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| Thursday, 11 June 2009 13:38 |
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{tab=BOCAPA}
The Book Cafe Academy of Performing Arts (BOCAPA) programme celebrates its 12th anniversary in 2009 - a weekly showcase of emerging bands, musicians and live literature, in which a number of now famous musicians and poets have participated. Since 2007 the open mic programme has evolved to include workshops and access to music equipment and rehearsal space and opportunities for 'Xposure'. For the first two months of 2009 the programme continued with performances of young artists from the previous ‘season’, featuring one group each week. In March, the Nguva Yedu/Thuba Lethu youth festival for youth and civil society culminated in a huge concert featuring top local and regional artists, in which 6 young artists from the Bocapa programme participated: ‘Mokoomba’, Edene Timbe & ‘Fire’, MacIntosh Jerahuni, John Pfumojena & ‘Mnandi’, 'Bongo Love', and ‘Liqid & The Solid Band’. BOCAPA XPOSURE (BX) : Youth Development
The BOCAPA Xposure project is still the biggest and longest running youth development music programme in Zimbabwe, which feeds into other Pamberi Trust projects, and also other youth platforms in the country and the region. In this period, Bocapa Xposure auditioned, selected, trained and exposed selected young artists in a structured programme to identify, nurture and promote them.
180 young artists auditioned over a 3 week process in each of 2 ‘seasons’ 603 artists performed (including winners and repeat performers) at 45 Monday night events which attracted an average of 20 audience. 137 artists selected to workshops on Instrumentation, Vocals, HIV/Aids, Stagecraft 6 successful groups (34 artists) performed in dedicated performance slots, with average audiences of 20. 670 ‘walk-up’ artists participated at 12 Bocapa Open Mic Saturday sessions attracted average 60 audience 6 young artists from the Bocapa programme participated the Nguva Yedu / Thuba Lethu / Our Time festival for youth and civil society in March, which attracted over 600 audience.
BOCAPA ‘XPOSURE’ – Youth development
Jan – Exposure events for 2008 participants: Park Lane, Thula Sizwe, Mnandi Feb – Exposure events for 2008 participants: ‘I-Free’, Heavens Language, Mnandi March - Exposure events for 2008 participants: ‘I-Free’, Likwid & The Solid Band, Heavens Language, Mnandi. 6 Artists to the Nguva Yedu / Thuba Lethu / Our time Festival April–July: Season 1 75 acts (+90 artists, many solo) auditioned over 3 weeks 30 acts (+50 artists) selected to perform, judged by professional artists 15 acts (42 artists) selected to workshops and further 3 performances 6 acts selected to elimination round 3 winning acts (21 artists) selected to further 4 performances August-November: Season 2 75 acts (+90 artists) auditioned over 3 weeks 30 acts (+50 artists) selected to perform, judged by professional artists 16 acts (40 artists) selected to workshops and further 3 performances 12 acts selected to elimination round 3 winning acts (13 artists) to further 5 performances December - 01 Dec – World Aids Day concert – 3 Bocapa groups participated: John Pfumojena & Mnandi, Thula & Amavitela; Alexio Kawara & ‘Shades of Black’, with 100 audience. - 2 performances of Season 2 winners (13 artists). Open Mic events on
The Female Literary, Arts and Music Enterprise (FLAME) project brings women artists together, to grow, assert themselves in a male dominated society and participate fully in the mainstream of the arts.
FLAME is the flagship project of Pamberi Trusts’ Harare Culture House, with a strong programme running through the year, comprising events, workshops and outreach. 25 Nov – 14 Dec 2010 16 EVENTS for ‘16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN’, - The Book Café & The Mannenberg, Harare
It was cool, it was hot! It was hip, hop and happening at The Book Café and The Mannenberg during the FLAME projects series of 16 events and activities for the 2010 ‘16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women’ campaign, which took place at The Book Café and The Mannenberg live arts venues in Harare, joining the world in raising awareness of issues relating to gender-based violence. The programme featured music from 50 of Zimbabwe’s top female artists and young artists emerging from the FLAME project, who showed their support for the cause with strong messages against violence, and the culture of violence and militarism in our society. The intensive programme had wide appeal, featuring a brilliant rainbow of artists of diverse music genres. It was possibly the longest and most wide-ranging 16 Days campaign in Zimbabwe, including music and poetry performances, discussions, films and closing with a 2-day workshop. Altogether 120 artists participated, with a total audience of over 900. The programme included: Thursday 25 November, The Book Cafe Gender forum discussion “Creating a DMZ! [De-militarized zone]”, chaired by the powerful young Zimbabwean feminist activist Sally Dura, with speakers Netty Musanhu and Jonah Gokova. Friday 26 November, The Mannenberg - JAZZ INVITATION, featured Bernie Bismark and Patience Musa. Saturday 27 November, The Book Café – Clare Nyakujara & The Other Four (afrojazz); Selmor Mtukudzi (afro fusion); and Zeena Beins and ‘Chezelle’ with the group Subway (soul, r&b, jazz). Saturday 27 November, The Mannenberg- Edith Katiji weUtonga, with guest artist Kessia Magosha. Tuesday 30 November, The Book Café - Internationally acclaimed mbira star Chiwoniso Maraire with young mbira artist Hope Masike and her band ‘Kakuwe’. Wednesday 1 December, The Book Café, 5.30pm The World Aids Day discussion led by HIV/Aids activist Cleo Ndlovu and Stanley ‘Pastor G’ Gwanzura. Wednesday 1 December, The Mannenberg, 6pm - 16 Days Film Screening in association with Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe: “The Greatest Silence: Rape In The Congo”. Wednesday 1 December, The Book Café, 8pm – WORLD AIDS DAY - a mixed performance featuring The Ay Band and Savannah Afros, with special top-selling guest artists Victor Kunonga and Alexio Kawara, and comedian Carl Joshua Ncube. Thursday 2 December, The Mannenberg - Renowned jazz singer Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana shared the stage with afro jazz artist Rute Mbangwa Saturday 4 December, The Mannenberg - The ’16 Days Concert, (Part 2) featured Dudu Manhenga and Color Blu, with guest artists Uzanele, Patience Musa and Rute Mbangwa, and female poets Roxanne ‘Xapa’ Mathazia, Wadzanai Chiuri, Nebila Abdulmelik and Primrose Dzenga. Wednesday 8 December, The Mannenberg, 6pm - 16 Days Film Screening in association with Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe: “Challenges of our Time” Saturday 11 December, The Book Cafe, 2-5pm - ‘SISTAZ OPEN MIC: After the 16 Days’ – an open platform for expression featured 22 women singers, musicians and poets with special guest artist Chiwoniso Maraire. Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 December 16 young women artists participated in the 2-day FLAME workshop “Uniting Against Violence” – ‘for women artists by women artists’. Youth & Poetry - The Monday Bocapa youth programme and House of Hunger Poetry Slam on Saturday 4 December also carried the 16 Days message. Special credit must go to project officer Batsirai Chigama who coordinated all activities, and special thanks to Dairibord and Mr Seremani for their contributions to the programme. Audience feedback: (from Zimbojam) Ntombiyekhaya - Nhamo yemumwe |2010-11-30 11:11:41 Only when it happens to a sister or brother or your mother even that is when we have the courage to draw daggers and fight, every voice counts. Thank you all involved for your efforts. Pablo |2010-12-01 03:46:28 Why is this only taking place in town and only Harare - or am I wrong? The key players should also take this to rural areas. I think they need this exposure more than people in town. Lets use the chiefs/clinics/schools/churches/community meetings to drive this home. Like the ada one said, we do not have to wait for it to happen to people dat we know then we wake up. What happens to one hurts da ada! Again thanks to the key players and we need more players every time. Afro Jazz artist Rute Mbangwa said: Thank you for giving us a platform to showcase and express ourselves, speaking out on behalf of ourselves and all women. Bernie Bismark, music director and keyboardist for the group Jazz Invitation, and the most senior artist involved, said: ‘Thank you for allowing us to perform. Hopefully violence against women and children will be on the sharp decline. We all have a responsibility to mankind.’
FLAME REGIONAL TOUR : 29 May – 5 June 2010
FLAME is a scintillating regional music collaboration which featured live - for the first time on stage together - the pioneering Afro-jazz collaboration of four of Africa’s wondrous ladies of song - Mozambique’s legendary ‘Mingas’, with Dudu Manhenga (Zimbabwe), Mpumie Twala (South Africa), and the superb saxophone of Ndithini Mbali (SA). This exciting collaboration graced a southern African tour circuit starting on 29 May with a performance at ‘Encontr ARTE Intercambio Artistico’ at the Centro Cultural Franco Mocambicano in Maputo, Mozambique, followed on 30 May by a performance at the Bushfire Festival, Mbabane, Swaziland, 2 and 4 June at the famous Bassline, in Newtown, Johannesburg, and on 5-6 June at The Mannenberg in Harare. FLAME! is a regional African arts collaboration program, created by African Synergy (Johannesburg) in association with Pamberi Trust (Harare) THE LINE-UP
Marrabenta star MINGAS is one of Mozambique's most revered musicians. Her jazz interpretations and stunning arrangements of Mozambique’s dance-crazy marrabenta rhythms has thrilled audiences the world over. Renowned for her solo work, as well as for her collaborations with Miriam Makeba and Jimmy Dludlu, Mingas celebrated her 30-year career with a mega-concert to ten thousand people in Maputo in 2007, recorded and filmed live. Mingas has since performed continuously throughout Mozambique, Southern Africa and internationally, gaining an iconic status in her country. Mingas is a top-selling artist with several CDs to her credit. DUDU MANHENGA is one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated young jazz singer/songwriters. A household name in Zimbabwe, she is rapidly gaining regional and international acclaim with her incredible vocal range and stage charisma. Her style is influenced by the great African jazz singers, delivered with poise and dignity through a fusion of genres: jazz, afro-beat, township, Latin, and Zimbabwe's traditional styles. Dudu had produced 3 CDs to date, the most recent a live DVD recording. MPUMIE (Nompumelelo) TWALA is an emerging South African star with that rarest of gifts, an extraordinary soulful voice. After making her name on the gospel circuit, and while performing as backing vocalist for Judith Septhuma, she began to attract serious attention in her live sessions with outstanding Nigerian saxophonist Olufemi, literally blowing audiences away. Mpumie has also worked with other artists in the industry, mainly in Gospel and Contemporary Jazz genres, and with her beautiful jazz-blues voice and style, is set to become a major star. She’s also an established actress, currently working on a play called ‘Africa Today’, as a singer and dancer. NDITHINI MBALI started playing sax at the age of 12, taught by her grandfather. In 1998 she moved to Jo’burg and performed with the ‘Jazz Maroons’, later fronting for the Afro-jazz band ‘Heritage’. In 2004 she formed her own band, performing widely in and around Jo’burg with established jazz musicians Bheki Khoza, Dorothy Masuka, Abigail Kubekha and many others. By 2007, Ndithini was emerging as South Africa’s leading female horn player, hugely respected for her compositions and stunning horn arrangements and invited to perform alongside jazz greats. Her debut album was produced in 2009. Her participation in FLAME also leads the way for African women instrumentalists.
FLAME! REGIONAL TOUR DIARY By Penny Yon, Pamberi Trust Tour Manager
After a bustling Southern African tour, FLAME came to The Mannenberg in Harare on 5 and 6 June - a colourful kaleidoscope of African music by four of our region's top women artists: MINGAS (Mozambique), Mpumie Twala and Ndithini Mbali (sax) of South Africa, and Zimbabwe's DUDU Manhenga. Mon 24 May - THE FIRST MEETING After a good first meeting with Mpumie Twala and Ndithini Mbali at Johannesburg’s bustling Park Station, the gruelling bus ride Johannesburg-Maputo is now over, and we have landed safely, well met by our friends from LOGARITMO, Litho and Adiodata. After a much needed rest (the travelling hours! the heat!), we were warmly welcomed by MINGAS and her band, currently including our very own Zim drummer Blessing Mparutsa who has been rehearsing in advance with the band for 2 weeks already. The first full rehearsal took place on a balmy Maputo evening, where the rehearsal room is live and lively! It's the space where people get to know each other, explore each other's music, and although it's only Day 1 Rehearsal 1, it's already cooking!
Tue 25 May - HELLO MOZAMBIQUE! While some (Zimbabweans) are busy enjoying the Africa Day public holiday, FLAME have been hard at work here 'in the region', with an afternoon press conference at Hotel Tourismo, Maputo, with about 15 journalists, cameras, TV, and all the ladies on proud display: Hello Mozambique! The cameras followed to the rehearsal studio also, to catch some of the action. Things are coming together, and everyone is excited. Wed 26 & Thu 27 May – BEAUTIFUL MAPUTO Now we are exploring the city (and shopping!) and resting by day, with rehearsals scheduled for the cool hours of the early evening. Suits everyone fine! Maputo is a beautiful city, successfully combining beautiful old buildings like the ancient market place which is still bustling and thriving through the centuries, with high-tech modern structures like the Maputo shopping mall with a wide variety of shops and diverse array of restaurants. The galinha is lovely, the people are friendly, there's a wonderful music festival going on in the streets, and Maputo is alive! Friday 28 May – HOT REHEARSALS My seat on the amplifier is hard, in this backroom studio in the centre of Maputo, but I’m caught up in the FLAME rehearsal the day before the first show of the regional tour. The repertoire is a rich and colourful mix of original music of Africa by the four divas – Mingas, Dudu, Mpumie and Ndithini (sax). Each has her own distinctive style and flavour, following each other in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours which keeps me rooted to my amp in amazement, while my spirit dances within me. All that makes for ‘feel good’ is there. The artists have just decided on 12 bars of ‘freestyle’ on Ndithini’s ‘Ilanga Litshonile’ with solos by the formidable musicians of Mingas’ band - Jorge ‘Jojo’ Salomao (keyb), Carlito Gove (bass), Jorge Nhacocane (percussion), Antonio ‘Dodo’ Milisse (guitar), joined for this tour by Zimbabwean drummer Blessing Muparutsa, who is doing Zimbabwe proud.
Mingas takes it up-tempo with one of her own much-loved tunes, pausing suddenly to ease into the verse, and picking it up again later. Each of the ladies is enjoying the luxury of having some of the regions top voices as backing vocalists and it sounds heavenly. ‘Saxophonista’ Nditihini Mbali gets to play on a host of different music, as well as teaching and delivering her own compositions – a rich and empowering experience for any musician, and a trailblazer for women instrumentalists of Africa. Dudu’s ‘Inspired by Nature’ brings out the jazzist in everyone, with tight jacks giving way to a smooth and melodious verse, interspersed with African bird calls and punctuated with dramatic counter-rhythms; ‘Stop Crying’ is some smooth reggae with a theme borrowed from the old lullaby “Mama’s gonna buy you a diamond ring” – a tongue-in-cheek reference to newly discovered diamond mines in Zimbabwe! The powerful voice of Mpumie Twala delivers all that is good in African song, the life, the vigour, the sheer joy of music, and what is turning out to be something of a theme tune “Africa”. Contrary to stereotype of famous divas – which each of the women are in their own right, normally ‘in charge’ of their own stage – there is a strong and humble sense of ‘sistership’ with each one working to support and complement the others. What a rehearsal !! What a show this is going to be!!
Sat 29 May – #1 : encontrARTE INTERCAMBIO ARTISTICO This is it, the day of the first performance in the regional tour – and in between the rush of setup, soundcheck, Logaritmo host a lunch at the seafront Club Navale for all artists and production team including the sharp, ever-courteous and cheerfully tireless Adiodato to whom we will be forever grateful! Sponsor Mcel present FLAME with fantastic coffeetable publications on Jazz, and the wine flows along with the prawns and calamari in a leisurely fashion until the whole team bounces back to action in final preparation for tonight’s show.
And WHAT a show. The Centro Cultural Franco Mocambicano is a wonderful semi-open air venue in the centre of the capital which hosts music and the arts from around Mozambique and the world. Hundreds fill the venue, the divas take to the stage, and everyone is soon on their feet, fully engaged, in that wonderful Mozambican way. People of every kind and colour are enrapt by the performance, the place is bursting with life and energy and every song earns tumultuous applause. CDs are selling like hotcakes outside, with people ducking out of the concert to make sure they get theirs. (Ivan the CD-seller misses the show altogether…). It’s hard to separate the divas from their fans and, still bathing in that special after-glow of a high-energy, spirited musical performance, FLAME must turn to the practicalities of tomorrow’s journey to the next stop – Swaziland!
Sun 30 May - #2 : A FLAME AT BUSHFIRE Swaziland’s popular and growing Bushfire Festival is a wonder to behold, as we land just in time for soundcheck after a four-hour drive and friendly border post. There’s all kinds of things going on – music, poetry, food, wine, paintings, carvings, Swazi basketwork, artists, crew, revelers, crazy paving, artwork everywhere. The programme boasts a host of African artists, descending on this peaceful misty valley to entertain crowds from all over the region. FLAME is on stage at 1300, and although it’s cold and wet, the fire burns! and a crowd soon gathers, dancing through the rain, roaring their approval, loving every minute! After meeting Janneke Xulu of tour partners MMINO, and enjoying the opportunity to see other artists, it’s a short drive ‘home’ to royal treatment by the luxurious Royal Swazi Villas, nestling in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley. Mon 31 May, THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD The Swaziland/South Africa border is busy, but it’s a fast track thanks to veteran transporter Kenneth, well-known and highly respected transporter for music stars around the region; he knows the ropes, the raps, the right music to play in the bus, and it’s a pleasant drive to Jozi and the start of the third leg of the tour. Tue 01 June, TO THE CITY OF GOLD Johannesburg is Johannesburg is Johannesburg. It’s bustling, it’s fast, it’s alive! It’s home to Mpumie Twala and Ndithini Mbali who are now our hosts! And so begin preparations with African Synergy for shows coming up at the famous Newtown venue BASSLINE, on Wed 2 and Friday 4 June. Stand by Jo'burg! Wed 2 and Fri 4 June - #3 and #4 : BASSLINE Another riveting delivery of the tour repertoire with a new flavour in this huge cosmopolitan metropolis. As the tour unfolds across southern Africa, the music also tightens and grows and each FLAME performance is smoother, brighter, hotter than the last! Sat 5 and Sunday 6 June - #5 and #6, THE GRAND FINALE – HARARE! Harare waited with bated breath for the final two shows in the tour, Sat 5 (9pm) and Sunday 6 June (8pm) at The Mannenberg, in Fife Avenue. By this time, the performance was honed to its sharpest delivery, a fantastic finale to the collaboration which has blazed through the four countries within the week. At Pamberi Trust the team of the original FLAME project (Female Literary Arts & Music Enterprise), welcomed both artists and audience to a wonderful performance by each of the artists, a sense of ‘homecoming’ to the root of the FLAME, a strong ‘sistership’ among the women and ‘family’ of the backing band. The Sunday show was a culmination of everything that had gone before, and the FLAME was burning at its brightest, to the delight of the audience. Like the MC said: “It will never happen like this again; there may be more and there may be others, but the magic of this particular collaboration is here and now!” With a final lunch hosted by Dudu Manhenga and Blessing Muparutsa at their Harare home, the participants of ‘FLAME Regional 2010’ chilled out together for the last time, laughing and joking, listening to more Zimbabwean music, enjoying their success and looking already to future collaborations.
GENDER / ‘FLAME’ (Female Literary, Arts & Music Enterprise)
This continues to be the flagship of Pamberi Trusts’ Harare Culture House projects, with a strong programme for the empowerment of women artists running through the year. In 2009 the programme achieved:
7 ‘Workshops for Women Artists by Women Artists’ included 119 participants; 14 Promotional events featuring 129 emerging women artists (including backing bands) and poets were well advertised and each drew a fair audience of 40-60; 1 Literary event with two female poets (Nicaragua/Zimbabwe) drew 30 audience; 12 Sistaz Open Mic events which regularly featured over 20 women artists and attract a full house of 120 at each event; Outreach to 9 provinces of Zimbabwe for the establishment of a national association for women in the performing arts established a new network of 156 women artists around Zimbabwe; In November a new Gender Forum discussion event was established, aimed at contributing to initiatives of advancing gender equality and promoting women’s rights in Zimbabwe. Audience numbers started at 25. Cultural exchange through collaborations with ‘Mingas’ (Mozambique) and ‘JazzP’ (Swaziland). GENDER / ‘FLAME’ (Female Literary, Arts & Music Enterprise) FLAME WORKSHOPS – meeting the needs of women artists at different levels 1. Feb 11-12, “A Workshop For Women Artists by Women Artists” – the continuing series of workshops dealing with performance, professionalism, publicity, copyrights, HIV/Aids; facilitated by 4 established women artists. 16 attended 2. May 13-14, ‘Band Girls’ tackled relevant issues for women forming bands, working with session artists, and fusing poetry and music. 4 Facilitators, 8 participants. 3. June 17-18, ‘Band Girls 2’ repeated for those who did not manage to attend the previous month. 4 Facilitators, 6 participants. 4. 31 Aug-01 Sep, ‘For Women Artists by Women Artists’ and specially targeted Sistaz Open Mic participants, and was well attended by 20 participants. Topics covered: Image & Stagecraft, Dealing with Audiences, Musicians and Crews, The Internet and Publicity, Understanding Sound & Mic Handling, Sexuality & HIV/Aids, Copyright Act 5. Oct 1-2, ‘Writing for Radio Drama’ in association with Zimbabwe Women Writers, facilitated by Elton Mjanana and Eresina Hwede, 20 participants. 6. Nov 2-3, ‘Workshop for Women Artists by Women Artists’, facilitators: Dudu Manhenga, Judith Chiangwa, Edith Katiji, Mary Jaure, Rudo Chakanyuka, Frank Shonhai; 16 participants. 7. Dec 10, ‘FLAME 16 DAYS S.W.O.T’ workshop – SWOT analysis on 16 Days concert of 28 November, 21 participants. Facilitated by Penny Yon and Dudu Manhenga. FLAME EVENTS 1. Feb 6 – ‘Flame Burning for Clare Nyakujara’ with The Other Four (5 artists, 48 audience) 2. Mar 7 - ‘Flame Burning For Women’s Day’ – featuring Prudence Katomene-Mbofana, Bernie Bismark, Clare Nyakujara, Edene Timbe. (4+4 artists, 86 audience) 3. Mar 28 - Four female singers and 4 poets, all associated with the FLAME project, were featured at the Nguva Yedu youth festival, which was funded separately. (8 artists, +600 audience) 4. Apr 10 – ‘Flame Burning For Kessia Magosha’. 5. April - 9 women artists associated with FLAME and Sistaz Open Mic performed for hundreds in the prestigious Harare International Festival of the Arts. 6. May 25 – Support for performance of Hope Masike and Thanda Richardson at the Chimanimani Arts Festival, to give these young women artists the opportunity to feature at this large annual festival, organised by Thulani Promotions. 7. May 30 - Visit of MINGAS (Mozambique) with Zimbabwe’s Dudu Manhenga, which has led to a return invitation for Dudu & Color Blu to perform in Mozambique later in the year. (2+11 artists, +130 audience) 8. June – Support for Kessia Magosha exposure performances. (1+4 artists, average 35 audience). 9. July 25 – Swazi poet ‘Jazz P’ with Zimbabwean spoken word artists ‘Outspoken & The Essence’ rehearsals and performances in Harare and at Bushfire International Festival of the Arts, Swaziland on Saturday 01 August. In Harare, 5 artists were involved altogether, and over 80 people attended the event. 10. July 26 - Thanda Richardson - Support given to Thanda’s collaboration with Danish hiphop group Bikstok Rogsystem at The Mannenberg. Approximately 60 young people attended. Facilitated by Danish organisation MS Zimbabwe, it included a reciprocal visit by Thanda to Denmark in September/October. 11. Aug 6 - FLAME event featured Zim/Dutch Rina Mushonga, recently returned from the Netherlands, who is working with mbira ensemble ‘Zimfellas’ in Mutare - ‘finding common ground’. 20 People attended the early evening event. 12. Sep 23 featured Anjii Greenland, longtime contributor to FLAME events and workshop facilitator, returned briefly from new work in Johannesburg, South Africa, and performed with singers Ingrid Pinto and Penny Yon. 45 attended. 13. Oct 15, ‘Female Affirmation, Identity and Racism: Voices from Nicaragua and Zimbabwe’ with Nicaraguan poet Andrina Watson through HIVOS, Xapa Mathazia, Rumbi Katedza. 55 attended. 14. Nov 6 – launch of the debut CD ‘Hambayi=Let’s Go’ by Rina Mushonga and the Zimfellas, +70 attended. 15. Nov 19 - New: Gender Forum – kicked off strongly with speakers Thoko Matshe and Edith Katiji and over 50 audience/participants 16. Nov 28 – 16 Days Concert Against Violence Against Women - 19 women artists at BC, 2-7pm, and Faith Mandipira with Pablo, 10pm at MNB. Good publicity, 3 radio interviews. 17. Dec 01 – World AIDS Day concert featured 11 women artists from Hope Masike ne Kakuwe, and Edith Katiji & So What?, with +100 audience. 18. Dec 15 – Gender Forum – “Woman to Woman”, speakers Roxanne Mathazia, Carmen Hwarari, Zanele Manhenga, Nonku Vundla and Larry Kwirirayi, + 55 audience.
FLAME WORKSHOPS 2009 – meeting the needs of women artists at different levels • Feb 11-12, “A Workshop For Women Artists by Women Artists” – the continuing series of workshops dealing with performance, professionalism, publicity, copyrights, HIV/Aids; facilitated by established women artists.
{tab=House of Hunger Poetry Slam}
The House of Hunger Poetry Slam was initiated in August 2005 and continues monthly with wonderfully vibrant live poetry that reverberates with sheer youthful joy and energy, diversity and satire and passion. It is still the largest and longest-running poetry event in the country, attracting an average of 25 participating poets each month. In 2009, Themes were: Under the poetry project, support is given to two youth initiatives, two monthly events focusing on ‘the spoken word’ of the hip-hop and rap genres. Pamberi Trust is the only organisation/venue to provide a platform and facilities for these genres of ‘street poetry’.
The ‘House of Hunger Poetry Slam’ is the strongest monthly poetry event in the country, attracting an average of 25 young poets participating each month. In 2009:
12 poetry slams were held, with 292 participating poets altogether Slams attracted good audiences of over 100 each month Outreach events and workshops in two smaller cities, Bulawayo and Gweru, to develop performance poetry beyond the capital. 8 Poets participated in the exchange programme with the Harare slam. 4 Zimbabwe poets invited to perform at ‘Arts Alive’ festival in Johannesburg in September, when the Jo’burg ‘House of Hunger’ slam was established. 1 South African poet emerging from Jo’burg slam performed in Harare. ‘The Circle’ – a monthly ‘hiphop battle of emcees’ attracts an average of 25 participants and an audience of +100. ‘Mashoko – The Spoken Word Event’ – a monthly performance of protest poetry attracts an average of 25 participants and an audience of +100. The monthly Storytelling Open Mic event with 10-15 storytellers taking part and audience numbers low but building.
POETRY SLAM The ‘House of Hunger Poetry Slam’ is still the largest and longest-running poetry event in the country, attracting an average of 25 participating poets each month and an audience of around 45. Themes were:
1. Jan, ‘A new beginning for a better future’ 2. Feb, ‘ International Mother-Language Day’ 3. Mar, ‘Working together, healing the nation’ 4. Apr, ‘Celebrating our time, our space, our freedom’ 5. May, ‘World Press Day’ 6. June, ‘Walking the path, building Zimbabwe’ included students from 2 local high schools. 7. July, ‘Walking the Path, Building Zimbabwe’ with 28 participating poets. 8. Aug 01, ‘Celebrating Zimbabwean Youth’ for International Youth Day. Among 16 poets the only woman participant, Cynthia ‘Flowchild’ Marangwanda, went on to win the slam. 9. Sep 05, ‘Celebrating Peace – Ukuthula – Runyararo’ in line with International Peace Day. 22 poets participated. 10. Oct, “The Zimbabwe Renaissance” 11. Nov, “Building Tolerance amongst Zimbabweans” 12. Dec, “In the Spirit of Hope”
POETRY OUTREACH • BULAWAYO (442km) – In July a small workshop was held with Bulawayo poets to advise and assist in the setup of ‘The Lounge’ as a poetry platform. It quickly gained independence as the monthly slam in the second largest city, and grew in strength and popularity. Average participation is between 55-60 poets, as it is the only platform of its kind in the city. In August 4 poets from Bulawayo joined the Harare slam: Tswarelo Mothobe, ‘Black Pha I’, and ‘Vuki’ and ‘5 Dot’. • GWERU (200km) – poets and organisers workshopped to establish a slam in this third city, the first of which took place on Sat 22 August at the Midlands State University, which was well supported with 22 participating poets and 4 guest poets from Harare: ‘Ishkold’ ‘Semalo’, ‘Mutumwapavi’ and Ticha Muzavazi. • JOHANNESBURG - Regional Outreach took place on 24 September with the invitation and performance of - 6 poets at the ‘Arts Alive: African Connection’ festival in South Africa. Poets were ‘Cde Fatso’, ‘Outspoken’, ‘Mutumwapavi’, ‘Xapa’, ‘Ishkold’ and Batsirai Chigama. The winning South African poet then traveled to Harare to participate in the final slam of the year on 05 December. The success of this performance resulted in the establishment of a regular Poetry Slam at Alliance Francaise, Johannesburg – a major achievement which will start a rich exchange of poetry in the southern African region, facilitated by Pamberi’s sister-organisation African Synergy Trust in South Africa. • Story-Telling Open Mic is a developing project still building momentum and has strengthened in quality and numbers. An average of 14 storytellers take part in the monthly event. • ‘The Circle’ and ‘Magamba’ platforms receive venue, technical and publicity support for these popular monthly events. The House of Hunger Poetry Slam is validated by the participation of acclaimed poets of Zimbabwe such as Chirikure Chirikure and Julius Chingono. Featured guests who started out at the slam and are now traveling the world – Sam ‘Cde Fatso’ Monro and Tongai ‘Outspoken’ Makawa, and others.
{tab=Sistaz Open Mic}  SISTAZ OPEN MIC is one of the highlights of the FLAME project, a monthly Open Mic session where female artists come together to 'DO UR THANG!!' - MUSIC, POETRY, DANCE - WHATEVA!' on the second Saturday afternoon of each month. The Programme has seen the emergence of many promising young women, poets, singers and musicians. There has generally been a notable improvement in the professionalism of the artists, and a wider representation of women artists on the local arts scene in Harare. Young women artists are gaining confidence, being inspired by each other, and experimenting within their genres. There is a great spirit of improvisation, with each event seeing unlikely but lively and highly successful impromptu collaborations, some of which have developed into substantial arts products, featured on other stages in the city. Professional artists use the event as a scouting ground, and several women artists have gained employment with existing bands from this exposure. Young women poets are expanding their performing skills by following trends for fusion with music, collaborating with women instrumentalists. This has led to a strengthening of both the women artists and the programme, and inspired more young women to take up musical instruments. Sat 15 January 2011, 2-5pm SISTAZ OPEN MIC – 4th Birthday Bash! The Book Café, Fife Ave Mall / 6th Street
On Saturday 15 January the popular SISTAZ Open Mic event, staged monthly at The Book Café, celebrates 4 years of great music, poetry and dance, fun and entertainment, featuring some of the hottest emerging and established women artists of Zimbabwe. Established in 2007, Sistaz Open Mic is a platform for young women to come out in the safety of daytime, to ‘do their thang’, show their stuff, and participate in the arts. It’s a valuable space where anyone can perform (some for the very first time), hone their skills, learn to interact with audiences, and gain huge experience and exposure. Established professional women artists validate the event with their participation, and several have graced the stage in recent months – Dudu Manhenga, Rute Mbangwa, Chiwoniso Maraire, Edith Katiji and many, many more. For the audience, it’s a roller coaster of entertainment, with skilled and experienced performers alongside works-still-in-progress, a rainbow of music genres from afro to reggae and Zimbabwean traditional to jazz, and powerful poetry from the growing number of women poets who grace the stage. The event has also become a scouting ground for bands looking for good singers, promoters looking for good acts, and many women artists have used it profitably to build their acts and further their careers. This birthday, Sistaz Open Mic will be celebrating the achievements of several women who have launched debut CDs in the past year, including Edith Katiji weUtonga, Thanda Richardson, Blackbird, Kudzai Sevenzo, Clare Nyakujara, and the young girl group ‘Inkanyezi’. Women poets have come up strongly on the local and regional entertainment scene in the last year, with poets such as Roxanne ‘Xapa’ Mathazia, Batsirai Chigama and Aura Kawanzaruwa performing widely in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. Other rising women poets are ‘Flowchild’, Wadzanai Chiuri and Nebila Abdulmelik, and new talent is always coming forward. One of the original coordinators Linda Gabriel set up Sistaz Open Mic in Johannesburg and expanded to include a similar setup in Malawi in 2010; Hope Masike launched her website last year and has now moved out to a wider stage in Europe, and longtime supporter Dudu Manhenga was appointed to the board of the National Arts Council. The Association for Women in the Performing Arts in Zimbabwe (AWIPAZ) was established in 2010, creating a network of almost 200 professional women artists across Zimbabwe. Pamberi Trust arts administrator Penny Yon said: “Sistaz, this is STILL your special space - come out and celebrate with YOUR OWN THANG: Song, Dance, Poetry - WHATEVA YOU DO COME DO IT with us Be LIVE and LIVELY, Be GREAT, Be BLESSED, Be COLOURFUL, Be QUEEN, Be DRESSED in your BIRTHDAY BEST - Be early to register with the MC!”
SISTAZ OPEN MIC 1. Jan 17, ‘Stepping Out Into 2009’ encouraged new spirit and courage for all women artists; featured guest divas who are already established and support the programme. 2. Feb 14, ‘Valentine’s Day Special’ – It’s all about LOVE! 3. Mar 14, ‘Celebrating Women’s Day Week’ 4. Apr 18, ‘Independent Sistaz!’ explored wider definition of independence for women on the occasion of Zimbabwe’s National Independence Day 2009 5. May 16, ‘Commemorating Mothers’ Day’ – older women singers, mothers in the industry; featuring Mrs Magosha, mother of Kessia and others. 6. June 13, ‘Daddy’s Girls’ commemorated Father’s day and promoting good relationships between women and their fathers, especially in the music industry. Featured Zoleka daughter of drummer Blessing Muparutsa and afrojazz diva Dudu Manhenga-Muparutsa. 7. July 11 – ‘Hot Sistaz Chillin’ featured over 20 artists, and a number of newcomers - Sistaz from St. Giles Rehabilitation Centre: Kudzaishe Chamunorwa (vocalist), Deborah Wallah (mbira/recorder), Trish Nhatarikwa (mbira) and outstanding young violinist Alisha Ashburner; with a special guest performance by SA arts student Aura Kawanzaruwa (poet, actress, dancer). The featured artist was Kessia Magosha, and approximately 100 audience attended (including artists). 8. Aug 8 – ‘Celebrating S/heroes’ paid tribute to women heroes of Zimbabwe during the country’s Heroes public holiday weekend, featuring 22 female artists and over 100 audience (including other artists). The special guest was writer Primrose Dzenga who read from her new book ‘The Unsung Heroine, Auxillia Chimsoro’. The featured artist was Rina Mushonga with The Zimfellas. 9. Sep 12 – ‘Celebrating Peace’ ahead of International Peace Day, featured 20 female artists of which 6 were first-timers. The featured artist was ‘uZanele’, a gifted young singer now making her own way in the music world. Approximately 115 audience filled the venue. 10. Oct 10 – ‘Sistaz Summer Party’ – 90+ audience, with special feature Edith Katiji & So What? 11. Nov 14 – ‘No Turning Back’ – 120 audience, 12. Dec 12 - ‘Santa hanging with the Sistaz’ – 26 artists, 65 audience, special featured artists: Lindsay Yon and Zeena Beins with ‘Subway’ Sistaz Open Mic success stories, for women who participated from the outset of the programme in the past, include:
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{tab= Paw Paw Jam} A Celebration of Cultural Diversity, the ‘Paw Paw Jam’ is a monthly showcase of cultural diversity featuring artists from different cultural backgrounds, bringing people together to promote tolerance and understanding in the arts. With budget cuts for all project activities, the Paw Paw Jam event was considered too costly and impractical in the current environment. In June 2008 the Paw Paw Jam was postponed due to cash flow problems, and by July cancelled until 2009. Two events were held in the first half of the year:
{/tabs} PAW PAW JAM: Celebration of Cultural Diversity
Seven events were held over the year, bringing artists of diverse music cultures and genres from South Africa, Senegal, Spain, Holland, Niger, and Mozambique, France, Italy, UK and USA, together with a total of 44 Zimbabwe artists. 5 Events were supported by Pamberi Trust. The diversity of participating artists also attracts a wider and more diverse audience of 100 and more to each event. PAW PAW JAM: CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY 1. March 27, a ‘Paw Paw Jam: A Celebration of Cultural Diversity’ event was held at The Book Café under the Nguva Yedu youth festival, and featured a diverse line-up: Zimbabwean Tomas Zhidinha (ex London), Nomad-Yi (SA), poet Antonio Lyons (US) and Zimbabwe’s Sam Mtukudzi & The Ay Band. In all, the Nguva Yedu youth festival included 21 visiting artists from South Africa, Uganda, UK and the US, creating rich cultural exchange. 2. May 27-28, ‘Demachena’, Spanish/ Zimbabwean guitar trio with Adam Chisvo (mbira) 3. July 16, protest poet Cde Fatso & Chabvondoka (6 artists) and Zim/Dutch singer/songwriter Rina Mushonga & The Zimfellas (7), 4. Sep 18, Etran Finatawa (Niger) with Zimbabwe’s Mokoomba (8). 5. Oct 01, Salque & Peirani (France), in collaboration with Alliance Francaise de Harare 6. Oct 11, Ital-Jazz (Italy) with Color Blu (6 artists), in collaboration with the Italian Embassy 7. Dec 12, Chico Antonio (Mozambique) with Color Blu (6)
JAZZ APPRECIATION 7 events featuring 63 Zimbabwean jazz artists were held at The Mannenberg A Jazz Workshop was held On 02 May by acclaimed US jazz quartet Helen Sung and the Nu Generation in cooperation with the US Public Affairs Section, in which 18 artists participated. Hosted visiting jazz artists from South Africa, the US, France and Italy in collaboration with other arts partners. Jazz Appreciation 1. March 28, a Jazz Appreciation event was held during the Nguva Yedu youth festival, which featured two young afro jazz groups, ‘The Other Four’ and ‘Afrodiziak’. (5+6 artists, 65 audience). 2. May 02, Jazz Workshop by Helen Sung & The Nu Generations courtesy of the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Harare. 18 Artists attended, and their was rich music and cultural exchange. 3. June 04, ‘Jazzists from the Region’ were welcomed to a special get-together for artists, 45 audience. 4. Aug 29, A jazz partnership was entered into with the young and gifted jazz group Color Blu for a series of events, to host emerging jazz artists and promote African jazz, starting with the music of “Letta Mbulu”. Each event attracted around 40 audience. 5. Sep 17 Color Blu; “The music of [legendary Zimbabwean guitarist] Louis Mhlanga”. 6. 11 Oct – Dudu Manhenga and Color Blu welcomed Ital Jazz, in cooperation with the Italian Embassy. 7. 26 Nov – Color Blu : “Celebrating Township Jazz” with Dudu Manhenga, Jimmy Buzuzi and other guests.
DISCUSSIONS 10 Literary Discussions held, with an average of 30 attending, total 314 in 2009 5 ‘Artists’ Voices discussions’ were held in the year with 121 attending altogether. 8 ‘Mindblast!’ (Imagine Africa) discussions were held with a total of 307 artists attending through the year. Supported 17 public discussions by other civil society organisations. Topics including human rights, democracy, community broadcasting, cultural industries and political economics; average 60 in attendance, total 735 in 2009. List of Discussions from Period January to December 2010:
Mindblast: (Chaired by Pamberi Trust project officers Mandla Ncube/ Extra-Blessings Kuchera)
1. 6 May 2010, Media and the Artists, Mr. Trust Khoza (Journalist-H-Metro), Mr. John Mokwetsi (Journalist-The Standard), Cde Fatso (Artist). 58 attended.
2. 10 June 2010, Artists and the Promoters, Mr. Josh Hozheri (Promoter), Mr. Patson Chimbodza (Promoter), Sulumani Chimbetu (Artist). 27 attended.
3. 04 Aug 2010, The Role of Artists in the National Healing Process, Raymond Majongwe (Artist) and Chipo Muvezwa (Programs Officer-Zim Culture Fund). 29 attended.
4. 16 Sept 2010, COPAC comes to town. Artists’ final round table discussion before the end of COPAC Outreach meetings. 5 attended.
AVD: (Chaired by Pamberi Trust project officers Mandla Ncube/ Extra-Blessings Kuchera)
1. 27 Jan 2010, Trade Union of Music Arts Industry, Lazarus Gringo Boora (Vice President) and Emmanuel George (Sec Gen), 30 attended.
2. 21 April 2010, DJ’s and Musicians are they Threats or Partners? Dudu Manhenga (Artist), Ms Tendai Chakanyuka (Power FM) and Ms Polisile Ncube (ZIMURA). 33 attended.
3. 20 May 2010, Creativity Through Collaboration, Daniel Maposa (Savana Arts Trust), Clayton Ndlovu (Zim College of Music) and Bernie Bismark (Artist). 38 attended.
4. 23 June 2010, Artists and Promoters, Mr. Josh Hozheri (Promoter). 33 attended.
5. 21 July 2010, The Artists Charter, Mr. Farai Mpfunya (Exec Director, Zim Culture Fund) and Mr. Stephen Chifunyise (Artist). 41 attended.
6. 25 Aug 2010, Entrepreneurship, Education and the Artist, Chipo Muvezwa (Programs Officer, Zim Culture Fund) and Mr. Chris Timbe (Entrepreneur and Educationist). 21 attended.
7. 29 Sept 2010, Poetry and Social Transformation, Cde Fatso, Mutabaruka and Lebo Mashile, chaired by Pitika Ntuli. 120 attended.
8. 16 Dec 2010, ‘Artists Against Child Abuse’, Tapfumanei Kusemwa (Save The Children), Victor Kunonga (Artist) and Washington Masenda (Director-Together As One). 38 Attended.
Civil Society:
1. 24 Feb 2010, ‘Artists for Democracy Trust’, What Artists want in the New Constitution. 45 attended.
2. 11 Mar 2010, Zim Coalition On Debt and Development, reflective Meeting on Debt Sustainability Measures for Zimbabwe and Launch of 2nd Edition Grassroots Manuals on Public Debt’, 88 attended.
3. 17 Aug 2010, Zim Union of Journalists’ Books Launch - ‘Journalists or Enemies of State’ and ‘Women Walk Silently to Parliament’. 76 attended.
4. 15 Sept 2010, The Human Rights and Democracy Lecture: Democratizing an Education Sector in Transition: Way forward for Zimbabwe, with Student Solidarity Trust, Senator David Coltart, Dr. Fay Chung and Raymond Majongwe. 106 attended.
5. 07 Oct 2010, Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) Book Launch, ‘Shona, Ndebele and Braille versions of “A Citizen’s Guide to Understanding Public Debt”, 2nd Edition’. 88 attended.
6. 18 Nov 2010, National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), ’The Constituents’ Power’. Prof Arato (USA), Nixon Nyikadzino (Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition) and Sydney Chisi. 59 attend.
7. 11 Nov 2010, Zimbabwe Youth Organisations Network (ZIYON) – ‘Know Your Rights’ Campaign Launch, 2011: Is Human Rights Knowledge A Vehicle For Citizens’ Participation In National Processes vis-à-vis The Referendum and Proposed Elections . Hilary Musarurwa (Director PENYA Trust), Vongai Munatsi (V. Chaiperson ZIYON) and Olivia Gumbo (National Programs Coordinator ZimRights). 130 attended.
8. 11 Nov 2010, The Blue Discussion, What is Democracy? It has been 2000 years in the waiting, now what? Speaker: Blue (Coordinator of the Noah Project). 29 attended.
9. 30 Nov 2010, Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights (ZLHR), The Right To Health of Prisoners and Detained Persons: Challenges and Opportunities. 63 attended.
The Debate: (Chaired by Zimbabwean freelance journalist Ish Mafundikwa) 1. 19 May 2010, Has the AU Helped in the Zimbabwe Crisis? Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa and Dr John Makumbe. 41 attended. 2. 14 July 2010, Has the World Cup Benefited Africa? Mr. Gary Smith (S.A. Embassy Representative) and Mr. Takura Zhangazha (Journalist). 31 attended. 3. 31 Aug 2010, Should Africa Cooperate With the International Criminal Court? Ambassador E.A. Abdalla (Sudanese Embassy) and Mr. Andrew Makoni (Lawyer). 36 attended. 4. 30 Sept 2010, Has the Western Media Misrepresented the Zimbabwean Crisis? Ernest Mudzengi (Media Analyst) and Gabriel Chaibva (Former MP). 28 Attended. 5. 26 Oct 10, Counting the Cost: The Impact of the EU Sanctions on the Zimbabwean Economy. Ambassador Aldo Dell ’Ariccia (Eropean Ambassador to Zimbabwe) and Dr. Tafataona Mahoso (Political Analyst). 64 attended. 6. 24 Nov 2010, Review of the Constitution Making Exercise – Exploring Both Sides of the Coin. Honorable Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana (Constitution Parliamentary Committee Co-Chairperson) and Senator Obert Gutu (Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs). 56 attended. Literary Discussion:
1. 27 May 2010, ‘This September Sun’ by Bryony Rheam, Speakers Eresinah Hwede, Francis Mungana chaired by Blessing Musariri. The discussion was supported by The British Council. 39 attended. 2. 22 July 2010, The Forbidding of Mourning -- The Writing of a "WHITE" Memoir (Reflecting on the War in Zimbabwe and its Psychological Fallout) with Marechera scholar Jennifer Armstrong on her book ‘Minus The Morning’, Speaker: Jennifer Armstrong chaired by Jackie Cahi. 34 attended. 3. 26 Aug 2010, Creative Writing Workshop, facilitated by MK Asante (American Based Writer and Filmmaker), 10 Attended. 4. 28 Oct 2010, ‘Poetry and Identity’ with Richard Zenith (American Writer and Translator) on the work of Portuguese poet and writer Fernando Pessoa, Speaker: Richard Zenith. The discussion was supported by The Embassy of Portugal. 41 Attended. 5. 11 Dec 2010, Writers International Network Zimbabwe ‘End of Year Get Together Meeting’, Albert Nyathi, Virginia Phiri and Tinashe Muchuri. 72 Attended. Private Book Launches 17 Feb 2010, Christian Aid Booklet Launch 3 Mar 2010, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights 11 Mar 2010, Torture Document Launch, 13 May 2010, V. Phiri Book Launch ‘The Highway Queen’, 78 attended 19 Aug 2010, Mrs. I. Chikaka ‘God Smiled On Me’ and Mrs. B. Sithole ‘The Best Things In Life Are Free’ and Mrs. F. Nyamusa ‘Ishe Jesu Mutsvene’ Books and CD Launch, 98 attended. 09 Sept, Ephraim Zuva Book Launch, ‘Insane or Sick’, 44 Attended 26 Oct 2010, Mashingaidze Gomo Book Launch ‘A Fine Madness’, 168 Attended. 23 Nov 2010, T. Ranger Book Launch ‘Bulawayo Burning’, 68 attended. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION : Discussions Literary Discussions 1. Feb – Meetings and consultations were held to establish a new advisory team comprising Irene Staunton (publisher Weaver Press), Chirikure Chirikure (celebrated published poet) and Stanley Mupfudza (Zimbabwean writer) and a 4-month plan for discussions. 2. Mar 12, ‘Is Writing Craft Or Emotion?’ – Lively discussion with award-winning Zimbabwean writers Shimmer Chindoya and Tsitsi Dangarembga, chaired by Stanley Mupfudza. 32 attended. 3. Apr 23, ‘Traditional, Self, And Electronic Publishing’ with publisher Irene Staunton, writers Luta Shaba and Virginia Phiri, webmaster Fungai James Tichawangana, and journalist Ish Mafundikwa, chaired by published poet Chirikure Chirikure. 23 attended. 4. May 26, ‘Do Prizes Play A Role In Developing Literature And The Arts?’ Speakers: Elvas Mari (National Arts Council of Zimbabwe), Farai Mpfunya (Zimbabwe Culture Fund Trust), Murray McCartney (Weaver Press), and award-winning writer Shimmer Chinodya, chaired by Ray Mawerere. 24 attended. 5. July 30, ‘Performance Poetry: Will it Last?’ Speakers: Acclaimed Zimbabwean poets Chirikure Chirikure and Comrade Fatso, and Musa Zimunya (University of Zimbabwe English Language Dept), chaired by Pamberi Trust creative director Paul Brickhill. 25 attended. 6. August 27, ‘An Elegy of Easterly’ by Pettina Gappah, an controversial work, published in April 2009, acclaimed in other parts of the world but harshly criticized by local state media. Guest speakers were Ruby Magosvongwe (University of Zimbabwe English Language ) and Ray Mawerera (writer). 25 attended. 7. September 24, ‘Literature in Culture: A Dutch perspective’, Speakers Rob Wildschut (HIVOS Arts/Culture desk) and Kizito Muchemwa (writer, lecturer Zimbabwe Open University). 18 Attended. 8. Oct 15, ‘Female Affirmation, Identity and Racism: Voices from Nicaragua and Zimbabwe’ with Nicaraguan poet Andrina Watson through HIVOS, Xapa Mathazia, Rumbi Katedza. 55 attended. 9. Nov 05, ‘Cultural Diversity in the Written Word’ – 30 attended. 10. Nov 23, Welsh poet Owen Sheers, through British Council – 70 attended. Artists’ Voices Discussions 1. Feb 19, ‘Music Piracy’ – Discussed vital issues surrounding piracy which is rife in Zimbabwe. Speakers were professional established artists Dudu Manhenga & Sam Mataure, and there was a good turnout of 27 artists. 2. June 11, ‘Where is the Musicians Union?’ An attempt to discover the status of the long-silent union. Former union leaders failed to attend, exposing collapse of the body. Speakers were leading afro artists Victor Kunonga and Dudu Manhenga. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe attended along with 20 young artists who are confronting the issue for the first time. 3. July 16, ‘(Musicians) Union or Association?’ A follow-up to the previous discussion. Speakers were Judith Chiyangwa and Dudu Manhenga, chaired by Mandla Ncube. Turnout of artists was 26. 4. Aug 27, ‘Leaving Home’ provided a platform for sharing of information between artists about traveling out of the country to perform. Speakers were musician Albert Nyathi, Cuthbert Maziwa (National Arts Council of Zimbabwe), chaired by Mandla Ncube. This was in response to a request by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, 26 artists participated and valuable information was shared. 5. Oct 15, ‘Intellectual Property Rights: How Fair is Fair Use?’ - 20 attended. Mindblast! Discussions 1. Mar 24-25, ‘Mindblast!’ – Debates and discussions under the Nguva Yedu / Our Time festival (for strengthening youth and civil society), included 2 dedicated days and 18 selected artists, writers and activists, facilitated by Paul Brickhill, Rumbi Katedza and Philip Machingura. Burning issues that arose included freedom of expression, the scars of political atrocities and their burden on the new generation, the desire for artists to disassociate themselves from a repressive political regime, and national healing. 2. Mar 26, ‘Mindblast: Identity, Culture’ - extended to public platform, 50 youth / 2 sessions. 3. Mar 27, ‘Mindblast: Contradictions’, Our Time’ – Public debates continued, 50 youth / 2 sessions. 4. Apr 16, ‘Mindblast2’ - a follow-up discussion on the same topics by the newly established network of artists from the March debates. 23 attended. 5. May 01 – Artists’ Roundtable Discussion: ‘Artists in time of Crisis’ held in cooperation with Zimbabwe German Society. Speakers were Cont Mhlanga, John Eppel, Dudu Manhenga and Mishek Masamvu, with Rumbi Katedza as Moderator, and Professor Flora Viet-Wild in attendance. 90 attended, and the discussion was filmed. 6. Aug 20, ‘Mindblast: Artists and The New Constitution’ - Speakers were poet Samm Monro ‘Comrade Fatso’ and Michael Mabwe (Zimbabwe Poets for Human Rights) and Nicholas Moyo (National Arts Council of Zimbabwe); 23 attended. 7. Oct 22, ‘Mindblast: ‘Access to funding’, Speakers Farai Mpfunya (Exec Director, Zim Culture Fund), Bob Nyabinde, +28 attended. 8. Nov 18, ‘Mindblast: ‘Enlightenment’ – Artists sharing information on corporate and legislative issues, Speakers: Cuthbert Maziwa (Nat Arts Council), Dudu Manhenga, +25 attended.
FILM SCREENINGS – The monthly film club grew into weekly screenings, having established relationships with local film organisations to screen their films free to the public in a bid to promote a film culture amongst Zimbabweans.
52 Free film screenings held in 2009, with average 24 audience Included The Mannenberg was a screening venue for 23 films from the International Images Film Festival 2009. Films provided by Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe International Film Festival Trust, MS Zimbabwe, the Spanish Embassy, British Council and US Embassy Public Affairs Section.
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