Mbulelo Mpofu, mbulelo.smpofu@gmail.com
AS the curtain falls on 2024, Zimbabweans reflect on a year that unfolded like a kaleidoscope, a dazzling array of moments both triumphant and heart-breaking. It was a year of extraordinary breakthroughs and agonising setbacks, of soaring hopes tempered by deep despair. From the inspiring heights of human achievement to the devastating lows of tragedy and loss, 2024 will forever be etched in our collective memory, a year of profound experiences that shaped our nation.
Like masterfully woven embroidery, the year’s highlight reels are a demonstration of the complexities and contradictions of our shared human experience. We witnessed moments of breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring courage, as individuals and communities around the country pushed the boundaries of what is possible.
This year began with an air of optimism and joy when, after a long hiatus, the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) returned to Bulawayo to a rapturous reception, setting the tone for what was to be an eventful year. Zimbabwean movie lovers celebrated Tongayi Chirisa, who in March landed the voice role of Cheetor in Transformers: Rise of The Beasts, crowning his brilliant Hollywood career. Chirisa, whose career took off playing Detective Davis on the Zimbabwean soapie Studio 263 almost two decades ago, found himself rubbing shoulders with several talented actors, including Ron Perlman as Optimus Primal and Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh voicing Air Razor.
In July, half-Eritrean American comedian Tiffany Haddish opened a can of worms after her visit to Zimbabwe exposed how futile her mission to dispel perceptions that there was “war every day” in Africa hit a snag in Harare. Haddish, scanning rows of shelves with soft drinks, fresh fruit, and frozen meat, recorded a video of her African experience, saying in disbelief, “Look at this grocery store. It’s humongous in Africa!” Such utterances were met with disdain and contempt on social media. She went on to meet businessman Mudiwa Hood.
Zimbabwean reality television lovers will forever remember the month of September because that’s when the beloved British motoring series “The Grand Tour” announced Zimbabwe as its final destination, putting the series to a screeching halt. The thrilling finale, shot in September last year, saw presenters Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson, and James May embarking on a journey through the country, driving a selection of classic 70s vehicles they’ve always dreamt of owning and enjoying themselves in their last ride.
Zimbabwe has long been a go-to destination for tourists. From media personalities, sports stars, musicians, film stars, and different characters and profiles in between, 2024 was no exception. In August, Zambian reality television queen and media personality Mutale Mwanza came to Bulawayo for the inaugural Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe pageant, where she was flanked by her South African counterpart, Rami Chuene. The pair joined former Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, who visited Victoria Falls in August. In October, Rastafarians and those under the reggae banner enjoyed the roots reggae sounds of Burning Spear at Glamis Arena in Harare.
European-based Zimbabwean film expert Keith Shiri, a renowned authority on African cinema, became the Lead Curator of the Film Africa Festival held in London between October and November. As lead curator for Film Africa 24, Shiri presented a diverse programme of 70 films reflecting African cinema’s history and current relevance. The festival featured an opening film addressing artefact repatriation, echoing Africa’s historical narrative. With a lifetime dedicated to promoting the continent’s rich cultural heritage through film, Shiri’s passion for storytelling and cultural preservation continues to inspire audiences.
In September, Zimbabwe almost etched its name in the history books as comedian Learnmore Jonasi nearly became the first comedian to win America’s Got Talent (AGT) without a puppet. The winner of AGT Season 19 was singer Richard Goodall, who triumphed over nine other competitors to claim the crown, but Jonasi’s Top 5 finish alongside Solange Kardinaly (Quick change artist), Sky Elements (Drone act), Roni Sagi & Rhythm (Dog act), and the eventual winner, Goodall, was a serious statement of intent.
In the same month, Zimbabwean lighting designer Mildred “Lighting Bae” Moyo shattered glass ceilings and carved her name into history. She graduated with a Master of Arts (MA) in Light in Performance from the renowned Rose Bruford College in London. Moyo’s ground-breaking achievement made her the first black African woman to complete the prestigious MA programme. As if that wasn’t enough achievement, she was featured in this year’s “Women in Entertainment Lighting” Volume Three, at a special launch at an exclusive gathering at Ayrton’s showroom in Paris, where she joined a distinguished group of 64 other women from various countries, being the only Zimbabwean to be featured, highlighting her trailblazing journey in a predominantly male field.
Last month, Miss Universe Zimbabwe Sakhile Dube’s national costume turned heads in Mexico. “The Soaring Eagle,” a representation of the majesty and heritage of the nation, woven with deep symbolism and artistry, told a story of Zimbabwe’s proud identity, its natural wonders, and deep cultural roots. The eagle, a symbol of grace, strength, and vision, represented the majesty of Zimbabwe in this costume. She might not have won the coveted “Lumière De L’Infini” crown but she proudly concluded her journey in the top 30, with the crown going to 21-year-old dancer Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, making her the first Dane ever to win the prestigious competition.
Zimbabwe has many cultural ambassadors abroad, and one of those is actress and executive arts director Danai Gurira, who, through her Almasi Collaborative Arts, premièred “Family Riots,” a compelling new play by Zimbabwean playwright Gideon Jeph Wabvuta. Gurira, celebrated for her roles in The Walking Dead and Black Panther, is deeply committed to elevating African stories through her work with Almasi.
Zimbabwean literature received a major boost when Alice Vye Henningway’s emotionally charged novel, “Nyika, I Love You,” was purchased by acclaimed producer Stacy Ekstein and her company, Market Street Productions, marking a significant milestone not only for Henningway’s literary career but also for the global recognition of Zimbabwean storytelling. The novel is set to be adapted into a film.
The country’s oldest arts and cultural fair, Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, assumed a new month different from its usual September to November. The rescheduled festival brought about new additions, such as the Bulawayo Lens Festival, which gave it a new twist and shone the spotlight on a facet that usually does not get the recognition it deserves: photography. The “Women in Arts” Indaba at Sethule Lodge saw the discussion of critical issues faced by women in arts. It levelled the playing field and gave women a voice and power to advocate for issues that affect them.
In recent history, the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RBAAs) has been a staple event in Bulawayo, but this year, this wasn’t going to be the case, with the chief culprit, according to the Bulawayo Arts Awards Trust, being “limited representation across certain genres.” The Bulawayo Arts Awards Trust further said, “The decision (to postpone) was not made lightly, as we carefully considered various factors that contribute to the awards’ stature and success.” The postponement shifts the next edition of the BAAs to August 2025, aligning with the annual Heroes Holiday under the sub-theme “Celebrating Our Heroes.”
Amid the disappointment, organisers revealed plans to inject fresh energy into the event by introducing new faces and ideas.
This year also saw the death of two artistic stalwarts, Sihlangu “Qhube” Dlodlo and Pathisa Nyathi, casting a shadow over the arts, education, and sport administration fraternity. Dlodlo was found dead at his Nketa 9 home in Bulawayo on October 28, while Nyathi succumbed to complications from diabetes, leaving a humongous gap to be filled. Nyathi was one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished and beloved historians and cultural icons, while Dlodlo was regarded by some as a visionary leader and a national figure. His impact was profound.
This month, Patrick Miller, a multifaceted gamer, playwright, and researcher, was appointed as the newest member of the EarthSonic Climate Advisory Board, highlighting his strong commitment to climate activism and underscoring the significant role Zimbabweans are playing in addressing pressing global issues. On a personal note, attending the South African Music Awards (Samas) in November brought a lot of personal and professional growth and exposed me to how best Zimbabwean art awards can be curated to challenge and conform to global industry standards.
As we step into a new year, we carry with us the lessons of resilience, creativity, and the unwavering belief that through art, we can illuminate even the darkest corners of our world. The journey continues, and with it, the promise of a brighter tomorrow awaits. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu.
