adminThe sessions are open to young artistes from across all music genres.
The initiative is part of ZMA’s efforts to improve the arts in the city, which also includes the Masiyefest, a programme organised with the intention of putting together entertainment functions in and around the city in the run up to the festive season in order to create a celebratory spirit among the people of Bulawayo. Masiyefest will run from 26 November until the beginning of next year.
Secretary general of the organisation Mish Nyakudarika said the festival was part of their efforts to expose hidden talent in the city of Bulawayo and in doing so, elevate the level of their performance. He said although they would be after performance input from those watching the shows, this was not done with the intention to dent the confidence of young artistes, but to help them grow.
“The open mic sessions will be about giving young artistes an opportunity to prove themselves in front of music loving audiences. This is a platform for all young artistes in the city in whatever genre to bring themselves in front of the audience and basically show what they have on offer. Critique will be offered after their performances but this will be done to motivate them further not demoralise them,” he said.
Nyakudarika said the platform would only be available to young and aspiring artistes although from time to time they would be inviting seasoned performers as guests acting in an advisory capacity.
“This platform will only be open to artistes that are starting out and looking for exposure, but I would like to point out that experienced artistes will from time to time be coming in and offering what they can in the form of advice,” he said.
Nyakudarika said they would be organising workshops to teach young artistes about the music industry while also organising mentorship programmes to guide them as they develop their careers. He also encouraged young musicians to join music organisations like ZMA.
“We will be organising workshops where young artistes will get an insight on how the music industry works. We also hope young artistes get membership into representative organisations like ours because that will help them in future,” he said.
Online Reporter