Sistaz Jamming this Summer

“Sistaz come and do your thang,” is an open call made every second Saturday for the Sistaz Open Mic hosted at the Book Café every month from 2-5pm.  Open mic platforms don’t get as open as this. The platform invites women artists from all disciplines to come and freely express themselves in the safety of daytime: dance, poetry, theatre, music, comedy, whatever the poison there is always an encouraging audience to spur the rookies on as well as celebrate the beginnings of tomorrow’s stars.

It's always fun at Sistaz Open Mic: PHOTO BY BATSIRAI E CHIGAMA

This month the open mic features Clare Nyakujara and The Other Four as the guest musician.  Clare has been performing at the open mic for a while, now a seasoned musician she continues to grace the platform to inspire other young up-coming artists who throng the event every month.  Fresh from Intwasa Arts Festival where she featured in the group THR3E GEN3RATIONS, Clare promises a memorable serving from her three albums to date.

Clare Nyakujara: PHOTO BY DENNIS MADYIRA

 Also appearing at the Sistaz Open Mic is guest poet, Sista Zai who is currently based in Australia.  Sista Zai is a storyteller, performer and community arts worker with a passion for Africa and working with African women. Sista Zai has performed in Melbourne, Australia, at The Emerging Writers Festival, La Mama Courthouse Theatre and Federation Square. In 2011, Sista Zai founded "Stillwaters Storytelling Collective", a social enterprise that promotes and develops African-descended women's storytelling.

Sista Zai: October Guest Poet

Other performers confirmed are Fortunate Matenga, popularly known as Sister Flame, Pierra Kel Rodgers, Maria Vera Chisvo.  Taking care of business will be hostess Eve Kawadza, fronting vocalist for BlaQBerry Jazz.

To close the show FROM 530-7pm, will be Kessia Masona.  Kessia has worked with the open mic since 2009 and recently released her debut album “Gumbomutsvairo” already enjoying airplay on several radio stations. Kessia is a highly energetic performer, asked what she the people should expect, she infectiously laughs and says, “Asipo hapana chaanowona.”

Themed Sistaz Open Mic Summer Jam, this month celebrates the diversity of Zimbabwean art and calls on all women artists to make use of this available resource to grow their confidence on stage as well as come and network with other women artists.

Participants are advised to register before 2pm to avoid disappointment.

 

By Batsirai E Chigama

Gender Project Officer

For Pamberi Trust