Kwekwe podium, a weekly engagement hub of local artistes on which they gather to exchange notes and promote upcoming musicians, has paid dividends and livened up the entertainment-starved mining town.
By Brenna Matendere
The forum has since seen several artistes and dance groups being groomed and subsequently dishing out live performances at city joints, which had lost lustre due to non-activity.
Some of the artistes who are now the proud products of Kwekwe Podium include Silas Muchemwa, the Afro-switch frontman whose afro-fusion music is rocking the airwaves and sending fans into delirium at live shows. Aggabu Nyabinde, son of jazz maestro Bob Nyabinde, is also another offshoot of the podium who has found the touch in music circles.
Kwekwe gospel sensation Spencer Mugoni has also learnt the ropes at the hub and is now charming Christians and strengthening their faith through song and dance. Terry and The Bliss crew, who at one time got the glory to share the stage with Oliver “Samanyanga” Mtukudzi, are also another success story of Kwekwe podium.
Tawanda “Bantuman I” Jumo, the founding arts director at Kwekwe Podium, said he was humbled by the success of the project.
“We have managed to unite local artistes succesfuly killing the ‘competition spirit’ and promoting collaborations and team work,” he said.
“We have also encouraged the formation of more bands as there is now free access to music instruments, performance space, exposure and experience sharing at Kwekwe podium.”
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He added that artistes who were nurtured at the forum like poet Itai Sekeremo had gone on to win awards while some were faring well at national talent shows over and above providing entertainment to Kwekwe fun-loving folk.
“We have managed to attract sponsorship from city of Kwekwe who gave us space. Mr Bob Mazendami, a local businessman, has also been supporting us greatly while others are on the wings,” said Jumo.
National broadcaster ZTV has of late been beaming activities at Kwekwe Podium, while Zimdigital has come on board.
