have nothing against Kuda (Tawanda), he is still my friend as far as I know. I was just really annoyed at the nominations, he made it personal and did some things he was not supposed to, that is why I resigned,” he said.
Contacted for comment, Tawanda said in spite of Ndlovu leaving Urban Culxure, he would keep going.
“I founded Urban Culxure in 2014 before Ndlovu came around and now that he has left, I will keep going. We are not a vulgar people and I cannot condone such behaviour. My personal relationship with Ndlovu will probably never be the same again but as I said I could not let that lie,” Tawanda said.
@nkocykay
Online Reporter