Baba Natie to charm Hurungwe Arts Festival

By Our Reporter

Tawanda Chemhere’s soothing poetic voice will be among participants during the forthcoming Hurungwe Arts Festival on 28-29 November 2014.

Born 32 years ago in Alaska mine where he went for primary education is now a household name in dramas.

Though he first made inroads in the artistic field as a poet, Chemhere went to Marere secondary school under Chief Mujinga in Hurungwe and was a regular voice on then Radio 2 with the Jonga Big Zhanje during the program VanaNyanduri.

Chemhere curved his name with popular series of dramas under Ndakaziva Haitungamiri in three parts that he personally markets in Karoi, Kadoma, Masvingo and Gweru among other towns in the country.

Tawanda Chemhere aka Baba Nattie is billed to perform at Hurungwe Arts Festival

‘’I started off my drama project locally where some scenes are in Chiedza and Chikangwe high density suburbs where I want to see the community being part of my reality shows. I focus on social issues especially stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS in some families. We must accept each other than shying away those affected and infected’’, he says.

However he bemoans unprofessional approach by some promoters.

‘’It is unfortunate that some promoters are not professional as they do not take us seriously and may abuse female members because they have money. We look forward to see Hurungwe Arts Festival will assist all artists to be respected and sign better paying contracts. They must start as our voice’ he adds.

Chemhere pays tribute to Karoi residents for being supportive and giving constructive criticism that is shaping his role model status.

‘’Karoi residents are my pillar of hope and Zimbabweans are now appreciating that we can produce best dramas and films in the long run’’, says Chemhere who acts as Baba Natasha.

In the play Ndakaziva Haitungamiri 1-3, he is an outgoing family man who gets HIV virus that causes AIDS after dumping his wife for a girlfriend.

His wife rejects him but she engages in an affair with his younger brother who seduces her though he is also HIV positive.

‘’Such is the reality that many of us are not accepting. Stigma is affecting some of the infected and affected in the community’’, says Chemhere who promises fireworks during the two day showcase in Karoi.

Baptism of Fire, BOF's programs manager Joel Zilala says, ‘’We have workshops lined up as well so that artist will know why it is prudent to make art as a profession and an industry. Artist must take themselves seriously and Hurungwe Arts Festival will unpack everything for all concerned to make it tick’’ 

Majimbos will be at Hurungwe Arts Festival

Majimbos at play

By Our Reporter

Karoi based dance group Craneshaw Heights-Majimbos will be among the participants of the forthcoming Hurungwe Arts Festival on 28-29 November 2014.

The youthful side whose mission is to advocate youths ‘’to be agents of behavioral change’’ are set to play their captivating musical dances during the arts and cultural show.

Majimbos as they are popularly known was established after realization of high levels of unemployment to the learned and unlearned youths in Zimbabwe and increased rates of drug abuse among those in Hurungwe in particular.

The group was formed in Mwami about 45 kilometers north of Karoi town after the youths attended a Red Cross exchange visit in 2009.

Initially they performed at Red Cross Exposure show in 2009-2010, Chikangwe Tavern 2009-2010, Buddyz Annual Festival of Arts [BAFA]-Harare Gardens 2009-2012 alongside One Love Arts [Malawi], Patsimeredu Edutaiment Trust, Schools Acting Academy, Raysodn Baya, Bambelela Arts Group among others.

They have also been active during Red Cross National Youth Camp 2009-2013 where Zimbabwe was being represented with other countries such as Denmark, Finland, Botswana, United States of America, Britain, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Spain.

Majimbos also performed at Zimbabwe National Youth Games in2010 were regular feature during Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union Festivals from 2009 to 2013.

They also feature on 16 Days of Activism 2009-2014, Batsirai Festival in 2009-2011, World AIDS Day commemorations from 2009 to 2013, Kadoma Agricultural and Kadoma Exposure shows in 2010.

As a youthful side they are were hired to perform during international World T.B Day 2009 till 2013, Cholera awareness campaigns2009-2012, Hurungwe district education awards 2013, night clubs, Chikangwe tavern, Specks Hotel, Grand Hotel, Mzansi in Kadoma, Mulena night club in Chitungwiza, Hwamambo in Magunje, ZV Hotel in Kariba, Karoi Hotel, As u Like It, Karoi World Endangered Species Commemorations-Wedza, EMA-provincial veld fire awareness, provincial veld fire awareness campaign, provincial Independence commemoration day 2014, performed at the N.A.M.A 2011 edition.

Hurungwe Arts Festival is an initiative of Karoi based drama group Baptism of Fire who got funding for the arts fiesta.

It was funded by Culture Fund and some locals are supporting the move that is the first of its kind in Mashonaland West province.

Majimbos ready to perform in Karoi on 28-29 November 2014 

Communications director Skumbuzo Sibanda says, ‘’Hurungwe Arts Festival will open up avenues for artists and we hope promoters will assist in promoting local talent. We want to take art as a thriving industry with great opportunities to change life for any artist. All bands, drama groups lack motivation and BOF aims higher with Hurungwe Arts Festival’’

Bambelela Arts Ensemble in Hurungwe

By Nhau Mangirazi

Bulawayo based Bambelela Arts Ensemble, B .A.E, confirmed that they will be part of Hurungwe Arts Festival due to be held in Karoi on 28 to 29 November.

BAE is a non profit making community based theater organization with the vision to be excellent in business that provides best services and plays for development.

The group aims to reduce poverty through highlighting how the government and other civic organizations must protect marginalized communities, encourage citizen participation, creating employment among other issues.

BAE have produced such plays such as Responsible Citizen, Shout for Help, Just Because, Silent Screams where young girls or women suffer through rape by brothers, fathers or close relatives while families will never want it reported as it will ‘’spoil family name’’

Other plays include Crying games, The Civil servant, MaNyathi among others.

The group has won awards that include United Nations Development Program in poverty alleviation NAMA since 2003 till 2009.

In 2009, their member Josphat Ndlovu was nominated NAMA best actor and the group was named Champion of HIV and AIDS through theatre by National Aids council.

They have graced several festivals that include Linkfest from 1995 to 2002, hosted Masakhane Arts 

Festival in 1995, and attended Harare Arts Festival 2000 to 2007, SADC multi disciplinary festival in 2003 in South Africa, Great Zimbabwe Arts Festival in 2013, Intwasa Arts Festival and Inxusa Arts Festival this year.          

Baptism of Fire communication director Skumbuzo Sibanda says, ‘’Hurungwe Arts Festival is about diversity and promoting local talent. We are happy that BAE will be among participants and showcase their talent so that some upcoming groups will learn much about art as an industry’’

Hurungwe Arts Festival got funding from Culture Fund of Zimbabwe in its thrust to promote local talent and it’s the first of its kind in Mashonaland West province

Hurungwe Arts Festival hosts Uncle Richie

By Nhau Mangirazi

KAROI-The man who took a cue that laughter is best medicine and made his name locally and internationally, Uncle Richie is among participants billed to perform at the forthcoming Hurungwe Arts Festival.

The fiesta is set on 28-29 November 2014 and will bring hope for many of Zimbabweans though his humorous acts.

He started off a comic audio that is literally ‘’killing stress’’ from depressed Zimbabweans locally and internationally.

Richard Mike Matimba is a man of the moment ‘’striking gold’’ with his sweet voice as Uncle Richie.

He has made his name hitting a 43 000 mark on social media Face-book and its still growing. 

The popular Uncle Richie of Unotoshaya kuti zviri kumbofamba sei audio clips is a music teacher who until recently was at Dominican convent junior and high school.

He went commercial on 23 January this year after successfully marketing his comedy throughout the world within a short space of time Unotoshaya kuti zviri kumbofamba sei brand when the first audio was sent via Whatsapp and various activities have taken place.

Currently, he is working with over 30 companies where he does adverts on comedy or presentations.

He has been involved in raising funds for the Tokwe- Mukosi flood victims, Simuka Comedy, Simba the Comic King, Tourism Carnival, Art Exhibition, Moonlight Carnival, Kuwadzana AFM Assembly comedy, Zimbabwe Coalition Crisis with 121 representatives, Buy Local Zimbabwe. Pakare Paye Comedy show, Simuka comedy show for BBC coverage among others.

Uncle Richie is now Green Ambassador for Environmental Management Agency. Although he had been invited to go to United Kingdom, he suffered a setback when his passport was stolen before he could get a visa but Hurungwe will host him without any challenges.

The man of the moment to bring laughter as best medicine has had interviews with Voice of America, Africa Radio Show from Canada, Nehanda Radio based in United Kingdom, BBC radio, promotion for Zimonline Radio.

Uncle Richie has done for all local radio stations under Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation stable.

He has done several adverts for all networks including Net-One, Telecel and Econet and currently being fine-tuned by his Ireland based manager.

 His ringtones are now uploaded Econet’s buddies’ beatz.

Uncle Richie confirmed that he will perform at Hurungwe Arts Festival on 28-29 November 2014 as part of social and cultural performance in Karoi town, situated 204 kilometers north-west of Harare.

He has had songs with South African based Mxolisi Ndlovu and other producers.

 Uncle Richie is working to produce all audio clips of Unotoshaya kuti zviri kumbofamba sei that is now a brand on its own.

 Hurungwe Arts Festival got part of their financial support from Culture Fund and will host local bands, theatre groups, poetry, and traditional dance from local schools and artists from Harare, Bulawayo, Chinhoyi, Masvingo and Mutare among others.

Baptism of Fire, BOF communications director Skumbuzo Sibanda says, ‘’The festival is the first of its kind in Mashonaland West province and Hurungwe is taking the lead. We are inviting many people for the festival that will be for free as part of cultural and arts program’’

Nqobile Malinga, an award winning journalist, multi-lingual poet is among others who have agreed to perform during the event.

Nqobile Malinga to grace Hurungwe Arts Festival

By Nhau Mangirazi

KAROI- Internationally acclaimed multi-lingual poet and award winning journalist Nqobile Malinga is among the participants who confirmed to showcase their talent during the forthcoming Hurungwe Arts Festival, HAF taking place on 28 to 29 November 2014.

Born in Bulawayo and raised in Plumtree near Botswana and Bulawayo, he attended Nopemano primary school, Tokwana Secondary school in Plumtree before enrolling at Pumula and Mpopoma High schools in Bulawayo.

He later studied journalism at Christian College of Southern Africa, CCOSA in Harare.

Currently, Malinga is working for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation as senior producer, presenter and sub editor for both radio and television and presents a kids program on ZBC-TV called Bhek’ Emva as Ukhulu Grand Pa.

He performs his music and poetry in more than ten African languages including Kalanga, Shona, Ndebele, Sesotho, Nambya, Xhosa, Zulu, Swati, Venda, and Sestwana among others.

He is looking forward to use other international languages such as Portuguese, French and Chinese in the near future.

His solo performances have seen him travelling to some Southern African Development Community, SADC countries including Botswana, Swaziland, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique and Zambia among others.

He was invited to perform in the United States of America and Shangahai World Travel Expo in China. 

Malinga is a founding member of Mpopoma High School drama club now popularly known as Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts, IYASA of the Banolila and bum jive fame.

Locally, he has participated at different social, corporate state functions such Independence Heroes Splash, Umdala Wethu and Unity galas among others

 He won several awards at various artist festivals organized by arts, media and civil organizations including Budding Writers Association of Zimbabwe poetry performance in 2000, Dambudzo Marechera Commemorations 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Malinga has written over 1000 polished up poems and has performed at over 1500 venues since 1992.

His music talks about social, religious and political issues dwelling on HIV and AIDS, gender, women and children rights.

To his credit Malinga has performed alongside great artists including local super star Oliver Mutukudzi, Sulumani Chimbetu as well as international dub poet Matabaruka and Yasus Afari from Jamaica, Ndingo Johwa from Botswana.

He has also featured at Harare International Festival from 2008 up to 2010.   

He says ‘’Poets are prophets, eyes and ears of the society, watchdogs motivated for the betterment of communities socially, politically and economically’’

Hurungwe Arts Festival is the brainchild of Karoi based drama group Baptism of Fire, BOF.

They got financial support from Culture Fund while some local companies have pledged to assist to make the project as a success.

BOF communication director Skumbuzo Sibanda says, ‘’we are grateful that many artists are supporting our initiative to promote arts industry in Hurungwe district. We look forward to have more local bands, traditional dance groups and this project is a launching pad for promoters to tap the abundant talent from Hurungwe’’

TRUE BUDDIES

By Joel Zilala
BOF and Patsime Edutainment Trust confirmed that they are real friends. This was after the two theatre based organizations engaged into a partnership to perform educational drama in 20 schools in Mashonaland west Province.
Financial support from Patsime complimented the human resources at BOF to implement the project codenamed ‘Buddyz 4 luv’.
BOF performed in 11 primary and 9 secondary schools. According to teachers’ assessment, the activities were very clear to students. The effectiveness of the activities was rated at 80% to primary pupils and 71% to secondary students. This was evidenced by the lessons they learnt.

The drama presentations of both secondary and primary reflects cases of child abuse and their effects. Awareness is therefore given to children to observe their rights and report such cases to authorities and other people and also not to expose themselves to situations which lead to such incidences. Other issues like teenage pregnancy, abortion and drug abuse are also ironed out.
Commenting after witnessing one of the presentations, Mr. N Jembere (Arts and culture promotions officer, Hurungwe District) said,
‘There are already notable cases of teacher students’ relationships in our district; this drama presentation is complimenting our efforts to terminate existing relationships as a follow up strategy’.

BOF destined for Canaan - Matsa

By Joel Zilala

Savanna Trust’s information officer, Leonard Matsa said,

”Baptism Of Fire will reach Canaan one day.”

 Matsa equated BOF’s vision to the biblical land of Canaan when he was addressing a play development workshop in Karoi on Wednesday 9 May 2012.

Currently, BOF and Savanna Trust are partnering in the implementation of a project in human rights, democracy and good governance in Hurungwe district of Mashonaland West.

BOF is looking forward to a rural community of Nyamhunga where political rights and aspirations are respected through understanding and participation.

In a move aimed at increasing awareness, promote citizen dialogue and participation in human rights as well as governance, democracy and development matters through community theatre, BOF and Savanna Trust organized a two day workshop.

The meeting was attended by Tafadzwa Hananda and Leonard Matsa from Savanna Trust, while Joel Zilala, Nicholas Zilala, Godwin Gutsa, Godwin Chitimbe, Sikumbuzo Sibanda, Julia Moffat and Chido Makofa were from BOF.

The aim was to review a roadmap and consent efforts on play development.

Strategies discussed included community and stakeholder identification, research, play development and performance.

It also encompasses redefining the play after the first performance, lobbying of relevant organizations and replay.

Self organization is only before the stage of solutions and trials and sharing of successes.

It was noted that BOF had actually passed all the other stages up to when the community is now self organizing itself. It has also redefined its play to focus on the enhancement of community participation which will bring about the lost unity of Nyamhunga community.

It has been noted that BOF has made its own strides of community development and the workshop was worth attending.