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Studio Moto to Host High-Impact Bokola Film Festival

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Studio Moto to Host High-Impact Bokola Film Festival

Bokola Film Festival returns on the 23rd of August 2025 at Studio Moto with a bold new theme: Dream. Now!

 

This year’s edition is more than a celebration of cinema; it’s a rallying cry. In a world reeling from inequality, climate collapse, and war, Bokola 2025 calls on filmmakers, artists, and activists to respond with urgency, clarity, and radical imagination. The event will run from 12pm midday till 10pm.

This year’s Bokola Film Festival invites audiences to a dynamic celebration of storytelling, resistance, and imagination.

The festival will showcase powerful documentary screenings across three curated strands: Stories From The Emergency, featuring urgent narratives confronting climate collapse, authoritarianism, and surveillance; Dreamers, a spotlight on unapologetic young African storytellers whose work is bold, rooted, and audacious; and

Frontlines of Change, highlighting the visual work of activists, indigenous filmmakers, and global movements pushing for justice, land rights, gender equity, and liberation through poetic, hybrid, and genre-defying forms.

Festival Goers can also explore Radical Futures, an immersive space of virtual reality, augmented reality and interactive installations.

Beyond the screen, Bokola will offer behind-the-scenes access to acclaimed digital productions like The Week, a fun kids’ zone, a vibrant food & drinks space, chill spots and surprise musical appearances—creating a rich, multi-sensory experience for all ages.

“We’re so excited to bring Bokola 2025 to Studio Moto; a vibrant, immersive space where creativity and community meet. We invite everyone to experience powerful films, meaningful conversations, and a fresh energy that reflects the spirit of Bokola.” said Sikhanyiswe Sebata, Festival Co-Director

“This year, Bokola has been rebranded. We’re focusing on you—the people. Your films, your dreams, your experiences.” said Dexter Fundire, Festival Co-Director

Firmly rooted in truth-telling, resistance, and community, Bokola 2025 reaffirms its place as a platform for fearless storytelling. The festival showcases documentaries, experimental visuals, and immersive media from the frontlines of change—especially work by young, African, and marginalized creators forging new paths through crisis and creativity.

Since 2020, Bokola has proudly incubated 45 emerging filmmakers through its flagship initiative, the Film Fellowship ZW – a partnership between Accountability Lab Zimbabwe & Magamba Network.

This collaboration resulted in the production of an impressive 43 original films to date. The impact of this support is evident in the growing international recognition of our Bokola alumni.

Notable examples include Jabulani Muzvova, whose film A Few Dollars More has screened at prestigious festivals such as the UMP Festival in Malawi and the African Indigenous Language Film Festival in Nigeria.

Similarly, Sikhanyiswe Sebata has made her mark globally, with her work featured in over eight international festivals, including the Africa International Human Rights Film Festival,

Sotambe International Film Festival, International Images Film Festival, Zimbabwe International Film Festival, Athens Digital Arts Festival, and the African Film Festival in New Zealand.

Bokola is brought to you by Magamba Network, Africa’s trailblazing creative and digital media organisation.

Bokola is currently accepting powerful, urgent, and visionary work across four key categories—from frontline documentaries to Afrofuturist explorations and radical youth narratives. All formats are welcome, including short films, features, podcasts, social shorts, and immersive media.

Submissions open via https://filmfreeway.com/BokolaFilmFestival

Young Creatives to Shine at Sixth Phenomenal Lighting Masterclass

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Young Creatives to Shine at Sixth Phenomenal Lighting Masterclass

Renowned lighting designer and educator Mildred “Lighting Bae” Moyo returns to host the sixth edition of the Phenomenal Lighting Masterclass & Festival, set for August 4–10 at Ngoma Ingungu Cultural Arts Centre in Domboshava.

 

This year’s theme, “Finding Light in Darkness: The Power of Shadows,” guides a powerful week of immersive training and student-led public performance focused on hands-on learning, cross-border collaboration, and cultural exchange.

The masterclass brings together young creatives from Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries, supported by an international team of facilitators from the UK, Ghana, Switzerland, and South Africa.

Participants will engage in intensive workshops on lighting, music, movement, and performance production, followed by a two-day public festival showcasing their collaborative work.

“This is not just a workshop. It’s a shift in how we train, create, and share stories in Africa,” says Moyo. “We’re building bridges between generations, regions, and continents.”

The program provides real-world production experience, creative mentorship, and a space to amplify Southern African voices on the global stage.

Mildred Moyo, founder of Phenomenal Lighting & Power Solutions and a lecturer at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, will lead the lighting design segment.

“This is about returning home to grow new roots,” she explains. “We’re not just teaching lighting—we’re creating a new generation of African storytellers who use light, sound, and movement to reflect their worlds.”

The music and movement segments will be facilitated by renowned performer and educator Othnell Mangoma Moyo, while sound engineering will be led by Simbarashe Mazai, director of Prosoundman.

Participants will arrive on August 4 for orientation, followed by three days of masterclasses (August 5–7), a two-day public showcase (August 8–9), and a final day for teardown and reflection on August 10.

The programme is co-produced by Petok Productions, a UK-based company known for cross-cultural collaborations.

Led by Pembe Tokluhan, Petok will serve as production managers, ensuring international standards while nurturing local creativity.

“We’re thrilled to be building a bridge between creatives in the UK and Southern Africa,” says Tokluhan. “This collaboration reflects the global future of production—diverse, inclusive, and locally grounded.”

Since launching in 2019, the Phenomenal Lighting Masterclass & Festival has grown into a leading platform for technical arts education in the region.

Past editions have been supported by Culture Fund Zimbabwe (through EU CreativeACTIONs2) and the Zimbabwe-German Society.

Now in its sixth year, the festival continues to elevate African storytelling through technical excellence, mentorship, and innovation.

Zimbabwe name squad for Test series against New Zealand

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Zimbabwe name squad for Test series against New Zealand

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a 16-man squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

 

The first Test will take place from 30 July to 3 August, with the second following from 7 to 11 August 2025.

There are four changes to the Zimbabwe side that featured in the recent Test series against South Africa.

Ben Curran, who missed the South Africa matches due to a hand fracture, returns to the fold after regaining full fitness.

He is joined in the squad by Sikandar Raza, Roy Kaia and Tanunurwa Makoni, with the quartet of Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Prince Masvaure, Wessly Madhevere and Kundai Matigimu making way.

In a further boost, Brian Bennett, who missed part of the South Africa series after suffering a concussion, is back and, as a result, Dion Myers, who had been drafted in as cover, has been left out.

The team will be led by Craig Ervine, with experienced campaigners Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani providing key support in the batting and bowling departments respectively.

The upcoming series will mark the first Test meeting between Zimbabwe and New Zealand since July-August 2016, when the visitors claimed a 2-0 series win at the same venue in Bulawayo.

ZIMBABWE SQUAD FOR TEST SERIES VERSUS NEW ZEALAND:

Craig Ervine (Captain), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams

Jordan MoOzy Invades The Radio Charts!

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Jordan MoOzy Invades The Radio Charts!

After the release of his Kalahari Coyote EP, singer-songwriter Jordan MoOzy has taken the radio charts by storm.

 

Adding a local twist to 80’s synth-pop through cultural rhythms, MoOzy has caught the imagination of his home audience.

The numbers back this up with lead single “No Time” reaching a peak of number 2 on Yarona FM this week, after debuting at number 19 on the Y20Chart.

The artists showed his appreciation for the on air personalities by extending thanks and sharing gifts, in line with the theme that there’s is no better time than now to show how you feel.

The bouncy track is a blend of melody and message, encouraging authenticity through metaphoric lyricism.

“I’m really grateful that the song is doing well in this capacity and moreso that it’s doing well in the hearts of the people,” Jordan MoOzy shares. “It’s all love, that’s what it’s about!”

From the romance of the Fella-produced “No Time”, to the striving “Aluta Continua” crafted alongside Frost Legato, Jordan MoOzy has displayed his multi-dimensional ability to tap into eclectic soundscapes and celebrate his African roots simultaneously.

“Aluta Continua” reached the number 17 spot on Yarona FM’s Y20Chart and reached the summit on Duma FM. “For Aluta it’s super spiritual, especially for my brother Frost” Jordan MoOzy shares.

“I know what he’s been through and for him to be able to step back in the ring and attain wins is beautiful”.

These wins make Jordan MoOzy a fixture on the charts and occupier of number 1 and 2 spots on two popular urban radio stations.

After marking his return to the music scene with the engaging Kalahari Coyote EP, there seems to be no better place than finding a home on the charts.

Dynamos, Coach Saul Chaminuka Hit with $9,000 Fine

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Dynamos, Coach Saul Chaminuka Hit with $9,000 Fine

The Premier Soccer League has handed down disciplinary sanctions to Chicken Inn FC and Dynamos FC following the abandonment of their recent Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixtures.

 

Chicken Inn FC, along with their player George Majika, were found guilty of abandoning their match against Scotland FC on 23 May 2025 at Rufaro Stadium.

The club has been fined US$5,000, and the match has been awarded to Scotland FC on a 3–0 scoreline.

Majika was fined US$1,000 for his role in the incident.

In a separate case, Dynamos FC were also found guilty of causing the abandonment of their match against FC Platinum on 22 June 2025 at Mandava Stadium.

The club has received a US$5,000 fine, with the result awarded 3–0 in favour of FC Platinum.

Additionally, Dynamos head coach Saul Chaminuka was fined US$4,000 for misconduct and has been banned from the technical bench for the next two matches.

The PSL has reiterated its call for all clubs, players, and officials to respect league rules and maintain the integrity of the game.

Three Members of Sekusile Sitshikitsha Dance Group Killed in Road Accident

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Three Members of Sekusile Sitshikitsha Dance Group Killed in Road Accident

Three members of the Sekusile Sitshikitsha dance group tragically lost their lives in a road accident on Saturday, July 20, while returning home from the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival in Mutare.

 

The accident occurred along the Gweru–Bulawayo highway.

The group, representing Matabeleland South Province, had performed at the festival held at the Mutare Agricultural Showgrounds.

The dancers were employed by How Mine in Mzingwane District.

The deceased have been identified as Ms. S. Mpofu, Ms. I.T. Mike, and Mr. L. Mazara. Several other group members sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

In a joint statement released on July 21, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), and Delta Beverages expressed their condolences to the bereaved families and pledged continued support for both the injured and the affected families.

“The NACZ, ZNTDA and Delta Beverages, would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Mpofu, Mike, and Mazara families,” the statement read.

“The loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our artistic community. We also stand in solidarity members of Sekusile Sitshikitsha dance group as they deal with the aftermath of this ordeal.”

Organisers of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival say they will provide further updates and urged the public to contact their information desk for any inquiries.

Travis Greene’s ‘Made A Way Tour’: Seamless Worship Experience from Start to Finish

Trevor Makonyonga
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Travis Greene’s ‘Made A Way Tour’: Seamless Worship Experience from Start to Finish

It was a night of glorious worship at Celebration Centre in Borrowdale, Harare, as The Made a Way Decade Tour arrived in the city on Friday, July 18, 2025.

 

The sold-out concert lived up to expectations, with both local and international acts delivering memorable performances.

Local artists Jonathan Michael, The Unveiled, and Tembalami opened the night, warming up the stage with passion and energy.

Their sets laid a solid foundation for the visiting gospel ministers who followed.

After Tembalami’s set, Nigerian worshipper Grace Idowu took the stage in a modest blue Ankara print outfit, quietly stepping into the spotlight with a gentle presence.

Alone on stage, with no backing vocalists just her voice and the audience, she delivered a deeply moving worship session.

Her covers of Timothy Reddick’s You Covered Me, CeCe Winans’ Goodness of God, and Yet by The King Will Come were unexpected highlights.

But it was her original song You Are Not a Man that stirred the entire auditorium into a chorus of loud cries, prayer, and speaking in tongues.

Kaestrings followed, and his arrival sparked what can only be described as spiritual pandemonium.

The auditorium became a sea of raised hands and heartfelt worship. He shared scripture between songs and delivered crowd favorites like Haske, Rahama, and Gyara Ni Na Yesu Na.

But it was the prayer moments woven into his set that truly stood out.

After two missed visits, Annatoria finally made it to Zimbabwe.

Despite revealing that she had lost a friend to suicide earlier that day, she delivered an energetic and heartfelt set.

Songs like Stay with Me, In the Room, and Put it on God connected with the audience.

When the crowd called her back, she returned with a touching rendition of the hymns Ndoda and Ndinoda Kuimbira Jesu.

It was a strong and emotional performance.

The night ended with the main act, Pastor Travis Greene. Humble and relaxed, he mingled with the crowd, even taking selfies during his performance.

Backed by Forward City Music, the Grammy-winning artist delivered a powerful set. Having visited Zimbabwe twice before, he seemed right at home, flowing easily with the crowd and the atmosphere.

The event’s host, Pastor Yasha Chiriseri, kept the evening cohesive.

He remained in tune with the spirit of worship and supported the transition between acts smoothly, helping maintain the evening’s reverent mood.

Next up on the gospel calendar is Sumisola Agbebi, who will minister at the Relentless Worship Encounter at UFIC Basilica on August 9, followed by CeCe Winans at Celebration Centre on August 26.

In the meantime, look out for the upcoming collaboration between Travis Greene and Annatoria, featured on Greene’s new album, set to be released on August 22.

Green Stars Crowned Champions at Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Finals in Mutare

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Green Stars Crowned Champions at Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Finals in Mutare

The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival returned to Mutare this year with a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwean dance traditions and a new national champion.

 

Green Stars Dance Troupe, representing Harare Province, claimed first place with an energetic performance of the Chinyambera dance, earning them the top prize of USD15,000.

Held at the lively Mutare Showgrounds, the finals brought together 10 provincial winners in a closely contested battle of rhythm and heritage.

Goromonzi Arts Club from Mashonaland East took second place with their powerful rendition of the Mbende Jerusarema dance, securing USD10,000.

Host province Manicaland celebrated a podium finish with Semvumba Arts’ Dinhe performance, which earned them third place and USD7,500.

This marked the first time Mutare hosted the national finals since 2018. That year, the festival partnered with DreamStar to introduce an element of pop culture by incorporating modern dance styles, a move aimed at engaging younger audiences.

Although this year’s edition focused squarely on traditional performances, Mutare still brought its signature flair, with a high-energy after-show featuring top artists Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah and Enzo Ishall.

The festival continues to serve as a powerful platform for preserving and celebrating Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage, while offering dance groups from across the country a moment to shine on the national stage.

Check out some of the highlights below:

@zimbuzz

Kune vanoziva, madzimai anoshaura panotamba Gure/Nyau anonzi kudii (in the video is Undi Gure from Midlands) #ChibukuNeshamwariTraditionalDanceFestival

♬ original sound – Zimbuzz

Zimbabwe Sables Qualify for World Cup 2027

Trevor Makonyonga
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Zimbabwe Sables Qualify for World Cup 2027

It has been a good day for the Zimbabwe men’s rugby team, Sables, as they managed to qualify for the 2027 World Cup to be held in Australia after beating Namibia 30 – 28 in the Rugby Africa Cup final at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala Uganda.

 

This is the first time in three decades since Zimbabwe last qualified for the world cup tournament in 1991.

Namibia drew first blood through Cliven Loubser penalty.

It became a kicking competition between Loubser andZimbabwe’s Ian Prior as they exchanged blow for blow as the score was level at six all.

Brilliant work by Zimbabwean centre, Kudzai Mashawi, then crossed over the white wash with Prior converting separating the two sides Zimbabwe 13 – 6 Namibia.

Ian Prior went for posts increasing Zimbabwe’s lead to 16 – 6 after Jacques Theron conceded a penalty.

Namibia was not to be left behind before the break as Namibian captain, Prince Gaoseb, hit a try back which Loubser converted after taking advantage of the yellow card given to Jason Fraser for a deliberate knock-on.

Godfrey Muzanargwo managed to score in scrappy circumstances on the 45-minute mark before some brilliant work in the midfield by Brendon Mudzekenyedzi as he crossed over to give Zimbabwe a 30 – 21 lead.

Namibia managed to score a converted try through Jay Cee Nel.

It is Tiaan Swanepoel, however, who will have sleepless nights as the 79th minute penalty miss sealed the Namibians fate as they will have to go through a series of matches to ensure qualification.

On another celebratory note, Zimbabwe Rugby Union’s media personnel, Ronald Ncube, proposed to her girlfriend during the halftime of the Rugby Africa Cup final watch party at Harare Sports Club (We extend our heartfelt congratulations.)

Pulitzer Prize Winner Lynn Nottage Leads Zimbabwean Playwrights in Exclusive Masterclass

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Pulitzer Prize Winner Lynn Nottage Leads Zimbabwean Playwrights in Exclusive Masterclass

Award-winning playwright Lynn Nottage is in Harare to lead an intensive two-week Re-Write Masterclass, working closely with six emerging Zimbabwean writers to sharpen their storytelling skills and prepare their works for the global stage.

 

Running from 5 to 19 July at the Zimbabwe German Society, the workshop is part of Almasi Collaborative Arts’ new initiative, Africa Voices Now! A Festival of New African Plays.

It’s a significant moment for Zimbabwean theatre, offering rare access to one of the most acclaimed playwrights in the world Nottage is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, celebrated for works like Sweat, Ruined, and Intimate Apparel.

The selected playwrights Amanda Ranganawa, Batsirai Chigama, Kingsley Chinhanu, Philani Nyoni, Rudo Mutangadura, and Tatenda Mutyambizi are developing their scripts under Nottage’s guidance, focusing on the often overlooked but essential art of re-writing.

The program will wrap up with a free public showcase of scenes from the works in progress, scheduled for Saturday, 19 July, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Zimbabwe German Society.

Almasi’s Associate Artistic Director Zaza Muchemwa says the initiative marks a new chapter in Zimbabwean theatre: “We’re creating space for meaningful cross-cultural exchange and ensuring African stories are ready to compete and shine on the world stage.”

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