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Munnya Usuwana — A Poet with the Gift of Words

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Munnya Usuwana — A Poet with the Gift of Words

A chat with most poets and they all agree on one thing — poetry is one of the most underutilized, and underestimated mediums in modern culture.

Yet popular religious belief will tell you that it is the beauty of words that formed the earth and most of its desirable habitats.

Zimbuzz spoke to 28-year-old Poet Munnya Usuwana from his base in the UK and he invited us into this colourful world of words.

When did you start writing and what do you think attracted you to poetry? 

I started writing quite late, to be honest around 20 -21 years old, in fact, I had a habit of talking to myself when someone pointed out that it could be a gift I was harbouring.

A church brother insisted I should try out creative writing in 2012, well he clearly had a point… I wrote my first poem, Andrew.

How do you think you’ve evolved as a writer over the years? 

I’ve become a lot more efficient and mature less apologetic on the topics I choose I now know how to respond and take time out when the gift is calling.

Are there genres in poetry, if so which genre/type do you do?

I’m an open circuit, what comes my way in mind will go, because I’m a drummer I tend to use a lot of rhythms so I sound like I’m rapping a lot of the times.

Take us the through process of creating/writing a poem 

Say a compilation of words like an abstract picture, a scenery, a sea wave, noise, a memory etc.

One may see the above words and think nothing of it but really one word leads to another so I would say…

A picture on a wall may be a capture of a memory in abstract form that provokes a journey to a scenery of a man’s choice and takes a trip to the edge of a cliff and a contrary of dramatic noise of the ocean and the breeze of the sea and decaying seaweed.

What inspires you to write? 

Some say it’s a spiritual a gift to create something from nothing but I tend to pick up a lot from many things.

For instance, 2 dimensions poem that brought us here was influenced by a picture and Kelly Rowland’s song BE GENTLE what I’m trying to say is I pay attention to the whispers of the mind and the art of creation that includes my surroundings… 

Who are you reading now and what type of literature do you consume? 

I barely read I tend to recite a lot subconsciously and immensely my concentration span is very short hence writing is hard for me I tend to visualize what’s in the mind and vocalise it..Before going on paper… 

Debunk for us one myth about poets 

We are such introverts and mysterious in most things we do…it’s because the gift takes charge in all we do every time.. we see society in a totally different way from most people so we are classed as strange weird and peculiar so it’s a price we tend to pay

#NAMA18 People’s Choice Voting Platform Launched

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#NAMA18 People’s Choice Voting Platform Launched

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe launched the People’s Choice 18th National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) voting platform on Monday 4 March 2019.

Voting will run until the awards night on 22 March 2019.

The People’s Choice Award is a special award given to an artist or arts organisation selected by the public.

The public is afforded the opportunity to make a choice of an artist of their own at every NAMA.

To vote for one’s favourite artist for this year’s People’s Choice Award one has to send the artist’s name to this Whatsapp number 0786286955 with the hashtag #namapeopleschoice2019.

The Artist with the most votes will be awarded at the awards ceremony.

As the name suggests the People’s Choice Award is given to an individual/institution that would have received the most votes from members of the public.

The public is at liberty to select an artist of their choice from the NAMA categories of Music, Literary Arts, Dance, Visual Arts, Film and Television, Theatre and Spoken Word.

Noisettes’ Shingai Releases First Single From Debut Ep Ancient Futures

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Noisettes’ Shingai Releases First Single From Debut Ep Ancient Futures

Shingai, the legendary front woman and bassist from the Noisettes ignites a new chapter with her debut solo EP, ‘Ancient Futures‘.

A “living, breathing, manifestation of Rock & Roll” according to Rolling Stone, distinguished for her mesmerising and dramatic performances, be prepared to be taken on a sonic odyssey.

When the Noisettes flew to Zimbabwe to perform at HiFA, it was a phenomenal moment for the band. 

“It had such an inspirational effect on me as an artist and we will never forget the joyful welcome we received.

We had a jampacked week in Harare and the range of activities included thrifting in Mupedza Nahmo market, Mbare, hiking in Domboshava and visiting my kumusha (father’s side) in Chishawasha with Dan, the other half of the Noisettes.” As recalled by Shingai.

In addition to an organised jam session and meeting of minds with some of her favourite female musicians including the late ChiwonisoMaraire, Hope Masike, Netsai and Tariro Ne-Guitar.

“I wanted to show the vibrancy of our people, for the world to appreciate. The sheer amount of talent that I’ve witnessed on my trips home be it for work, relaxation, or self-development, drove me to put Zimbabwe at the heart of my debut single.”Shingai states.

With an effervescent soundscape, the EP is fearlessly infused with a soulful yet boisterous energy, making the music electrifying and compelling.

In an over-saturated market where evolution and authenticity may be the artist’s key to sustainability, Shingai may well be breaking the boundaries of pop before it consumes itself.

Due to be live across all DSPs in March 2019,‘Coming Home’is inspired by her uncle Thomas Mapfumo’s classic hit ‘Shumba’ and represents the journey of Zimbabwean music, whose legacy she’s taking into the future.

Original synth parts take on mbira and guitars to create infectious hooks, allowing Shingai’s vocals to soar into an auditory league of its own, “Coming Home is my klaxon call for the diaspora to reunite with those at home and build a bridge of hope.

Many of us are scattered and undernourished by the environments we have found ourselves in. We are still healing. ‘Coming Home’ is an ode to our resilience and optimism, even through the chaos.

We are a loving people and this is a love song for the future. As a child and even now, whenever ‘Shumba’ plays, I smile inside. I feel proud of my roots and able am to keep persevering.”

An uplifting and anthemic track, fans can also expect to be taken on a cinematic journey with the music video for ‘Coming Home’ which was written and conceptualised by the visionary.

It was shot on location in the majestic Hills of Domboshava and the bustling capital of Harare. Shingai was adamant to empower local talent, brands and creatives to showcase the country’s magnificent scenery, locations and vibrancy of its people.

Whilst attending the 2018 Durban Film Festival for the feature film ‘Faces’, where she debuted in a lead role alongside Terry Pheto, Shingai had a chance meeting with Authentic Voices.

The Zimbabwean, Jo’burg based production company got behind the project and Joseph Adesunloye (Faces, White Colour Black) was enlisted to direct.

Completing the team of stellar Zimbabwean creatives including Thomas Brickhill, Chiedza Mahere, Zash Chinhara, Sindiso Khumalo, Josh Changa, Dan Ayi Madondo and Uchi Gappah, the music video she’d been dreaming of came to life.

The behind the scenes of ‘Coming Home’featured in the last episode of BBC 2’s eye-opening documentary ‘Africa with Ade Adepitan’ (available on BBC iPlayer for the next 12 months).

Listen to Coming Home HERE

Kylie Jenner is Now the Youngest Self-Made Billionaire Ever

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Kylie Jenner is Now the Youngest Self-Made Billionaire Ever

Kylie Jenner is now a self-made billionaire at age 21.

That makes her the youngest billionaire in history, and the youngest self-made billionaire ever, according to Forbes, which included Jenner on its list of the world’s billionaires, released on Tuesday.

Forbes defines “self-made” as someone who “built a company or established a fortune on her own, rather than inheriting some or all of it.”

Jenner took the title from Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, who became a billionaire in 2008 at age 23, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates held it in 1987 at age 31.

The reality star gained a majority of her aforementioned fortune through her makeup company Kylie Cosmetics, which found success through online sales.

However, Kylie Cosmetics inked a deal to distribute products exclusively in Ulta stores in November 2018, according to Forbes.

kylie cosmetics

This reportedly resulted in $54.5 million worth of sales and contributed to a 9 percent revenue increase for the company with an estimated $360 million. 

Forbes estimated that Kylie Cosmetics is now worth at least $900 million.

She’s the most financially successful member of the Jenner-Kardashian family: Her older half-sister Kim Kardashian West has an estimated net worth of $350 million.

We Deserve More than just One Song from Trevor D & Muridzo

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We Deserve More than just One Song from Trevor D & Muridzo

Having Trevor Dongo and Andy Muridzo on one song is like spreading honey on both sides of your bread.

It’s the best of both sides.

Trevor D and Andy Muridzo are guaranteed to melt the hearts of your girlfriends whether they whisper or cough into the microphone.

They voices are that good! And we deserve more than just one song from the two.

Since Tongai Moyo and Somandla Ndebele last dropped their collaborative album Moyo Wekurera in the 90s, there hasn’t been anything to challenge it yet.

On Mutumbu Nyekete, both musicians proved they can sing pretty much anything and make it sound amazing.

My fear after hearing news of the collaboration was that the two, because they possess the most beautiful vocals,were going to outshine each other.

It wasn’t the case as each artist brought in an equally incredible amount of emotion in their voice.

We manged to get an explanation from Trevor Dongo about the song which has a rather rich Shona title.

“Mutumbu Nyekete talks about happiness without boundaries, it’s about a guy inviting a girl to the dance floor admiring her moves to the African sound,” he explained.

He also told Zimbuzz that collaborating with Muridzo wasn’t that difficult saying the two that their vocal ranges compliment each other perfectly.

“The productions side also gave listeners an opportunity to experience Tman’s versatility as he is mainly known as a dancehall producer,” said Dongo.

Listen to the song below

Mbo Mahocs dared to Dream at the SAFTAs

Michael Shoko
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Mbo Mahocs dared to Dream at the SAFTAs

Zimbabwean actress and TV Host, Mbo Mahocs looked super chic from head to toe as she ‘dared to dream’ at the South African Film and Television Awards.

This year’s theme was ‘Dare to dream.’

The SAFTAs happened in South African at Sun City on Saturday.

Mbo presented the last and biggest award of the ceremony – Best Telenovela/Soapie award alongside fellow actor Andile Gumbi.

Mbo brought her fire to the red carpet and stage in her show-stopping white floral dress with a sexy high slit.

She completed her bold look with gorgeous gold strappy high heels cementing her position as one of the most stylish celebs around.

Mbo Mahocs

Mbo Mahocs grabbed hearts in South Africa after getting a role as Chichi on ETV Scandal – one of South Africa’s biggest television soapies.

Sha has been rising higher, proving to be a gem in the film and television industry. 

Enzo Ishall, Jah Signal, Baba Harare, Mebo stare NAMA glory

Michael Shoko
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Enzo Ishall, Jah Signal, Baba Harare, Mebo stare NAMA glory

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has announced nominees for the 18th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) are on course.

This year’s NAMA will be held in Harare on 23 March 2019 at Harare International Conference Centre.

2018 breakout kid Obert Chari has landed his biggest nominee yet in the Outstanding Song category.

He battles it out with fellow favourites Jah Signal (Sweetie ) and Enzo Ishall’s Kanjiva.

Big boys Winky D and Jah Prayzah are notable absentees with Jah’s consolation coming through video director Vusa Blaqs who directed Dzamutsana.

Another of 20118 sensation Baba Harare also got a nomination in Outsndaing Male.

Star FM Awards’s biggest winner ExQ got a double nomination in Outstanding Male Musician and Outstanding album for Tseu Tseu

Here is the complete lis of the 18TH NAMA NOMINEES

  1. SPOKEN WORD AWARDS

Outstanding Poet

Mercy Dhliwayo   –  aka Extreme Sanity

Likhwa Ncube  –  aka  Likhwa okaNcube

Beloved Maridzanere   –   aka Beloved Poet

Special Mention

Tanaka Tshuma aka ECTS

Outstanding Comedian

Sharon Chideu  –  aka Magi

Dumisani H. Ndlovu –   aka Maforty-forty

Learnmore Mwanyenyeka  –  aka Long John

  • LITERARY ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding First Creative Published Book

Gather the Children  by   Batsirai Chigama   [Ntombekhaya Poetry]

Kwaisava Kuda Kwangu  by Victor Zivanayi and Telmore Mutiwazuka [Progressive Publishers]

Ndinobvunzawo Njira Inoende KwaMakasa  by  Takesure Taringana    [Dzekanyi Publications]

Outstanding Children’s Book

My Rights and Other Poems  by   Pentecost Mate     [Pentolacut Publishers]

The City Girl    by  Elisha July and Tendai K. Rudanda   [Pass-Point Publishers]

Outstanding Fiction

Itai  by Abraham  Makamera   [Pearl Press Media] 

Mazai Emheni  by  Daniel Mutendi  [DanTs Media Publishing]

  • THEATRE AWARDS

Outstanding Actor

Teddy Mangawa  in Ukama

Ronald Sigeca in Zandezi

Cedric Msongelwa  in Zandezi

Outstanding Actress

Heather Mlingo in  Ukama

Chido Tenga  in  Deep Down Inside

Qeqeshiwe Mtambo in  The Hostel

Outstanding Theatrical Production

Operation Restore  Regasi  by Charles Munganasa

Ukama  by  Savanna Trust

1983: The Dark Years  by Adrian Moyo

Outstanding Director

Lloyd  Nyikadzino   for      Zandezi

Everson Ndlovu      for      Deep Down Inside

Thulani Mbambo    for      The Hostel

  • DANCE AWARDS

Outstanding Female Dancer

Chaleen Chimara in  Iwe Neni Tinebasa

Vein N. Alfazema  in  Black Sheep

Michelle Msopero   in         Chasing Dreams

Outstanding Male Dancer

Sean Mambwere   in Know Him

Devante T. Sangaza  in  My Journey Towards Success

Martin Chabuka  in 100% Afro

Outstanding Dance Group

Real Flex Dance Group   directed by Martin Chabuka

Ji  Lin Dance Group  directed by Devante Tatenda Sangaza

Bolamba Performing Arts  directed by Mthabisi Dube

Outstanding Choreographer

Martin Chabuka –  100% Afro

Macintosh Jerahuni & Chaleen Chimara  –  Iwe Neni Tinebasa

Sean Mambwere  – Know Him

  • VISUAL ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding 2 Dimensional Work

Light Over Dark  by Cosmas Shiridzinomwa

The Demolition  by John Kotze

The Patriarch (Revisited) by  Percy Manyonga

Outstanding 3 Dimensional Work

Zvirimudombo by Shelton Mubayi

Protection by Israel Israel

The Orchestic Night by Givemore Mushaya

Outstanding Mix Media Work

Man From the Thirsty Land  by  Collins Chitaka

The Watchman and the Fence I  by Greg Shaw

Whose Memory Whose Place by  Neville Sterling

Outstanding Exhibition

Forever Neverland by  Valerie Kabov

To My Unborn Child by Valerie Kabov

The Grotesque  by  Alan Sibanda & Talent Kapadza

  • FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS

Outstanding Actor

Patrick Muzondiwa  as  Tebogo in Kuchina The Genesis

Eddie Sandifolo  as  Clive in Bhachi

Stephen Chigorimbo  as  David in Ghost of Actions Past

Special Mention  Admire Kuzhangaira   –  in Death and Other Complications

Outstanding Actress

Nothando Nobengula   as  Ana in Daddy’s Present

Brooke Ann Franklin   as  Laura in Ghost of Actions Past

Tendaishe Chitima  as  Anesu in Cook Off

Outstanding Music Video

Tinomutenda Neyi produced by Andy Sobhuza ft. Janet Manyowa

Dzamutsana produced by  Vusa Hlatshayo ft.  Jah Prayzah

Tekere produced by Andy Sobhuza ft. Tamy Moyo

Outstanding Screen Production (Television Series)

Muzita Rababa   directed by  Shem Zemura

Kuchina The Genesis directed by  Blessing Gatsi

Tunga  directed by  Willard Magombedze

Special Mention

Gaza  directed by Ben Mahaka

Outstanding Screen Production – Short Film

Bhachi  directed by Shupai Kamunyaru

My Best Friend  directed by Derby Bheta

Scourge   directed by Eddie Sandifolo

Outstanding Screen Production –  Full Length Film

Daddy’s Present  directed by Lucia Kanyongo

Death and Other Complications   directed by Shem Zemura

Cook Off  directed by Thomas Brickhill

  • MEDIA AWARDS

Outstanding Journalist – Print

Kenneth Nyangani – Newsday

Fred Zindi  –  Standard

Plot Mhako  – Herald

Outstanding Journalist – Television

Mhlomuli Ncube     –  ZTV

Patience Nyagato   – ZTV

Outstanding Journalist – Radio

Tariro Mazvarirofa aka Mai Judah   –   Star FM

Babongile Sikhonjwa  –  Sky Metro FM

Patience Musa & Nhire Mutimbanepasi  – ZiFM

Outstanding Online Media

Capitalk

Zol Connect

Urban Culxure

  • MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Female Musician

Thamsanqa Moyo aka Tamy

Janet Manyowa

Sandra Ndebele

Outstanding Male Musician

Stephen K. Mamhere aka Enzo Ishall

Enoch Munhenga aka ExQ

Braveman Chizvino aka Baba Harare

Outstanding Album

Grateful  by  Janet Manyowa

Ntunjambila  by Majahawodwa Ndlovu aka Jeys Marabini

Tseu Tseu by Enock Munhenga aka ExQ          

Dzinosvika Kure by Alick Macheso

Outstanding Song

Sweetie by Nicodimus Mutize aka Jah Signal

Khal’uphethe by Clemence Ncube aka Magwaza

Kanjiva by Stephen K. Mamhere aka Enzo Ishal

Mebo by Obert Chari

  • SPECIAL AWARDS

Artist in the Diaspora

Donel Mangena

Danai J. Gurira

Luckson Chikutu

Outstanding Promoter

2 Kings Entertainment

Unplugged

Events Evolution

Why this Pokello and Pepsi Advert is pure Genius!!

Michael Shoko
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Why this Pokello and Pepsi Advert is pure Genius!!

Pokello is arguably one of the most followed,most talked-about and admired Zimbabwean celebrities of our time.

Her star quality is extraordinary.

If you don’t know Pokello you are probably the most anti social human being on the planet.

This week she posted the above picture on Instagram, and we were taken back to seven years ago.

The last time Pepsi did an advert that drew global attention was in 2012 when the beverage company partnered with Beyonce in a $50m deal.

In the deal, Beyonce was going to be a creative partner and brand ambassador for the beverage brand, part of the company’s movement to go from sponsor to partner for musical artists.

It’s not the contents of the deal that we are concerned with, but rather the visual presentation.

Kill me for this…But since that famous Beyonce pic pushing a trolley load of Pepsi cans,there hasn’t been anything better until Pokello’s advert.

Pokello might have been engaged as a brand influencer for a couple of thousands but lawd did she nail it.

Inc.com webiste have a theory that they call ‘Playing With Our Mirror Neurons’.
Mirror neurons are cells in your brain that fire when you both act and watch someone else perform the same act.

Using the same theory it’s almost certain that a few instagramers will try to do the “Pokello Challenge” dress in blue, grab a 500ml bottle of Pepsi and ‘look cool like Poke’

And that’s why we think the ad is the most ingenious thing a Zim celebrity has ever done. Shout out to the creative team and IKD Photography.

We spoke to one branding enthusiast Martin Boka of Boka Group of Companies and also co-founder of AfricanFire AF International and BCE Diamonds to hear his thoughts.

“The Pepsi brand is part of Pokello’s social conversations in that image and not the other way round,” he said.

“The combination and synchronising of the Pepsi  brand colours with Pokello is on point.

“The red nail even though small, is quite loud and directs the viewer to the branded bottle cap, he noted.

“Pokello is a different breed of a person compared to most she understands the industry she’s in and it’s value chain,” said Mr Boka.

When Rachel J, Sniper, Squanda, Jah Love met Wonderful Things Happened

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When Rachel J, Sniper, Squanda, Jah Love met Wonderful Things Happened

In December last year Rachel J released the remix to her single Makwikwi and it came with a promise of a video.

We waited a whole 2 months the visuals are here and they are worth the wait.

She enlists the talents of Soul Jah Love, Lady Squanda and Sniper Storm and magic happened.

The first scene of the music video begins with an establishing shot of what appears to be Rachel J chairing a board meeting.

She seats authoritatively in the chair’s seat and the room is full of men, all taking instruction from the boss lady.

We then get a first glance of Sniper Storm and it also appears he is one of Rachel J’s subbordinates at work.

After the meeting we would later see the same Sniper bringing a single rose to her boss,what utter guts! asking out the person who pays your salary.

But the rejection is blunt and epic, Rachel tell Sniper in the lyrics that she is top class and in demand and would not date low-lifers!

In the same scene another hopeful walks into Rachel’s big office but with a bouquet of roses, an improvement from Snipers’s single rose lol. But he too gets the boot.

Lady Squanda comes through dropping her bars reinforcing the narrative that the girls will not settle for just a guy, she too wants one with the dosh.

The song is Makwikwi, translated Competition and the contest is real.

Squanda delivers some strong bars saying she doesn’t care about his house or big car, all she needs is a guy who throws money at her like a church offering.

And did we mention how the two females are oozing in sexiness!! ???

And as usual Soul Jah Love reminds us that he still conquerers any beat thrown his way.

Rachel takes charge of the song as she maintains the role of performing the chorus with Sniper also having more share of the song.

We loved how Rachel changed her look from coperate to hip hop classic to a fiery Biker lady.

A new lease of life has been breathed into this song and the classic video releases trend continues.

Watch Makwikwi below

#NewMusic: Zim artists Kazz, Calprit team up with Bahrain DJ Jackson

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#NewMusic: Zim artists Kazz, Calprit team up with Bahrain DJ Jackson

Bahraini based spinner DJ Jackson teams up with Zimbabweans Carlprit and Kazz Mr Boomslang on his latest single Your Body

This is our first time laying hands on DJ Jackson’s work and wow he makes music to get lost in.

The effect form the music raptures them both in body and spirit, to a different musical ecstasy world.

The video starts off with some existential mind boggling experience, the lads are offered a chance to test a latest range of headsets.

Buoyed by his recent Star FM Music Award for best artist in the diaspora Kazz throws his deliveries with such seductiveness it will have every female with a body popping like a balloon.

German-Zimbabwean rapper Carlprit was impressive with how he has absorbed the disparate influences of many cultures into a rap style that he can claim to be only unique to himself.

Your Body music video was shot in the Kingdom of Bahrain during the 2018 Formula One Gran Prix.

Both Carlprit and Kazz were present for the filming, as well as for a surprise performance during the Grand Prix finale at one of Bahrains hottest beach and night life locations, the Coral Bay.

The Video features a rich cast from all walks of life, models from Spain, Venezuela, Colombia and Ukraine.

And for good measure a cameo appearance from Arabian socialite and big screen diva, Shaima Sabt, who boasts of one million plus Instagram followers.

Watch Your Body Below

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