When a business becomes a patron of the arts: Stanbic Bank’s cultural journey

PROFITS and numbers often take centre stage in business, but still there are those exceptional companies that understand the importance of supporting the arts. Stanbic Bank is one such institution that seamlessly blends business with pleasure.

Since the year 2021, Stanbic Bank has extended its unwavering support to the local arts community by becoming a proud sponsor of the annual Jacaranda Music Festival. The annual extravaganza celebrates the richness of Zimbabwean music and artistry and with Stanbic Bank’s backing, it has blossomed into a pulsating showcase of talent and creativity.

But Zimbabwe is not the sole beneficiary of Stanbic Bank’s art endeavours. Across the borders, in Kenya, a remarkable cultural initiative emerged—the Stanbic Yetu Festival. This event not only underscores the bank’s keen interest in the arts but also highlights its commitment to fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

In the month of April, music enthusiasts in Kenya were treated to a sensational experience as Stanbic Bank joined forces with Radio Africa to curate the second edition of the Stanbic Yetu Festival. The headline act for this grand affair was none other than the iconic R&B group and Grammy Award winners, Boyz II Men. It was a musical spectacle that left an indelible mark, reaffirming Stanbic Bank’s dedication to bringing world-class entertainment to the African stage.

But Stanbic Bank’s support for the arts doesn’t stop at music festivals. As part of the broader Standard Bank Group, the bank has emerged as a leader in championing the arts across the African continent. With its extensive footprint, it serves as a catalyst for promoting cultural identity, nurturing talent, and developing both the visual and performing arts.

Organisers of what is now known as the Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival (SJMF) fronted by Walter Wanyanya told Saturday Leisure that Stanbic Bank has been an all-weather friend to the Festival since 2021.

“Stanbic Bank has been supporting the creative economy for a long time in Zimbabwe and in the region as they also support Joy of Jazz festival in South Africa, Luju Festival in Eswatini, Namibia, and Zambia. From 2018, we presented the festival to them and they were aware of our goals and aspirations as a music festival in Zimbabwe. They closely followed our progress until they came forward to support us in 2021.

“We have been together since then and it has been a mutually-beneficial relationship. They are driven by the desire to see growth in the creative economy. They have gone further to support the educational aspect of the festival which takes places two days before the main performance days. The workshops are designed to give artists an opportunity to get knowledge and information on how best they can grow their creativity and also merge the creativity with business and financial education. This is valuable education that we hope will see our artistes establishing themselves as employers and notable business people,” he shared.

This year’s SJMF is set to be held from 4 to 6 October at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare and will see a stellar international musical line-up gracing the stage to usher in the heat as the jacaranda trees bloom.

The line-up will include South Africa’s Daliwonga, Ndlovu Youth Choir, Murumba Pitch, Ami Faku, Judith Sephuma, Black Motion as well as local talent, ExQ, Jason Le Roux, Gwevedzi, Gary Tight and American jazz band, Brent Birckhead Quartet.

The two-day Stanbic Bank Jacaranda Music Business Conference will be held on 5 and 6 October at The Venue in Harare.

What Stanbic Bank is doing is a good example of how those in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) must work with corporates. – @MbuleloMpofu