Website set to promote arts, culture

Da-Grape-Vine’s first promotional event involved online voting for Bulawayo’s top five rap tracks where the winner walked away with prize money.
The initiative was directed towards providing a platform for people to know more about their local musicians and to appreciate their music.   
DA-Grape-Vine has been in existence since 2009 and its creation of a website strives to promote arts and culture in Zimbabwe as well as abroad.
This month’s competition is set to start tomorrow and will see people voting for their favourite artistes mainly in rap music, poetry, deejaying and b-boying (dance). The competition also covers fashion and entrepreneurship.

In an interview, director of Da-Grape-Vine Naboth “Rizla” Rimayi said the event was meant to broaden the platform for providing entertainment through the Internet.
“The main intention of the initiative is to create a platform for people to appreciate local music arts and culture on and off line,” he said.
The director also said the first competition was a success.

“The first competitions ran from 7 January to 6 February and the artiste with the winning song, Sean D, was awarded $100 on 9 February,” he said.
Rimayi also said Sean D was up against artistes such as Tea Pie, Next of Kin, Rap Temple and POY.
The next competition will kick off tomorrow and end on 7 April when a winner will be announced.

“The final event will be an afternoon of dance, comedy and live performances with a lot of give-aways. There would be a dance battle, where 20 dancers will battle for the ultimate prize of $100.”

He said live performances from performing groups would be assessed by a local choreographer and dance academy instructor.
Up-and-coming designers, DJs and dancers will also grace the occasion.
“Such an opportunity catering not only for musicians but some of us in the fashion industry is commendable,” said local designer Zee.

One of the up-and-coming DJs Meli Fuyana also said the event would be a golden opportunity for marginalised DJs to showcase their talent.
“Many DJs including myself have been trying to break through the showbiz but have failed.

“With such an initiative, maybe our voices could also be heard,” he said.
Rimayi said people who wanted to vote could do so on his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter.