NOBUNTU TO LIGHT UP MAGITARE LIVE ACOUSTIC NIGHT LAUNCH

The Acoustic Night will this Friday 23 June 2017 be rebranded to Magitare Live Acoustic Night at the Harare City Library on Rotten Row from 7pm.

"The event has been hosted as the Acoustic Night for the last 7 years and it has brought rise to many artists, providing not only a performance platform, but also a professional development opportunity for the artists that we work with. We have decided to rebrand it to the Magitare Live Acoustic Night,” said the visionary Tariro neGitare who will share the new vision and direction at the event which is expected to be graced by an audience mix of business leaders, diplomats and artists.

The acoustic night is a live performance platform infusing different art forms such as music, poetry and comedy in a safe, family friendly environment. “We are hosting it at the Harare City Library as a move to address the plight of lack of infrastructure and spaces for creatives. We wish to partner with city spaces and transform them creatively so as to maximise existing spaces and use them to bring people together to network and enjoy and celebrate Zimbabwean talent in the process,” said Tariro.

 

On it's inaugural launch, Magitare Live Acoustic Night is excited to be hosting Nobuntu, an all-female acapella quintet from Bulawayo.

Nobuntu has drawn international acclaim for its inventive performances that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro Jazz to Gospel. The ensemble’s concerts are performed with pure voices, augmented by minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments such as the Mbira (thumb piano) and organic, authentic dance movements.

Nobuntu was nominated for Best Musician of the Year at the Zimbabwe International Women Awards in London in 2015 and in the last few seasons, the quintet has performed at festivals and concert halls in Zimbabwe, Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Canada. The ensemble was a huge critical success at “Trans-Vocal” in Frankfurt and “Voice Mania” in Vienna. Their first tour to Canada, in 2016, included performances in Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Victoria. 

The ensemble represents a new generation of young African women singers who celebrate and preserve their culture, beauty and heritage through art.  Nobuntu has released two recordings- THINA in 2013 and EKHAYA in 2016. The group has made numerous television and radio appearances throughout Africa and Europe promoting these recordings and the culture of their homeland.  Currently, the group comprises of Thandeka Moyo, Heather Dube, Joyline Sibanda, Zanele Manhenga and Duduzile Sibanda.

Other awesome artists on the line-up are poet U Mind, musicians Munyaradzi Nyamarebvu, Libert Mathole and Tariro neGitare.

 

Magitare Africa Trust, which runs the acoustic night, is also on a mission to create a breed of artists that understand the vision of their Creator (God) and use their gifts to improve not only themselves, but their communities as well. Tariro neGitare says they have set up the following structures that compliment the Magitare Live Acoustic Nights to ensure this:

 

1. The Creative Arts Hub – a creative program designed to encourage community engagement for schools and communities. Artists that take part in Magitare Live are trained to facilitate these sessions and become mentors for the younger artists.
2. Outreach- the artists are involved in various outreach activities periodically.
3. Artist Development Program – selected artists undergo a robust mentorship programme that has been crafted based on the Acoustic Night artist experience for the last 7 years as well as extensive research on best practices from creative entrepreneurs. The model will duplicate a particular kind of artist that is passionate, entrepreneurial and innovative.

For more details contact Tariro neGitare Phone: 0772 720290 or email tariro@tarironegitare.com

 

Firespitter Tinashe Tafirenyika Speaks on Poetry and NAMA Award

Today we talk to Tinashe Tafirenyika, fire spitter poet and winner of the 2017 NAMA Spoken Word Award.  Tinashe becomes the youngest and first female poet to clinch the award since its introduction in 2013.  Others who have won the award include:Tatenda Chinoda(2013), Obert Dube(2014), Likhwa Ncube(2015) and Philani Nyoni(2016).

 

B=Batsirai E Chigama

T=Tinashe Tafirenyika

 

B.Would you describe yourself in one word

T.Unusual

 

B.Tell us a bit about yourself

T

Not sure if it is vain to speak about oneself in third person but Tinashe was born in Bulawayo in 1992. She went off to the capital for college at the U.Z. in 2011 and in 2013 she stumbled upon the Book Cafe Harare in the most serendipitous way imaginable. Three days later she performed a poem in front of an audience for the first time at Sistaz Open Mic (that was the first time she met Batsirai Chigama and Peggie Shangwa, two amazing poets who went on to become her mentors and big sisters). She has been performing poetry ever since and sometimes she publishes poetry online.

 

B.How did you feel to be nominated for the Spoken Word Category at NAMA?

T

I was mostly in shock. And denial. Which lasted up till after I won the award. I suppose sometimes when something that wonderful happens the brain just takes longer to process it. But now I am at the stage of acceptance and it is a beautiful place to be.

 

B.What does this say for spoken word in general in Zimbabwe?

T

Spoken Word is here and it is not going anywhere. The new urban type of performance poetry is now recognized at the highest national level. Gone are the days when Imbongi (praise poets) were the only recognized performance poets. This did not start with this award, this is just one piece of a movement that has been going on for a while and I am glad to be part of it.

 

B.Are you happy with the current state of spoken word in Zimbabwe?

T

Spoken Word is growing. It is difficult at times to find a consistent space for it but whenever one shuts down another pops up and the artists are resilient, the poetry fans eager. I don't know if I am happy with the current state but I do believe that the future of spoken word is bright in this country.

B.What more do you think should be done for spoken word?

T

Consistent spaces are necessary for the nurturing and preservation of spoken word. Most poets were made at platforms such as Mlom' Wakho Poetry Slam, House of Hunger Poetry Slam, Sistaz Open Mic and P.O.T.. We need more of these platforms.

B.Who is your inspiration?

T

The people I love. They make writing worth it.

 

B.What is your writing process like from idea, to writing to performance delivery?

T

My writing process is very messy. It normally begins with an idea, which can come from literally anywhere. Sometimes it all floods in at once and I fill up a page in ten minutes. Other times it simmers for months. The concept forms, words come together bit by bit, I edit and re-edit, delete, join verses together, tear them apart, until it sounds right. Then I stand in front of the mirror and recite until it sticks. Even after rehearsing it sometimes takes a few shows before a piece feels "right" and I never really stop changing it.

B.When your name was announced, tell us how you felt when you won the award?

T

I was numb. You could have hit me over the head with a sledgehammer and I would not have felt it. It felt like a dream.

 

B.What would you like to tell aspiring young spoken word artists out there?

T

That they should write. And perfect their art. There is no glory in mediocrity and its poetry, you don't need fancy equipment or anything to pull it off so you have no excuse for being a terrible writer. Regardless of how positive your message is, if your poems suck no one will pay attention. And there are no shortcuts; the only way to become better is to expose yourself to good writing and practice. With the Internet you have no excuse, material from some of the best poets to ever live is literally a click away so maybe spend less time on Instagram and visit Badilisha or something.

 

B.Where to from here?

T

Up, up and away. Hopefully we can take spoken word to places that it has never been before.

 

By Batsirai E Chigama

KNOCK KNOCK...WHEN REALITY KNOCKS

Kutenda Creations, founded by Sylvia Sanyanga hosts ladies breakfast meetings every first Saturday of the month.   Kutenda is an event management company specialising in décor, catering for corporate functions, social functions including school hot lunches, weddings etc.

According to Sylvia, we live in a busy world and women especially sometimes forget to give themselves some time out to just forget about all else and concentrate on themselves.  Unlike the usual business breakfast meetings Kutenda Creations speak on everyday life issues that affect women but also encouraging entrepreneurship amongst the women.


Speaker of the day was Dudu Manhenga-Muparutsa, an acclaimed contributor to the rich music history of Zimbabwe. For more than twenty years she has filled the airwaves and performed in Zimbabwe and on grand stages all over the world. A mother, daughter, sister, she is a vibrant activist in defence of the poor and voiceless; and a strong supporter of women everywhere. She is a powerful worshiper and prayer warrior; a tiller of the earth who cultivates her gardens to share food with the poor. As a singer, lyricist and composer, Dudu’s words have reached the world through music. Now, beyond the stage, she turns to the pages of God's written word and her voice ministers to many.


The main performance was provided by Tariro neGitare.  Tariro, is a vocalist and guitarist. She started playing the guitar at the age of 13 and has since become a rising star in the Zimbabwe music scene, sharing the stage with legendary African artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. She is an avid collaborator, working and touring frequently with musicians from South Africa, Germany, Nigeria, and the UK. Tariro also created a platform for other solo artists called Wildfire Acoustic Nights, a music and poetry event that has been running for years through a partnership between her company Wildfire Africa and the Zimbabwe German Society. Additionally, she runs Business of Art workshops that promote artists to monetize their passion by learning valuable business skills.


Kutenda Creations ladies breakfast meeting is a space for women artists to perform, network with women from other various industries and sale their products too.

Tariro neGitare: Photo by Batsirai E Chigama

Dudu Manhenga-Muparutsa: Photo by Batsirai E Chigama

Sylvia Sanyanga: Photo by Batsirai E Chigama

MUSIC FREEDOM DAY AT MOTO REPUBLIK

A discussion was held today at Moto Republik; "The Role of Women in Music" in celebration of World Music Freedom Day.  What does it mean to be a woman in music and how can women musicians go beyond providing music and be more involved in the communities they live?  More collaborations, more networking, more sweat and more music.

Photo by Batsirai E Chigama

Photo by Batsirai E Chigama

Photo by Batsirai E Chigama

Maria Vera Chisvo, Natalie Kombe: Phhoto by Batsirai E Chigama

Tariro NeGitare: Photo by Batsirai E Chigama

TRAVEL POINTERS FOR THE YOUNG ARTIST

Often when an opportunity to travel arises for a young artist there is excitement.  Excitement to be travelling and performing at a new or unfamiliar stage and audience; excitement that one's work is finally being recognised.  It may be local, regional or international.

Having travelled and met with a plethora of mishaps, it is important that young artists take notes from their colleagues in the industry.  Asking around doesn't usually yield truthful results, some people are not willing to share bad experiences.

Travel can be tough for artists who do not have managers or agents or tour managers. Negotiating issues such as accommodation, air and ground transportation, visas, performance fees, per diems can be very tricky issues to those starting out. There is an excitement that comes with touring or performing at big stages that artists may overlook some of these important admin aspects. Seeing social media posts about connecting flights and exotic places visited by other artists may give the illusion that all is rosy.

It is important to ask the following questions:

• Is the host whether festival, organisation be paying for board, travel and local transport when artist arrives in the host country or town?
• For transport does the artist have a standard like fly only or they can travel by road.  Will there be someone to pick the artist up from the airport?  It is important to have contacts of the person responsible for transport for whatever event the artist will be attending.  Ensure that if the host is responsible for your transport that you have return tickets way in advance before you travel.

• For accommodation, does the artist have a standard, three star or four star hotel?  Here the artist must insist on knowing where they are booked before they travel.  Is it full board, bed and breakfast or just bed.  When travelling with a team/band always make sure that you provide gender breakdown to event organisers so that accommodation bookings are done accordingly. 

• Performance Fees, does the artist have a standard or it is negotiable with the host?
• Itinerary.  Is the artist expected to do more than just perform or exhibit?  Talks, workshops, press interviews?  It is important to have this information before hand so you can fully prepare yourself.
• How long is the set for performance?
• Ask what kind of  a venue you will be performing in then send technical rider  to host in time so that the necessary provisions are made to make sure the host is prepared for all technical requirements of the artist's performance.

Courtesy of

http://www.radionashvilleband.com/Radio-Nashville-Stage-Plot.jpg

 

• Per diems, being daily allowances paid to the artists for food and local transport.
• Publicity.  Who is responsible for publicity?  As an artist always have a press kit ready with press photos, short bio and recorded works or a portfolio of your work.

It is important to ask questions and get answers and proof of e.g accommodation bookings or flight bookings in time before your travel.  Sort out issues of visas should you require one for the country to be visited.

It is also important to know the basic information of area to be visited.  What is the weather like, language, basic greetings perhaps.  Research on the event so you are aware of what you are getting yourself into.  Is it an event you would like to be associated with?

In the beginning it is always to hard for many to negotiate terms.  Always have everything reduced to a contract signed by both parties.  It is professional so do not be afraid to have a standard contract just in case your host does not have one.

While the questions above are not exhaustive, I hope they may be a guide and assist those young artists who find themselves travelling for the first time and have no idea what to expect.