Goodbye 2024 as we countdown to 2025 

Trust Khosa

As the 2024 showbiz calendar winds up, we are taking stock of each genre today.

These include music, visual arts (painting, sculpture, and photography), film and television, theatre, fashion, literary arts, and spoken word.

This annual stock-take is critical to establish which artists excelled and those who need to up their game in 2025.

With the demand for Zimbabwean art collections rising overseas, we certainly need to elevate our standards if we are to maintain the dominance shown in other genres, especially visual arts.

The same dominance should also be exhibited on home turf.

Without fear or favour, research has shown that the young “Turks” of showbiz, especially in music, excelled beyond expectations.

 Music, which commands a huge following, was dominated by youthful musicians who showed consistency throughout the year.

Killer T’s track “Kana Ndanyura” can easily pass as the song of the year.

It remains a hit at parties, weddings, clubs, and even in some church gatherings like picnics. 

He represented the Zimdancehall genre with pride and aplomb.

Consistent Zimdancehall chanter, Sylvester “Freeman” Chizanga, had a successful season, which saw him holding a fully attended HKD Music Festival at Alex Sports Club in Harare.

Master H was the best find of 2024, as the youngster has been performing well.

He participated in major festivals including the Castle Tankard, OK Grand Challenge, and Chibuku Road to Fame after-party, among other events.

His work ethic has made him a favourite of many.

There was also Nisha Ts, who did well for the greater part of the year.

Born Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa and raised in Chegutu, she defied the odds of a poor background that could have hindered her progress.

 She advanced on merit, which is why she remains a favourite among many.

Her benefactor, Tinashe Mutarisi, has also helped her realize her potential in this particular genre.

She has managed to put the sponsorship to good use, much to the delight of her fans. With sound management, she is destined for the stars.

In Zim Hip Hop, it’s hard to ignore the impact of Holy, Saintfloew, Voltz JT, and Bagga, among other rappers.

They left their mark each time on stage whether controversial or not but the good thing is that, it is expected in the genre.

In gospel world , the old guard in the genre, led by Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, Shuvai Wutawunashe, Pastor Charles Charamba, and his wife Olivia, Carol Mujokoro, Pastor Bonnie Deuschle and Prince Mafukidze among others shocked many as they bounced back on stage as they did their best to revive the genre at the Gospel Legends Night held at the Harare International Conference Centre early this month.

Hosted by United Kingdom based Zimbabwean award winning songstress Eleana Makombe, the inaugural event was a success and it was applauded by many locals for such initiative.

The new crop of gospel musicians, including Minister Michael Mahendere, Janet Manyowa, Ellard, Sharon Cherayi, Elenaa Makombe, and Everton Mlalazi, had a successful year.

However, the script was not the same for both seasoned and upcoming sungura musicians.

There was nothing to write home about this year, as the majority pursuing sungura failed to produce hits.

It appears that they need to recharge their waning vocal batteries. Of course, sungura has stood the test of time, but artists in this genre can do better.

Major successes were recorded by visual artists who had a year to remember.

Many of these artists toured the world and showcased the unique essence of Zimbabwean art on a global scale.

Visual art, which encompasses various mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, installation, and digital arts, is a significant industry internationally.

 The sad reality is that locals are yet to embrace it despite its impact overseas. A change of mindset is needed to ensure that local entrepreneurs, corporates, and individuals buy our art first.

With most visual artists relying on international buyers, credit goes to arts regulatory chiefs, curators, and artists working closely with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Victoria Falls.

NGZ executive director Raphael Chikukwa has done his best to promote this art form.

Besides the NGZ headquarters in Harare, other galleries like Dzimbahwe Arts and Cultural Heritage Hub, Nhaka Art Gallery, Mbare Art Space, Chapungu Sculpture Village, and the Swiss-Zim Heritage Gallery in Domboshava have been churning out top creatives.

 Individuals like Dominic Benhura and David Ngwerume also need no introduction.

Zimbabwe’s participation at the 60th International Exhibition of Biennale in Italy was good news to the sector.

Often referred to as the “World Cup of Arts,” this prestigious event featured Zimbabwean artists such as Moffat Takadiwa, Gillian Rosselli, Victor Nyakauru, Sekai Machache, Troy Makaza, and Kombo Chapfika. Their participation exemplifies Zimbabwe’s growing presence on the international art stage.

 The legacy of Zimbabwean artists at the Venice Biennale includes luminaries like Portia Zvavahera, Virginia Chihota, Misheck Masamvu, Calvin Dondo, and many others.

Their ability to captivate audiences both at home and abroad highlights the country’s rich artistic heritage and the potential for future growth in the global art market.

 The continued efforts to promote local art appreciation will be crucial in ensuring that Zimbabwean artists receive the recognition and support they deserve.

In theatre, credit goes to Daves Guzha, Peter Churu, Jasen Mphepo, and Malawi-based producer and director Stanley Mambo, who is doing well at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe.

Daniel Maposa and Silvanos Mudzvova are some of the top acts who have ensured that theatre maintains its dominance.

The same can be said of United Kingdom theatre practitioners who are still in touch with fellow directors in Zimbabwe.

 In Zimbabwe, Guzha, Churu, and Mphepo have been holding shows in Harare venues like Theatre in the Park, Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre, and Reps Theatre.

Mudzvova and Maposa have been conducting a series of workshops to equip creatives in this genre.

Their efforts were meant to ensure that creatives monetise their work and embrace technology, especially the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Stand-up comedians including Doc Vikela, King Kandoro (real name Mukudzei Kandoro Majoni), Nigel “Tha Sleek Pasto” Maritinyu, and Admire “Bhutisi” Kuzhangaira have also shown their potential despite challenges such as a shortage of venues.

Like theatre, comedy relies on a live audience and a serene environment where creatives can easily express themselves.

In fashion, we have seen the potential that the sector has, although it needs funding, proper regulation, and unity.

This was the case when the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe (FCoZ) issued a statement distancing themselves from the organisation and management of the Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2024, which did not live up to expectations.

The Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2024 was marred by chaos, with FCoZ’s name being dragged into the mess.

FCoZ set the record straight and pledged their commitment towards fostering a vibrant and inclusive fashion industry.

Zimbabwean fashion designers have continued to show both locally and internationally, and it takes sacrifices from organizations like FCoZ to regulate the sector.

 Some fashion enthusiasts also expressed their disappointment in the manner the industry is being run.

The refreshing news from the sector was Sakhile Dube’s national dress, designed by Ivhu Tribe Brand, named “The Soaring Eagle,” which she donned at the Miss Universe finals held in Mexico recently

The world now knows Zimbabwe’s capacity in this sector, where we have plenty of talented fashion designers.

In modelling, Zimbabwe was well represented by Sakhile at Miss Universe, made it into the top 30. 

Although she missed out on the crown, she performed admirably at the global contest.

Sakhile is not the only one who managed to raise the country flag high, there was also model Amanda Peresu-Moyo who won the Miss Intercontinental Africa title at a pageant held at the Sunrise Remal Resort in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. 

Amanda, was in the top five, following the success of Tendai Hunda, who won the same title in 2015. 

After finishing in the top eight last year at Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Amanda expressed joy over her new crown.

On to the dance floor, dancer Victoria Kjær Theilvig (21) of Denmark won the 2024 edition, becoming the first Dane ever to land the crown. People’s favorite and Nigerian beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina was voted first runner-up, and the second runner-up is Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Beltran.

The top five finalists at the beauty pageant included Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri and Venezuela’s Ileana Marquez.

 In film and television, Zimbabwe has shown a lot of potential despite the lack of funding crippling the sector.

However, the recent launch of the five-year blueprint strategy for Film and Television by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), in conjunction with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, has brought relief to the sector. A billion-dollar industry globally, Zimbabwe, which boasts some of the best brains in the sector including Stephen Chigorimbo, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, and Nakai Tsuro, can thrive with proper funding.

The birth of new awards for this sector, like the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs), which cultural ambassadors like Tongayi Chirisa, Danai Gurira, and Chipo Chung support, is great news for the sector.

Zimbabwe can also benefit from utilising the expertise of filmmakers like Joe Njagu, Eddie Sandifolo, and Charlene Furusa, who are dedicated to the sector.

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) roundtable held at Mbare Art Space from October 10-13 was also a game-changer for the sector.

In literary arts, the sector has been lamenting the decline of the reading culture. However, some literary arts gurus reckon there is not enough reading material in certain communities, which should be made available first.

On a sad note, 2024 was the year we lost historian Phathisa Nyathi after a long illness at the age of 73.

Many are still reeling from the loss of the popular arts practitioner, famed for his research as a preservationist and his writing style.

In summary, a collective mindset shift is vital for the arts sector to thrive and create more opportunities.