Sistaz Open Mic @ 6

Talented women artists are gearing up to celebrate the 6th anniversary of Sistaz Open Mic at the Book Cafe on Saturday January 19 at 2pm.  This special event is a rare treat that includes a combination of established and amateur women artists performing music, poetry and dance at a unique event that gives women the opportunity to 'strut their stuff' on the Book Cafe stage.  The female-centric event promises dynamic, not-to-be-missed performances at a daytime show followed by a performance by Sistaz Open Mic 'graduate' Tariro neGitare at 5:30pm.

Sistaz Open Mic is an innovative, delightful showcase of Harare's raw, female talent.  Launched and developed by Pamberi Trust in January 2007, this vital event takes place at the Book Cafe on the second Saturday of each month.  Pamberi Trust runs a weekly 'Open Mic' program every Tuesday night where amateur artists-both men and women-can come and perform on a professional stage.  However, this programme begins at 7pm and often finishes quite late at night. And so, the Sistaz Open Mic programme was developed to provide a safe, day-time platform that women could come and take part in, and still get home safely before dark.

Rudo Chasi

Poet and Pamberi Trust Gender Projects Officer, Batsirai Chigama says, “Open Mic has over the years become the place to be on the second Saturday of each month, where the 'sistaz' always know they can come and have a great time.  The crowd is always warm and more welcoming.  It is a much more endearing crowd which boosts the confidence of emerging women artists”.  This Saturday, Pamberi Trust celebrates 6 years of a successful Sistaz Open Mic programme.  To mark the occasion, this month's event will have a few prominent local and international female artists in attendance.

Mandisa Mabuthoe acclaimed poet and winner of the first Regional Poetry Slam in 2011 hailing from Botswana, will be present to support Zimbabwean female artists.  Also present will be local artists Clare Nyakujara and Tamy Moyo, who have performed at the Sistaz Open Mic regularly in the past and who will also raise their beautiful voices in song and perform Saturday afternoon.  Finally, in attendance will be international recording artist Shingai Shoniwa, front-woman of the popular UK indie-rock band, The Noisettes.  Shoniwa is a fierce performer, who has drawn comparisons to Grace Jones for her fierce style and unmatched and unique vocals. As the lead singer of the The Noisettes, Shoniwa (who is half-Zimbabwean) is part of a small pool of talented diasporans who represent Zimbabwe abroad.  These fabulously talented women will all be present to give support to the aspiring women performers.

Sistaz Open will be hosted by frequent Sistaz Open Mic performer, Yolanda Hassan this Saturday.  Over the years, the growth of Sistaz Open Mic is a direct result of young, female artists taking ownership of the project and mentoring by established women artists.  The event is fully run by women, including stage management, photography, filming and administration.  Word of mouth publicity is strong, and along with supportive family and friends, the audience often includes talent scouts from professional artists, which has led to lucrative work for some. 

Recognizing that some women are mothers, artists are encouraged to bring their kids who enjoy the music and festive, communal atmosphere.

Tariro Ruzvidzo, known professionally as Tariro neGitare, will headline her own show after the Sistaz Open Mic, with a show-stopping performance.  Tariro neGitare used the Sistaz Open Mic platform to perfect her skills, founded Acoustic Night at the Zimbabwe German Society (ZGS) and regularly performs at the coffee shop Freshly Ground.

Tariro NeGitare

 Ruzvidzo says of Sistaz Open Mic, “Its the platform where I started. 

Thats where I first started playing the guitar publicly.  I was a singer before, just at church, and at home.  But at Sistaz Open Mic is where I first performed professionally. Thats when I met up with Edith [Edith weUtonga], and we started performing in the band.”

Sistaz Open Mic is part of the Pamberi Trust FLAME (Female Literary, Arts and Music Enterprise) programme at the Book Cafe which provides gender-sensitive platforms, publicity and exposure, performance opportunities, networking and skills workshops. Successful female artists who have performed at Sistaz Open Mic include: Chiwoniso Maraire, Hope Masike, Eyahra Mathazia, Tariro neGitare, Dudu Manhenga, Clare Nyakujara, Tina Watyoka, Lady Thanda and Kessia Magosha. Acclaimed Spoken-word Poets Roxanne 'Xapa' Mathazia, Linda 'Poetic Angel'Gabriel, Cynthia 'Flowchyld' Marangwanda and Primrose Dzenga have also come through, while actresses Priscilla and Privilege Mutendera have delighted audiences with their acting skills.

Tina Watyoka

 Sistaz Open Mic is proud to celebrate their 6th birthday at the Book Cafe at its new venue.  To mark the 6-year anniversary, there will be special give-aways and prizes.  The public are invited to come dance, sing and even perform as we celebrate with the female artists of Sistaz Open Mic on the Book Cafe stage.  Registration is anytime before 2pm on Saturday.  Come and join us for an unforgettable afternoon!

END

Prepared by Tawanda Mudzonga (Miss)

for Pamberi Trust