mbare artists on a mission

“Mbare artists on a mission

by Tsuro Ndisunge

HARARE-Veterans and upcoming artists converged Stodart Hall in Mbare yesterday to map a way forward in the running of all arts activities in the surburb.The meeting attracted Mbare born and based; some of them have made a mark for themselves in the field of arts. Amongst those who attended were veteran broadcaster and commentator Charles Mabika,Film and soap locations expert Christopher Masanga,comedian Tanazio Chikanyanga(Valve),veteran writer and actor Charles Mzemba just to mention but a few.

It was a meeting packed with richness and depth, topic after topic all for the sake of arts in Mbare. Leading from the for-front the co-brains behind Mbare Arts Guild, film actor Martin Matamba laid out a vision just after the welcoming remarks and introductions which were filled with rich biographies.

The laid down vision was simple; to take Mbare activities to greater heights.

“For a period of time Mbare has been known for bad reasons but as artists in Mbare it is high time to turn the tables against such misconceptions. We got talent, we got everything, so what can stop us from achieving what we want as to make a mark?”, questioned Matamba with applause from the artists who said nothing was there to stop them.

A City of Harare Mbare social service which was represented by Ms. Grace Magango made it clear that the community facilities are always there for artists. She said this when presenting a topic; “Arts and the community”.Magango said as Social Workers they are always there to help and partner with community artists in whatever they do.

There was also the issue of a database for all artists and what they do .The database to include the artworks by artists, their contacts and previous works. The idea is to come up with Mbare Arts Guild directory where all arts genres are included. The arts genres to be included are music, film, dance, theatre, visual arts, poetry, acrobatics so that the directory will be used as a means of marketing  Mbare productions in various places like embassies,NGOs and other influential places.

On projects and way forward Julius Julius and Farai Chikumba gave a highlight of what needs to be done as to keep Mbare competing with other Suburbs in terms of arts .The duo in their co-presentations told the meeting that a number of projects were lined up, these include partnerships and producing contents as a guild. The content they say will make a long way in telling a Mbare story not only in Mbare but throughout the whole world. They urged artists to focus and take time to utilize their talents.

The question and answer session brought fresh minds in the Guild as it brings interesting debates amongst all present members in the meeting. Some asked for clarity, transparency and security of their works with the Guild and how there were going to function in their respective groups.

Basing on his experience at the same time supporting the formation of the Guild veteran broadcaster and a Mbare product Charles Mabika highlighted that there was no conflict of interest as the Guild operations will not tamper with individual groups as it meant to support whatever is organized in the groups. His sentiments were shared by Veteran Writer and actor Charles Mzemba who said the Guild

 deals with artists as not as a groups so that in so doing there was nothing to affect the operations of groups. He suggested a need to come up with a team of writers within the Guild who debates some scripts ahead of productions.

The meeting raised a lot of ideas and urged writers, actors and singers to work together for commendable projects. Singer and rapper Potato said it was a blessing to note that in Mbare there were writers, actors and musicians so it was wise enough if they work together, where everything starts from a writer in keeping the actor and singer busy.

On the sidelines of the meeting Aphigio Charandura of Ghetto Express Band said the more artists came together the more the productions to the people.

Charles Mzemba and Rumbidzai Mapfumo following proceedings

“Success is seen by what we do, by so doing we are the masters of what we do. I urge all artists in Mbare to be united and work together in this initiative.”, said Charandura the former Chibuku Road to fame Winner.