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Many people have issues with letting go and moving on and as for me, I swear I did not want 2017 to end.
In all my relations with the arts Industry, 2017 had some of the highest moments. Some of them forever engraved in our hearts and some now calendar events for every arts loving person. I will try to summarise the year into top five events/activities/moments that may have redefined the arts scene in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and The World (With reference to local art).
On number five there will have to be a young man who for years we have known as a blogger/socialite. Gilmore Moyo has seen his star steadily rise. He has organised shows and exhibitions in the city. He has gotten to a point of international recognition.
This year along with other young talents created the talk show Thatha Wena. From this creation he taught us that a simple show with the right people and attitude can trend. He also created the Gtee Vibe podcast and now features on the world renowned Gareth Cliff show. His push is clear, he even gets invites to A class fashion shows.
On number four will be the consistency of Pub Lagondola in promoting local talent and the rise of Club Connect and Red CafA�. The three spaces have not only spiced up our night scene but also afforded creatives a live arts platform.
I know other venues like Hockey Bar and Cape to Cairo do the same and deserve mention. Fusion Band and Gugu and Checkpoint Band are the finds of the season for me and play at these venues.
On number three it will have to be the 11/ 11 album launch. A fresh innovative idea that gripped the city. The show which was half a launch for the main festival meant to start this year and the launching of 11 fresh videos and 11 fresh albums on the 11th of November was nothing short of amazing. The city came out and Rainbow Hotel was well set up.
I wish I had said top ten. We just had a lot of amazing stuff in 2017. On number two will be those creatives exporting local arts. As I salute Nobuntu, Stango and Nongoma, Iyasa and Black Umfolosi for always flying our flag high. I would like to give special recognition to Austria-based Insingizi and Vusa Mkhaya.
The two brands have no limits. Among them they have opened the Winter Olympics in Austria, celebrated 100 years of JFK in Washington, part of Hollywood in Viena with Lebo, WorldA� museum opening in Austria, recording a sound track for German film Watu Wote won student Academy Awards in LA and has been shortlisted for Oscars and also having inflight music with Fly Emirates.
Vusa Mkhaya is in the country and will be holding a show with songstress Nkwali at Bulawayo Theatre. Dubbed: a�?from Bulawayo to the worlda�?. The tickets are going for $10.
At number one will be Umcimbi Wabantu and Local Arts Awards. Skyz Metroa��s first anniversary pulled numbers to White City Stadium and was one of the greatest shows in the City for 2017.
Regarding awards, for years we have wanted to start those and every time we did it ended in meetings. 2017 saw quite a few come to life. I would like to salute Entumbane Merit Awards , Skyz Metro Awards and Bulawayo Arts Awards. We showed that it can be done. Until next week, be safe . . . @nkuenkala 0772214373
Online Reporter