FeaturedMusic
Fireworks from Blessing Chimanga
If anyone still thinks of Blessing "Bled" Chimanga as a "young," "aspiring,"or "upcoming" musician, they are mistaken. Bled has officially come of age.
Other Arts & Culture Issues
When We Start Stealing Teapots
There are many things these days in Zim that make your heart sink. But when young Zimbabwean creatives have their hard work – their intellectual property - stolen, appropriated, copied, misused, it almost literally makes our blood boil!
Music
Too Young, Too Soon – a Tribute to Chiedza Brown
Tonight I’m sitting with my three-week old daughter in my arms, with Chiwoniso’s “Usa Cheme” playing on repeat, tears streaming down my face while I think about my dear friend, the late Chiwoniso, and the awful news today of the tragic passing of her younger daughter, Chiedza Brown. I wonder how Chi felt when she held Chiedza; what dreams she had for her baby girl’s life.
Music
Music That Matters from Harare Students
When I first met Theresa Muteta I was struck by her boundless energy at an early-morning Zumbathon at Westgate Mall. What I didn’t know then is that she brings that same energy and enthusiasm to not only her world-encompassing musical performances, but also the non-profit organization she co-founded with Elisha Herema, Let The Children Play.
zz People
Saki and Soukaina’s Tips for Parenting Artistic Kids
Too often, particularly in Zimbabwe, parents discourage their children from pursuing a career in the arts; a career path they may be passionate about. But we met up with two artists - Saki Mafundikwa and Soukaina Edom - who have supported their son to do just that, despite having first hand knowledge of how volatile the industry can be.
zz People
Zimbos Representing: Ticha Mafundikwa, Journalism Graduate
Tichakunda Mafundikwa is a talented young Zimbo who recently graduated from State University of New York, New Paltz, with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. We picked him as a ‘Zimbo Representing’ because not only has he persevered with an academic track we thoroughly approve of, that not many Zimbos follow, but check out the crowd of Zimbos who turned up at his graduation!
Travel
Restaurant Week: Sizzling Sensations at Pariah State
Who knew Pariah State (Borrowdale) could provide such a chilled setting on a Friday afternoon? Usually a bustling nightclub-like setting, Pariah provided couples, families, and men simply looking for an afternoon drink, a lazy space to chill. Add outstanding food, and you have a winning combination.
Music
Will Ammara Make Magic at Miombo?
The talented Ammara Brown will this weekend have her Miombo Magic debut when she joins a number of Zimbabwean musical superstars to hit the sleepy Christon Bank community with their music.
Music
Manuel Bagorro in Intense Musical Twosome
What happens when Manuel Bagorro takes off his festival director’s hat and lets the artist in him manifest in the most primal form? We’re not sure, but we think his performance with the KZN Philharmonic String Quartet on Sunday gives us some pretty solid clues.
Music
KZN Classical Quartet Continues to Impress
Their first HIFA recital was so delightful, we just had to catch one of the busy KZN Quartet’s other six HIFA performances, titled “Clarinet and Strings.” The HIFA crowd had definitely gotten wind of their high standard performances, as the NMB Recital Room was much fuller than the previous show of theirs that we attended.