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CURTAIN COMES DOWN ON CULTURE MONTH ACTIVITIES

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the European Union (EU) on Friday 14 July, marked the successful conclusion of the second edition of Culture Month, a collaborative initiative promoting cultural diversity, unity, and peace. This partnership, the first ever of its kind, further expanded the reach and influence of both the NACZ and the EU in safeguarding and celebrating Zimbabwean cultural diversity.

Over 200 guests attended the lively and entertaining Culture Month Closing Ceremony, which also served as a sculpture competition and exhibition at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Together with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, Dr. T Chitepo, the EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, H.E. Jobst von Kirchmann, addressed the participants consisting of representatives from the government and diplomatic corps, artists, cultural practitioners, stakeholders, and supporters. Speaking during the closing, EU Ambassador H.E Jobst von Kirchmann said,  “Culture Month has showcased the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the EU and Zimbabwe. I hope that the spirit of Culture Month will continue to inspire us all and that we will continue to work together to promote cultural diversity, unity, and peace.”

The EU and the NACZ are immensely grateful to the creatives, artists, cultural institutions, and all those who contributed their passion, talent, and expertise to the resounding success of Culture Month. Culture Month 2023 did indeed present a fascinating adventure, as NACZ and the EU “united in diversity” to realize a vision of varied events nationwide, incorporating a mosaic of cultures.

Dr. Chitepo said, “Following the National Launch of Culture Month in Binga, provincial launches have been hosted in the provinces mimicking the national event throughout June. These events have attracted over 50 000 participants across the country, including traditional leaders, school children, corporate entities, and creatives. This is a true testimony of the intended effect of culture month of increasing the consumption and appreciation of CCS products in Zimbabwe”.

The European Union’s recognition of culture as an engine for social and economic development, as well as a resource for peaceful inter-community relations, perfectly complemented NACZ’s mission to put to the fore the amazing diversity and richness of Zimbabwean culture that transcends both traditional and contemporary representations. Together, the partnership amplified efforts to highlight Zimbabwean cultural heritage and foster cultural diversity.

The Culture Month featured a myriad of events across all provinces of Zimbabwe, spanning the months of May and June. Some of the highlights included:

1. Culture Month Launch Event – 11 May: A joint celebration of culture featuring the esteemed presence of Hon. Kirsty Coventry, Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts, and Recreation, EU Member States, and the cultural community at large.
2. Culinary Food Exchange Program – 15 May: The exchange which took place in Matobo at the Amagugu International Heritage Center, complemented the #Europeinaplate series launched by the EU. It showcased Zimbabwean and European food presented through Alliance Francaise Bulawayo, along with the culinary skills and processes involved in the preparation of traditional dishes.
3. Launch of the Culture Month Sculpture Competition – 23 May: The EU Ambassador visited and interacted with a number of talented creatives at the Chitungwiza Arts Centre, where he formally launched a sculpture competition. Sculptors had the opportunity to offer unique interpretations of the EU’s motto “United in Diversity” which were exhibited during the Closing Ceremony.
4. Official National Launch of the Culture Month – 20 May 2023: The national launch event officiated by H. E. President Mnagagwa took place in Binga, Matabeleland North Province, a grand occasion celebrating cultural diversity.
5. Provincial Launches – 10 Provinces: To ensure the participation of all Zimbabwean communities, ten provincial launches replicated the national event, providing opportunities for cultural and creative sector practitioners and stakeholders to come together.
6. Primary Schools Storytelling Festival – 26 May 2023: The NACZ organized a captivating storytelling festival alongside the Spanish Embassy, bringing together Zimbabwean and European folklore to celebrate the power of language in preserving culture and identity.
7. Culture Month Closing Ceremony – 14 July: The National Gallery of Zimbabwe hosted both the lively and vibrant closing that featured performances by the traditional dance group Cultural Warriors, Willis Wataffi, Africa Band, and an Irish Band Fidelicious. The event also served to award the winners of the “United in Diversity” sculpture competition.

The EU has a longstanding commitment to supporting Zimbabwean culture. Earlier this year, the EU launched the Creative Actions II project, committing EUR 2,060,500 over 36 months through the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust. In June, 42 exceptional projects by Zimbabwean artists were awarded grants amounting to USD 748,588 as part of the first round of the Creative Actions II project. Aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS-1), Creative Actions II contributes to the country’s development by funding innovative artistic and cultural expressions, empowering civil society, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, and providing training and skills development programs for arts and culture practitioners.

Additionally, Culture Month witnessed the official launch of African Languages Week (ALW) by NACZ at Midlands State University (MSU) in the Midlands Province. The ALW aimed to promote indigenous languages and their recognition as official languages in schools, universities, courts, and other public institutions. The theme for this initiative was “African Languages for Sustainable Food Security, Cultural and Socio-economic Development for the Africa We Want,” emphasizing the integral role of languages in achieving food security, peace, prosperity, and integration in Africa.

NAMA NOMINEES FULL LIST

1. DANCE AWARDS

Outstanding Female Dancer

Praise Ncube                                    in        Ngomdladla the dunamis

Ndomupeishe Chipendo                   in        Teleunga

Lesley Mushaninga                          in        Silently Complicated

 

Outstanding Male Dancer

Terrence Kapesa                              in        A Kid from Bulawayo

Sean Mambwere                              in       Silently complicated

Devante Sangaza                             in       A Champion’s year

 

Outstanding Dance Group

Khaya Arts                                       in      Ngomdladla the Dunamis

Salt and Light                                  in       A Kid from Bulawayo

Elysium Magna Dance Theatre          in      The Birth of Christ

 

Outstanding Dance Choreographer

Future Dube                                      in      Ngomdladla the Dunamis

Sean Mambwere                               in       Silently Complicated

Hillary Indi                                       in       The Birth of Christ

 

2. VISUAL ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding 3 Dimensional Work

Working Together                            by       Tanyanyiwa Bernard Sakarombe

Celebrating Together                       by       Taurai Chinofura

Life is a Journey                              by       Charles Manyaura

Reflection                                        by       Strive Matimura

 

Outstanding Mixed Media

Looking Behind the Pot               by       Keith Zenda

Mysterical Revealer                     by       Terrence Musekiwa

A Long Way 2                              by       Justin Gope

 

Outstanding Exhibition

Bold and Beautiful  by Keith Zenda curated by Philip Butler & Keith Zenda

A Book that Cannot be Read  by Allison Baker curated by Fadzai Muchemwa

Roots and Routes by Tamary & Natasha Kudita curated by Doreen Sibanda

 

3. SPOKEN WORD AWARDS

Outstanding Poet

Sithembile Siqhoza

Obert Dube

Prince Rayanne Chidzvondo

Ngonidzashe Paradza      aka     Mambo Guramatunhu

 

Outstanding Comedian

Mukudzei Kandoro Majoni aka King Kandoro

Andrew Manyika

Tanyaradzwa Sena

 

Outstanding  Social Media Skits

Admire Mushambi        aka   Mama Vee

Kudzai Chengedza    aka   Mbuya vaPiyasoni

Theophilus Chigumira  aka   Mai Kirifodhi

 

4. MEDIA AWARDS

Outstanding Journalist – Print

Khumbulani Muleya         –     The Standard

Nyadzombe Nyampenza     –     Newsday

Tafadzwa Zimoyo               –     The Herald

 

Outstanding Journalist – Radio

Owen Madondo               –      Star FM

Anesu Masamvu              –      ZiFM

Yvonne Tivatye                 –     Star FM

 

Outstanding Journalist – Television

Candice Mwakalyelye     –   ZTN

Colette Musanyera        –    ZBC

Takudzwa Chihambakwe – ZTN

 

Outstanding  – Online Media

Nash TV

Bustop TV

Earground

 

 

5. THEATRE AWARDS

Outstanding Actor

Shaun Mundawarara   as Collymore          in The Play that goes Wrong

Musa Saruro                as Charles              in The Play that goes Wrong

Ishmael Muvingi           as King Lobengula  in Bayethe Nkosi

 

Outstanding Actress

Caroline Yule               as Mrs Perkins     in The Play that goes Wrong

Min’enhle Mguni          as Renee Stokes   in Heartbreak Mafia

Sandra Mpofu              as Maimbodeyi     in Maimbodeyi

 

Outstanding Theatrical  Production

Heartbreak Mafia                  by Reps Theatre

The play that goes wrong      by Reps Theatre

Bayethe Nkosi                      by Umkhathi Theatre

 

Outstanding Director

Matesu Dube                in Bayethe Nkosi

AneUnhu Gwatidzo       in Heartbreak Mafia

Sue Bolt                        in The Play that Goes Wrong

 

 

6. LITERARY AWARDS

Outstanding First Creative Published Work

The Madman on First Street and other stories     by David Chasumba

3.15 am and other stories                                       by Rudo D.M Manyere

Monomotapa                                                        by Tawanda Vombo

 

Outstanding Children’s Book

When the Sun Sets                                             by Nqobizwe Malinga

Let’s enjoy Village Tales with Mbuya maDhishi    by Valentine N.Nyagweta

Sloba and the Chameleonaire                              by  Costa Chayambuka

 

Outstanding Fiction Book

The Quality of Mercy                              by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu

Intwasa Short Stories Vol. 2 edited         by Raisedon Baya

Chapwati                                                by Ignatius C. Musonza

 

Outstanding Poetry Book

Starfish Blossoms                                   by Samantha R. Vazhure

Ichibi Lezinkondlo                                   by Obert Dube

I know why the Heart Sings                     by Patience Chiyangwa

 

7. FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS

Outstanding Actor

Searchmore Takavada     as     Husband       in    3 days in March

Shaun Mundawarara      as     Jay                in    Just say Hello

Farai Chigudu                as     Toro               in    Ngoda

 

Outstanding Actress

Charity Mahowa-Matavo          as   Tete Rhoda   in   Viva Wenera

Sylvia Mavezere                       as   Wife              in   3 days in March

Chiedza Mhende                      as   Sonja            in    Just say Hello

 

Outstanding Music Video

Changes in time (Mvura Yanaya) by Evicted, Directed by Vusa Hlatshwayo

Kamoto    by Mwenje Mathole, Directed   by Jonathan Samukange

Fight For Me    by Mann Friday,  Directed      by   Kalai Faye Barlow

Huya Tinamate by Gemma Griffiths ft Enzo Ishall, Directed  by Kyle Brown

 

Outstanding Screen Production (Television)

Intab’enkulu                Directed           by       Kuda Bryan Bwititi

Viva Wenera                Directed           by      Eddie Ndhlovu

Tangled                       Directed           by      Shem Zemura

 

Outstanding Screen Production (Short Length Film)

3 Days in March      Directed             by      Kuda Bryan Bwititi

Konflict                   Directed             by       Sydney Taivavashe

A Stitch in Time      Directed             by       William Nyandoro and Raisedon Baya

 

Outstanding Screen Production(Full-Length Film)

Ngoda                             Directed      by      Joe Njagu and Eddie Sandifolo

Just say Hello                Directed      by      Denise Edwards

Benignity                       Directed      by      Tinashe Mombeshora

 

8. MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Newcomer

Leo Magozz, Bling 4 and Brian Jeck

Tawanda Mavambo                 aka        Saint Floew

Andrea Sibanda                aka        Andrea The Vocalist

 

 

Outstanding Female Musician

Felistus Chipendo aka Feli Nandi

Dorcas Moyo

Sandra Ndebele

 

Outstanding Male Musician

Mark Ngwazi

Braveman Chizvino Mawanza     aka Baba Harare

Emegy Chizanga         aka      Freeman

Outstanding Song

Tirikutandarara    by     Dorcas Moyo

Fire Emoji             by  Tavonga Leo Magombedze (Leo Magozz), Farai

Gadzani (Bling 4) and Brian Kadyamarunga (Brian Jeck)

Zimbabwean Queen by  Emegy Chizanga (Freeman) and Chris Martin

 

Outstanding Album

Zimbabwean Giant  by  Braveman Chizvino Mawanza     aka Baba Harare

David and Goliath  by Emegy Chizanga     aka Freeman

Nharo Nezvine Nharo  by  Mark Ngwazi

 

9. SPECIAL AWARDS

Promoter Of The Year

Matabeleland Natural Resources Management

X-Mo Squad

2 Kings Entertainment

Chipaz Promotion

 

Outstanding Artist In The Diaspora

Tanaka Fireyi                 –        China

Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro aka Shasha – South Africa

Tafara Nyatsanza           – USA

Sibongile Mlambo          – USA

 

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FOR THE LATE MBUYA STELLA RAMBISAI CHIWESHE

The Board of Directors, Management, and Staff of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe have received the news of the death of NAMA Legend Mbuya Stella Chiweshe with a heavy heart and would like to express their deepest condolences to her family for her untimely departure.

Stella Chiweshe is a true legend of Zimbabwe’s Cultural and Creative Sector, having served as the country’s cultural brand ambassador. Undoubtedly Zimbabwe’s Queen of Mbira and one of the country’s leading cultural exports, Mbuya Chiweshe was a pioneering artist who accompanied her swooping vocals on Mbira, taking the traditional Zimbabwean Shona music to the international stage.

She was born on July 8, 1946, in Mujumi Village, in Mhondoro, and was taught to play the mbira by her mother’s uncle in the 1960s, at a time when it was forbidden for a woman to play the instrument. Her recording career started with the release of the single “Kasahwa,” which achieved gold status after she clinched a recording deal with Teal Records. In 1979, she formed her own “Earthquake Band” to promote her recordings, which were being poorly marketed by the record company.

In 1980, she joined the National Dance Company of Zimbabwe as a Mbira soloist, actress, and dancer. With this group, she performed in Mozambique, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, India, China, and Korea. In 1986, she introduced the marimba for Mbira music, thus pioneering in this field by combining Mbira with marimba’s traditional instruments, and she took the combination to the international stage.

Her career, which spanned over 40 decades, included being part of the 1987 Beat Apartheid Road Festival in Germany, while between 1992 and 1993 she toured Greece, Turkey, and most of Europe. In 1994, she played solo in front of more than 10,000 people at the Womad Festival in North America. She was part of the “Global Divas” tour in the United States of America in 1998, and in the following year, she featured in a collaboration project with the Dimensions Dance Theatre in Oakland (USA), as well as performing at the World Music Festival (Hungary) and the Kalaka Festival (Slovenia). In 2006, she had solo concerts in England, Italy, and Germany. She also participated in the WOMAD festival in Caceres, Spain.

Mbuya Stella Chiweshe received various local and international awards for her musical exploits, including the 1993 Billboard Music Award for the Adult/Alternative/World Music Album of the Year for “Kumusha,”  the National Arts Merit Award (NAMA) in 2006 for the most outstanding female artist in Zimbabwe, and the NAMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 in recognition of her contribution to the Zimbabwean music sector and her innovativeness. In 2021, she was one of the 40 recipients of the NAMA Legend Awards in celebration of the country’s 40 years of independence.

The late Mbira maestro has left an endearing legacy for the sector, in particular in traditional music circles, as she excelled using a uniquely Zimbabwean instrument. It is imperative that stakeholders and practitioners take advantage of Mbira’s listing on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage for humanity in 2020 to craft interventions aimed at improving knowledge of playing, manufacturing, and marketing the instrument.

The nation is deeply indebted to Mbuya Stella Chiweshe for her selfless work in spreading the Zimbabwean culture across the globe in an illustrious career spanning over four decades.

May her soul rest in peace.

Issued by

 

NICHOLAS MOYO

DIRECTOR

 

GOVT READY TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ZIMBABWE FILM STRATEGY

 

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Sport Arts and Recreation Dr Thokozile Chitepo says the Government is committed to supporting the implementation of the Zimbabwe Film Strategy.

Dr Chitepo told members of the Zimbabwe Film Strategy National Team in Harare recently that the government recognised that film had the potential to contribute meaningfully to the national economy, create employment and be an important tool for marketing the country’s image.

“Film will also be a critical component as a means of achieving the Upper Middle-Income Society that is spelt out in Vision 2030 as well as in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr Chitepo urged the National Team in time for consideration for the 2023 budget so that some of the issues can be considered for government funding in the next fiscal year.

“If you develop the strategy in time, we will be able to take some of the items that require funding to the treasury for next year which will give the implementation a boost and we can start seeing some of the results in the earliest possible time,” she said.

The permanent secretary said the development of the Film strategy dovetails with the ambitions of the National Development Strategy One, which recognises culture as having the power to transform entire societies, strengthen local communities, foster strong family values and forge a sense of national identity and belonging for people of all ages”.

“Film can capture important national symbols, music, language, national history, consciousness, and cultural artefacts for easy mental recognition and preservation by the people of Zimbabwe and others who watch Zimbabwean-produced films.

In this regard, the Film strategy must guide the implementation of the government’s strategy of increasing investment in film and audio-visual, music, theatre, and visual arts for commercialisation and industry growth.

The film strategy comes against the background of the recently launched African Film Industry Report by UNESCO, which has shown that Southern Africa is still lagging in terms of film output and consumption compared to the other film markets on the continent. The report also shows that the continental film and audio-visual sector remains historically and structurally underfunded, underdeveloped, and undervalued, generating the only US $5 billion in annual revenue out of a potential US $20 billion.

The National Team which comprises creatives in the local film sector was selected by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to craft the sector strategy to respond to the challenges affecting the local industry, which include the largely informal nature of operations by players, piracy and illegal exploitation of audio-visual content, as well as a lack of clear distribution infrastructure.

The induction workshop for the national team was designed to equip the team members with the tools for gathering information and operational guidelines in drafting the strategy.

The film strategy follows the successful launch of the Zimbabwe Music strategy last month and is being informed by the situation on the ground in the local film industry, which is currently experiencing increased participation of women behind and in front of the camera, the licensing of new television stations, and the new ability to monetise online content on social media platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and other prospective local mobile video services.

 

 

 

NACZ EMBARKS ON FILM AND TELEVISION SECTOR STRATEGY PRODUCTION

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has commenced the process of drafting a strategy for the Zimbabwe Film Sector, which is expected to lead to the revitalisation and expansion of the sector.

NACZ Executive Director Mr Nicholas Moyo says the Film Strategy follows the successful launch of the Zimbabwe Music Strategy on the 1^st of June 2022 and is part of the NACZ vision of having different Cultural and Creative Sector (CCS) strategies produced in the mold of the National Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy (NCCIS) launched by the government in 2020.

“The NACZ is leveraging on the expertise obtained by its team comprising staff and CCS practitioners in the crafting of the Music Strategy to develop the Film Strategy as well as the Visual, literary and other sector strategies in the immediate future,” Mr Moyo said.

The Executive Director added that Film and Television had become the second sector to have a strategy developed following the realisation that the production and distribution of film and audio visual works is one of the most dynamic growth sectors in the world with a huge potential for attracting commercial investment and capacity employ a large number of youths and women in high-skilled jobs.

According to the latest UNESCO African Film Industry Report, the film sector accounts for over US$5 billion in revenues and employs over 5 million across the African Continent with a potential to generate $US 20 billion and employ up to 20 million people.

“The Film strategy is meant to respond to the challenges bedeviling the local industry which include the largely informal nature of operations by players, piracy and illegal exploitation of audio-visual content as well as a lack of clear distribution infrastructure,” Mr Moyo said.

The strategy is expected to leverage the increased participation of women behind and in front of the camera, the licensing of new television stations and the new ability to monetise online content on social media platforms YouTube, Netflix and other prospective local mobile video services.

Mr Moyo added that the preliminary stage of the film strategy development began in May with the hosting of a stakeholders roundtable in Harare which attracted over 35 practitioners in the Film and Television sector from the different provinces in the country.

“The roundtable examined the state of the film sector in Zimbabwe, the expectations for the strategy drafting process and submitted nominations for the National Team members who will be tasked with the production of the strategy”, the Executive Director said.

Meanwhile 23 prominent Filmmakers and academics have been selected for the National Team tasked with the actual crafting of the strategy. The team members are:

1. Baya Raisedon
2. Bunga Joseph
3. Chatiza Knox
4. Chidzonga Munyaradzi
5. Chigorimbo Stephen
6. Chikomo Kudzai
7. Chikonzo Kelvin (Dr)
8. Dangarembga Tsitsi
9. Guzha Daves
10. Katedza Rumbidzai
11. Kunonga Marian
12. Mahaka Ben
13. Matema Nakai
14. Matope Ignatius
15. Mhiripiri Nhamo (Professor)
16. Mhlanga Cont
17. Munganasa Charles
18. Mutambira Antony
19. Njagu Joe
20. Ranganawa Amanda
21. Sithole Priscila
22. Tenton Richard
23. Zhuwarara Rino (Dr)

ZIMBABWE MUSIC STRATEGY LAUNCHED

The Minister of Youth Sport, Arts and Recreation Honourable Dr Kirsty Coventry officially launched the Zimbabwe Music Strategy saying it will go a long way in promoting the arts sector.

Speaking at the launch of the new initiative held at The Venue in Avondale Harare on the 1^st of June 2022, Dr Coventry said the move was an important milestone within the local music industry.

“The strategy will add value to artists and the world would be able to recognise our artists’ talent. It is our job to create enabling environments for all of you (artists) to succeed,” said the Minister.

The strategy, Dr Coventry said, will help to ensure there is a sustainable music industry in the country.

The Director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Mr Nicholas Moyo said the strategy seeks to transform the music industry from informal to the formal sector.

“We want to ensure that the creative sector, music sector, in particular, is industrialised. This Zimbabwe Music Strategy will ensure reliable and profitable harnessing of digital environments for the music sector”, the Director said.

Mr Moyo added that the strategy will also ensure that music practitioners, and professionals, become part of the people that are in the middle-income group.

“The music industry is evolving rapidly internationally, with a growing appetite for African music. The strategy will enhance the protection of intellectual property, and related rights, in the music sector”, he said

Mr Moyo said the Government will consider a funding quota for female-led initiatives.

“Another pillar of the strategy is to utilise music as a tool for enhancing the country’s image and harnessing the Zimbabwean diaspora for consumption and investment in the sector,” he said.

The chairperson of the Association of Independent Record Companies of South Africa, Mr Mandla Maseko congratulated Zimbabwe for launching the strategy and said there were high hopes it would boost the music industry.

The launch of the strategy marked the conclusion of a two-year project called “Strategy for the sustainable development of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) in Zimbabwe” run by the NACZ with the support of the European Union/UNESCO Expert Facility on the Governance of Culture in Developing Countries.

 

NACZ MOURNS VETERAN ACTOR NDUMISO GUMEDE

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has expressed sadness following news of the death of veteran football administrator, Actor and Events Director (Master of Ceremony), Ndumiso Gumede (76).

In a statement NACZ Director Mr Nicholas Moyo said Gumede was a prolific actor who featured in several local film and television productions.

“He first got involved in acting through the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio dramas where he was part of the cast of “Sakhelene Zinini” written by legendary broadcasters Harry Nleya and Amon Nyamambi.” Moyo said.

Gumede who appeared in several stage plays and films is credited with choreographing the uprising song in the 1987 epic drama film, “Cry Freedom”, directed and produced by Richard Attenborough.

In front of the camera, his major break came when he landed the role of a priest counselling a new couple on how to avoid catching HIV in “Xola” written by Busi Dlodlo. He then appeared in several other local productions including “More Time” in 1993 where he played the role of Baba Ncube.

In 2000, Gumede played the role of Coach in “Yellow Card” directed by John Riber with Leeroy Gopal as the main actor also featuring the late Lazarus Boora “Gringo”.

Mr Moyo said Gumede was also an entertaining Master of Ceremony who entertained guests and livened up events whenever he took charge of the microphone.

“The death of Ndumiso Gumede has robbed the nation of a multi-talented individual who excelled in acting where his natural flair and passion brought a sense of reality to the parts he played on screen. His untimely demise painfully came at a time when he had become a fountain of wisdom for many upcoming artists who looked up to him for advice and inspiration in their careers,” the Director said.

Gumede passed away in Bulawayo from suspected hypertension problems.

NACZ STICKS TO NAMA ENTRIES SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) encourages stakeholders in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) who intend to submit their works for consideration for the 20^th NAMA to be held in February 2022 that the deadline for the submission of works remains the 30^th of November 2021.

There will be no extension to this deadline and works submitted after it has lapsed will not be considered. We would like to remind production houses, studios, stables, galleries, organisations, associations, groups, artists and monitors that they can submit their entries physically at designated submission points or online through the NACZ Website.

The collection of entry forms and submission of entries can be done at the NACZ Head office, Provincial offices, Murewa Culture Centre and any of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe offices in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare.

Online entry forms can be downloaded at www.natartszim.org.zw/ while entries can be submitted through the link: (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSew_QD-qWRaaRe94MxHcNzYEKIIKlU0mzF0956lK23RcAFWTQ/viewform).

All entries must be accompanied by the artiste’s product(s) in the form of videotapes, cassettes, flash drives, CDs, pictures or books. Where it is not possible to submit artworks online, they may still be submitted in person at the above-listed places for use in the adjudication.

Please also note that consideration of selection will only be given to artworks published by Zimbabwean citizens or those with Zimbabwean resident status in the past 2 years covering the period from 1^st December 2019 to 30^th November 2021.

Individuals submitting works for NAMA are encouraged to supply three sets of the particular works/production to assist adjudicators, except where the product is from the visual arts category. The NAMA disciplines that are adjudicated are dance, film, literary arts, theatre, music, visual arts, media and spoken word.

The 20^th NAMA will be a historic occasion hosted under the theme Zimbabwe and Beyond #amalevels celebrating artists who are waving the flag of Zimbabwe high across various artistic disciplines both locally and beyond our borders.

ZIMBABWE MUSIC INDUSTRY SURVEY

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe is inviting Music Industry stakeholders from Zimbabwe to participate in a survey titled, “Zimbabwe Music Industry Survey” by completing an online questionnaire using the provided link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLedjFWxIXaqQY24X_3RaHyed2fhg2Ybcn9OkT4q_DxRBRag/viewform