 Cover of Neo Pitso's pre-album 'The Outlier'.
Neo Pitso started rapping at the age of 12 after he got a Tupac CD as a gift from his dad. He made a decision way back when that it was exactly what he wanted to do. He has never looked back and like many Creatives in their various fields, including myself, describes the feeling just before he gets on stage and during his performances as “the most euphoric feeling that I never want to end – the best feeling ever”. That feeling is addictive!
It just goes to show that once you set your heart and mind to something, anything is possible. Fast forward to less than 10 years later and even though Neo is unsigned to any record label, he has already supported and graced the same stages as international artists such as Nas, The Game, Bone Thugs n’ Harmony, Cassidy, Chingy and Jessica Mauboy (to name a few). He also has a song currently on Australian commercial radio, "The Other Man (feat. Jaeteen)".
 Neo Pitso (pictured with cap). His motivation: ‘If I miss practice for one day I know it, If I miss a week the critics know it, if I miss a month the public knows, I practice every single day! Because I know that I can NEVER make up for one day’s loss.’
I’m sure we are all wondering what principles he works by to achieve what he has today. Neo admits that he looks up to people with incredible work ethic, for example, Bruce Lee, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, Tupac and Denzel Washington. “Achieving success is possible if you work hard enough and never give up. I am not yet at my ultimate goal and I will not stop pushing. Every night I tell myself, okay you’re about to go to sleep for however many hours, while you’re sleeping someone out there is gonna be working harder than you - this is one of the ways I get myself to put in an extra hour or two into my music when I don’t feel like it.”
And what does Neo do when he’s not staying up all hours of the night to perfect his art? “I read a lot, I rarely watch TV - it’s definitely music and books for me. My favourite song of the moment is D.R.E.A.M.S. “
 Neo Pitso with R'n'B superstar Jessica Mauboy Well…I think Neo is a fine and inspiring example of the young, driven people we have growing up in our time and the fact that creativity in all forms should continue to be celebrated and supported. When I asked him what advice he would give to people wanting to follow in his footsteps he said, “belief can do wonders for you - don’t limit yourself. Don’t be afraid to dream big!”* New pre-album, The Outlier, now available here* Listen to his song currently playing on Australian commercial radio, The Other Man, here. *Keep an eye on his social media pages below for 2012 performance dates in Australia and South Africa *Facebook: Neo Pitso Music
*Twitter: @TheOnlyNeo
 More often than not, we hear and read countless information on the what's and how's of producing a great image coming from Models, Magazine Editors, Model trainers, Agencies etc, but in general, we don't tend to pay too much fuss to the crucial and humble being behind that camera - the one whose eyes capture what we visually feast on.
I was inspired to get the view of some photographers who I have worked with in Australia and Zimbabwe so as to enlighten models - and anyone else curious enough to take a peek into the eyes and minds of these valuable and talented Creatives.
And ahem...it was after much gruesome arm-twisting by one of the photographers I interviewed, Rudo, that I agreed to use a shot she took of me...(yes Rudo I actually printed this ha!).
Now - on to the nitty gritty....
 ETHOS PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUDO NYANGULU/INONZI MEMORY PHOTOGRAPHER
Photographer: Rudo Nyangulu
Location: Zimbabwe
Contact: http://www.ethos-photographic.blogspot.com; www.inonzi.co.zw
What is your top tip on how a model can make a connection with the camera?
Relax and pretend its not there BUT never lose posture or make faces (pull your face) even while changing position because the camera doesn't stop capturing you.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
1. Overthinking poses thereby becoming very mechanical;
2. Forgetting the purpose of the job/their brief - a model is always selling something (why are you at the shoot? are you selling hair? Makeup? Clothes? Jewellery?)
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
1. A model that listens;
2. Is willing to do whatever it takes to get the shot (in terms of climbing a tree or hanging out a window - that sort of thing);
3. Humility in her beauty and
4. Understated confidence.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
Fundamental! You can't work with a model who lacks professional conduct, is disrespectful, can't listen (or doesn't ask questions when they don't understand). Attitude comes right through the lens - fear, cockiness and pride - it all shows.
For me, a professional model is on time, doesn't act shy or self conscious but is conscious, listens, makes notes of instructions and carries them out, never complains or critiques the product being marketed (e.g. saying "thats an ugly dress" during a designer shoot).
What improvements can be made in the Zimbabwean print modelling industry?
We could value it more, work at it more, train models specifically for print rather than the mixed bag training they currently get and as photographers do more shoots with models, give them that experience and develop them.
 TIMECAPTURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographer: Ervin Katai
Location: Australia
Contact: www.timecapturephotography.com; www.enercozim.com/photographers
What is your top tip on how a model can make a connection with the camera?
When you step in front of the camera it's almost as though you become someone else, you become what the camera wants to see. Your eyes have to be alive, you have to engage with the camera. Models have to really become one with the camera, thats the difference between models and great models. Great models play up, flirt with the camera, they must be there, be excited and be present to the camera. Show a full range of emotions to become one of the great models.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
The modelling industry is very competitive and common mistakes include arriving at a shoot unprepared and not well rested. Other mistakes include not looking after your skin and being late - punctuality is always important on every shoot.
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
A model must have a good attitude, want to be photographed, enjoy the shoot and be creative. You must be dedicated, spend time and effort to constantly improve.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism?
A model's attitude can make a huge difference on the quality and outcome of the shoot. With a model who demonstrates a great attitude and willingness to participate and experiment on shoots, it's quite easy to create great images since she is enjoying the shoot and feels relaxed. When this is the case, the photographer also feels relaxed and enjoys working with the model. The photographer can thus become even more creative. It can take a lot of hard work to capture the right image and it makes a big difference if we work with someone who is creative and wants to experiment to get the right shot.
On the flip side - a bad model can treat you with disrespect and have an ego bigger than Mt. Everest. Usually those models are only there to get a few photos without any preparation, commitment and this is why many of those shoots ends in disaster with terrible images, the photographer lacks enthusiasm to shoot and wants the shoot wrapped up in a hurry.
I had the great pleasure to work with some very talented and dedicated models in the industry and that includes the author of this write up, Teurai. She's an excellent model, willing to learn, improve and try new experimental shoots.
When you stop learning, developing further, constantly improving and generally think you know it all..that is the time you are lost as a model.
 HERMAN CHIMUSORO
Location: Zimbabwe/USA
Contact: www.crosslinemusic.com
What is your top tip on how a model can make a connection with the camera?
Don't look at it as just a piece of equipment, it's your window to a world audience. Look at it as though you are looking into the eyes of your audience.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
1. Being self conscious can easily be picked up by the camera.
2. Be who you are and don't try to be someone else - it's your moment, I want to see you, the person who is before me.
What attributes do you value the most when working with a model?
1. Self respect and confidence.
2. Joy in what they have chosen to do.
3. Smiling while doing their job.
4. Professionalism.
How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism? Time is key - don't be late, and when you know you going to be late COMMUNICATE. Give an estimate of how long you are going to be. Respect the photographer - when he feels good, he makes you look good. What improvements can be made in the Zimbabwean print modelling industry?In Zimbabwe the perception of and planning of modelling needs attention. Corporate involvement can also be improved. There are too many sad news items on how models are treated.
PRIMAL IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographer: Mia Huddleston
Location: Australia
Contact: www.enercozim.com/photographers
What is your top tip on how a model can connect with the camera?
I always tell my models to relax and be themselves. It is
up to the photographer to make them feel comfortable and safe. Once the model relaxes, they will start to feel like the camera is their
friend.
What are 2 common mistakes made by models?
For me, this would be when models don’t follow the photographer’s direction or are not willing to take risks in order to get unique images. Another very common mistake is when models pull faces or “grimace”. This is why it is really important for the photographer to show the models some of the images early on in the shoot and encourage them to correct mistakes. What attributes do you value the most when working with a model? I really love working with models who have a passion for what they are doing. Models who have an open friendly attitude and good personality also improve the overall experience of working with them. How important is a model's attitude/professionalism to you when you work with him/her and can you give an example of what you consider to be professionalism? Professionalism in a model is everything, along with a positive attitude and plenty of self confidence, without being a “diva”. A lot of models I have attempted to shoot with have been unreliable, not showing up for the shoot, or not contacting me to cancel. Keeping appointments is imperative. What is the biggest improvement that can be made in the Australian print modelling industry? I believe that the biggest improvement that can be made in the Australian print industry is increasing representation of
multiculturalism. It is generally common to see the all Australian blond “beachy” types, however I would like to see a higher representation of indigenous models and other cultural groups who are now a big part of life in Australia. ...So models, it seems that amongst all these great tips, one of the biggest concerns is time-keeping. My hope is that you will take on all the advice of these professionals and use it positively. A BIG thank you to the photographers who took time out to give us their valuable insight!
*You can view some of the images in my portfolio at: www.teurai.com. *If you are in South Africa, Nigeria, UK and USA, you can download some of my images onto your mobile phone from www.enercozim.com.
 “I have learned that everyone is born with a sense of purpose. We were born to have dreams and to become winners” (Prosper Makumbe, Langx Media Studio)  Everyone has a story and each is important. This is certainly no exception for Zimbabwean-born Prosper Makumbe, a 23 year old Graphic Designer, currently living in Cape Town, South Africa. “I have learned that everyone is born with a sense of purpose. We were born to have dreams and to become winners”, says the inspirational Creative. Prosper is the Founder of Langx Media Studio, a graphic design company, which takes pride in producing advertising and marketing materials for local and international clients. Prosper is launching two clothing labels this year: africanMe Clothing and Langx Unltd Clothing Co. He is also the first Graphic Designer on Harare-based Enerco (Pvt) Ltd's platform, providing unique wallpaper images to mobile phone subscribers in South Africa, Nigeria, UK and USA (and in the near future - Zimbabwe).
He’s only 23 but is already focused on chasing his dreams. “Designing has always been my passion. Following my dreams is one of the most difficult things I ever had to embark on. I made a decision to study Graphic Design, but at first it was a struggle to raise the thousands of dollars needed. From the experience, I learnt that oftentimes when your heart wants something so badly, doors will eventually open. Doors opened for my family and I to raise the fees needed and I soon found myself in Cape Town”. But Prosper won’t stop there – “I also have a passion for Photography, I love nature, so I am going to keep following my dreams and study for a Photography qualification next”.
I asked Prosper where he gets the inspiration to come up with his unique and African-inspired designs. He admitted that he visualises all sorts of creative designs, even in his sleep and whenever that happens, he must always rush to sketch it on a piece of paper and then work on perfecting it. Prosper is fortunate not to have gone through the roller coaster of societal and cultural reactions and emotions that sometimes accompany a decision to follow a creative, rather than a ‘professional’ path. “My inspiration also comes from my family, particularly my mother. My family understands my passion and my mother always says, if someone else can do it, what can stop you? I push even harder because my mother worked so tirelessly for us so that we could have all that we needed. It’s time she sits back, relaxes and enjoys some Langx Media earnings.”
Besides studying and being a business owner, Prosper also works part-time in a restaurant to support himself. And just how does he juggle everything? “I constantly multitask! Sometimes I'm up all night ensuring my clients’ designs are exactly how they want them. To be a king one day, you must first learn to work as a slave – one day I know it will pay off in a big way!”
Does he have any advice for young people wanting to pursue his career path? “Don’t follow a career path just because that’s what your parents want you to do – if you're passionate about becoming a carpenter, study carpentry. If you do something you enjoy, you will wake up everyday looking forward to going to work. And if you fail as you go along remember that sometimes when you fall, you don’t have to lie there thinking you will never walk - all you need to do is get up and continue with your path. It’s all about being positive, staying focused and ultimately you will reap the fruits of success!!”
Finally, what’s on Prosper’s list of long-term goals? It is so encouraging to see young people such as himself dream big! “I would love to see my Design and Clothing companies become successful within Africa and on an international level. What an honour and joy it would be for people to walk into stores to buy clothes that I designed. I recently received an offer from a company, Absolute World Group, to market to their South African-based customers…I am so excited and hopeful for the future.”
And as if that wasn’t enough, Prosper, recognises the need to use his blessed position to bless others in the future. “I believe in giving back to the community around me, so I would like to set up a charitable Foundation one day”.
Everyone has a story and each is important. Prosper, thank you for sharing yours with ours.Fb profile : www.facebook.com/pmakumbeFb page : www.facebook.com/langxmediaTwitter : @Langx4Sho Click here to download his designs from Enerco.
 “In my teens, acceptance that I had a unique gift and that I was destined to live a life of creativity, was what pushed me to pursue my talent further.”Davina Green is a 24 year old with a phenomenal voice. Her singing career started very early - it was always within her. She began singing at school, church and social events from the age of 7. She grew up being inspired by artists such as Madonna, Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. However, it is only in the last year that her dream began to manifest in incredible ways. “After dedicating a few months to writing and recording, in September 2011, I finally took a leap of faith and released my first single “Everytime” online. The response so far has been good. Allowing people to download it for free has helped in getting more people to listen to it. It’s already playing on Zimbabwean, Australian and UK radio stations. I have also performed in Cape Town, Durban and Harare”. The road has not been easy though. In previous years, Davina took a shot at taking her creativity to the next level when she attempted to record and release her music several times, but was let down by something/someone each time. It is encouraging to learn that sometimes when we follow our passions and we fail, it doesn’t mean that we weren’t supposed to pursue our talent – it may not be the time/season for it. “Fast forward a couple of years - I decided to try again, but this time I didn’t rely on anyone to make it happen, I did it myself!” Davina is a perfect example of a young girl with brains and creative talent under her belt. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Laws in Durban, South Africa. She balances her studies and her music by recording and performing during the semester breaks so that when she is back at university, she focuses only on her studies. Despite all the attention she is getting from her music, Davina’s personality comes across as one filled with humility. “It gets a little overwhelming, particularly since it’s all still very new to me. Although this career involves performing in front of and interacting with many people, I’m actually a very shy person. So when I am getting a lot of attention it can be slightly awkward. When I read articles about myself or hear a DJ talking about my song, I have to ask myself, ‘Are they really talking about me?’ I’ve managed to stay grounded mainly because I have a wonderful Mum who taught my siblings and I to be humble. Also, the fact that I know I haven’t made it keeps me very grounded. I need to stay focused, there’s still a lot to be done.” So what would be Davina’s definition of making it? “My biggest dream for my career right now is for it to go further than Zimbabwe or Africa, I think it’s time that the world saw that Zimbabwe can also produce Rn’B stars that can mix with the best of them. I also definitely want my career and story to inspire and help others. I have always believed that we are blessed so as to become blessings to others, so whatever I achieve I need to make sure it’s also helping other people along the way”. Like many, Davina believes that there is so much talent in the country. However, she is saddened by a prevalent belief that Zimbabweans cannot compete with other countries when it comes to Hip Hop and R&B. “We shouldn’t settle for just making it in Zimbabwe, whilst noone knows who we are anywhere else. I would also love to see more people supporting local music - buying it, listening to it and requesting it on the radio etc. For the industry to go further, I also believe artists should realise that they need to work together. It’s counterproductive for us to be focusing on silly feuds or wanting to bring each other down”. As a young, confident woman she is such an inspiration to those who would like to pursue a path similar to hers. To them, she says “if you want something, fight for it and don’t let anyone tell you that you can't have it. Artists like Beyonce are the epitome of what a star is - whether you love or hate her, she works hard and makes sure she’s always on top of her game. I would love to be as good and as successful at what I do as she is one day..and I believe I will be". “Believe in yourself and plan - you’ve got to see it to achieve it”. Surround yourself with like-minded positive people who encourage you and have your best interests at heart. Lastly, never stop praying, asking and thanking God for His guidance in everything you do”.*Click here to listen to her phenomenal voice in 'Everytime'
 Geri-Leigh Diana: back to her African roots I haven’t written anything on my personal blog for so long, but it feels good rekindling the fire with my first love, after ignoring ‘him’ for so long. I wanted to write about something that resonated with my spirit and that I am willing to share after my 5 month trip back to Zimbabwe. Besides primarily returning home to spend time with my father, I had promised myself that during this trip home, I would dig a little deeper into the many issues that I often asked myself and had never had the chance to or couldn’t delve into, the last time I had visited in December 2010.
I remember having visited home a few years previously and I was so bored simply because a majority of the people I grew up with - my family, classmates etc were living outside of Zimbabwe. What I loved when I went back this time, was that so many people I had last met or spoke to from five to ten years ago, had moved back home permanently, so I had plenty of people to meet up with and talk to. Their decisions made me question myself and think of how hard it is living in the Diaspora sometimes. Even though you stay afloat financially and have certain minor “comforts” that are absent from home – how about all the other things that I had inadvertently sacrificed: family, friendships and the ties that lovingly bolt my soul to the Motherland? How about that disconnectedness I have felt, for example, riding in a train in the Diaspora, staring at a sea of faces and life whizzing past me through the big, glass windows?
Besides meeting up with old friends, I made many new ones and met many inspiring, talented, creative people; people who aren’t afraid to dream and are seizing and living what they are passionate about at this very moment. One of the beautiful people I met was Geri-Leigh Diana. Geri is a Zimbabwean-born Freelance Writer. She is the Sub-Editor for Zimbo Jam and writes for publications such as Hello Harare; GPI; Jewel magazine and Baobabwe. She also recently got invited to be the Editor on a project for Tourism in Zimbabwe.
By her own admission, she came out into the world “beaming”, which the doctor thought was wind, but her mother insisted was a smile. I tend to favour her mother’s perception: my immediate thought when I met her for the first time at Cafe 'Allo 'Allo on Herbert Chitepo Avenue, was that she radiated a powerfully-positive, innocent and beaming energy.
As Geri and I got to know each other, my curiosity got the better of me and I asked her what exactly had made her decide to come back home permanently. Geri said, “In 2003, I moved to London, the supposed land of milk and honey. I was shocked to find that 12 million souls lived in such a small space, that it rained all the time and there wasn’t much sunshine. I soon learnt to stop greeting everyone on the streets as they thought I might be penga for being so friendly. I wasn’t crazy, I was just Zimbabwean. The consumer society saddened me and made me homesick for a country where people knew the real value of life. I cheered myself up by writing a lot about home. After six years I decided to return to the source of my inspiration; the country where I felt alive; where my experiences weren’t shallow and where my heart wasn’t numb - the mother land: Zimbabwe”.
Like me, Geri has been writing for as long as she can remember. There is something about writing that takes us both to an abyss where nothing matters, but the fire you feel in your heart in that space and time when you are speaking from your soul and expressing yourself through written word. Geri continued to nurture her “first love” by sharing her stories in a creative writing class in London and with loving encouragement from her husband, she got the courage to write full time.
“Being a writer in Zimbabwe is the same as being a musician or any other Creative artist: you do it for the love, the passion and before long, you also start earning money from it. I will always be grateful for the encouragement I got from my husband because since I began working as a Writer, I am finally feeling alive when I think of the word, career”.
Geri shares the same hope that I do for Creative artists in Zimbabwe: “I hope the Arts and Culture industry expands to the point where we can get a better income. I am inspired daily by the people that I meet. To me, it is no coincidence that the majority of the best authors in Africa come from Zimbabwe. It reflects the multitude of talented people that spring up in this place. Is it lay lines, is it something in the water? I don’t know, but I do think that it is not something to flippantly dismiss. The musicians, the writers, the dancers, all our artists are national treasures that must be cherished”.
And who are the authors who inspire her? “One of my favourite Zimbabwean authors is Charles Mungoshi. I admire how he manages to condense language into a state of fine precision. His poetry reminds me of the Japanese haikus and I like writers who can subtly allude to the undercurrents. If I read a book that takes me to a place and time, and if I think about the characters long after the last page has been turned, then I have read a good book. The last book that did that to me was ‘Shantaram’ by Gregory Roberts”.
Besides writing, Geri also loves live music, interacting with people and dancing. Dancing is my umbilical cord to spirituality and writing is my prayer to the cosmos. I am aware of the social responsibility that comes with writing, and I believe that we must not just write one story of Africa. It is beyond thinking that we have elephants in our back yards. The outside world has a perception of Africa that is narrow and limited. Writers can contribute to changing that perception, story by story. I gauge my success according to the opportunities I create for others. It’s baby steps at the moment, but looking back years from now I will find that I went on a spiritual journey.” *To learn more about the writer, Teurai, go to www.teurai.com & http://cancertrust.wordpress.com
 Abra Simzz is the Executive music Producer, Public Relations, Booking Agent and responsible for Artist Relations for ABRA Tribe.
He is back on Zimbabwean soil this week and his homecoming is being celebrated in style with an “Abra Simzz Welcome Party”, which is being held on Saturday 16 July. It promises to be a bash to remember with a dazzling list of appearances and performances by several talents. The dazzling list includes Stunner; Abra DJ’s Nash and Kritical; Sniper Storm; King Shaddy and Cynthia Mare; just to mention a few.
As a producer, Simzz has continued to grow over the years and consequently, so has Abra Tribe as a production company. Abra Tribe has numerous hits which have graced the Zimbabwe national airwaves, such as “Rise Up Zimbabwe” and “Born Champions”, the monster tracks executive produced by Simzz. In 2011 alone, they have worked on numerous projects, including the release of a powerfully-inspirational and empowering track called, “We are Africans”, which featured Jusa Dementor; Bkay n Kazz; Cynthia Mare; Roby Gee; Jonah Sithole; TK Paradza and the long-awaited return of Decibel. The track belongs to the Nigerian star, JJc, who also shot the video which currently plays on MTV Base, Channel O and other African music networks. 2011 also saw them collaborate with Jamaica Hawkeye, in a track called, “Imagine If”, which was on the charts on Power Fm.
I asked Simzz what he thinks of the current state of the Zimbabwean Music industry. “I believe the Zimbabwean Music industry is very healthy. The Zimbabwean Dancehall industry is particularly alive and kicking. The amount of talent coming out of the country is amazing. I think the industry is growing rapidly and in a few years will be recognised across Africa as one of the best alongside Nigeria & South Africa.” In keeping in line with my vision of encouraging others, I had to ask what his advice is to those who aspire to be a success in the music industry. “Any young artists need to realize that this is a business and I can tell you now that sadly, it does not just require talent to make a name for yourself. The most important thing to remember is that hard work always pays off in the end, so keep grinding, but ensure you have a goal and a clear vision.”
Abra Tribe is continuously making moves to expose the raw talent in the Motherland and as such have recently signed a few local Zimbabwean producers and artists, in the hopes of expanding locally and internationally, raising our flag high. Some of the artists are Lady Bee, “the Zim Dancehall Queen”, as she has been crowned; Abra Josmas and Ziggy Zee (producer/artist).
And last but not least, on a lighter note...who are some of Simzz’s favourite artists? “There are too many to mention, but a few artists I have followed for a while are Dflex, Rickie Perplex and Dhadza D. I am yet to work with the first two, but I’m currently working on something with Dhadza D.”
*SUPPORT SIMZZ/ABRA TRIBE:www.abratribe.comwww.twitter.com/simzabrawww.soundcloud.com/simzabra2www.jusaonline.com*ABRA WELCOME PARTYDate: Saturday, 16 July 2011
Venue: Redfox Hotel (opposite Honeydew Farm), Greendale, Harare
Time: 9pm – 4am
*To learn more about the writer, Teurai, see www.teurai.com and www.elizabethchanakira.org
 "My balloon please" (Fungaifoto) Fungai Tichawangana is many things, too many to mention in a blog. He is amongst other titles, the Founder/Managing Editor of Zimbo Jam, Zimbabwe’s Award-winning Arts & Culture website, Web Designer and Writer. He is also the husband of the late Shingie Chimuriwo (Zimbo Jam’s First Lady), who was an inspirational figure in the Zimbabwean Creative Arts industry. I have always admired that they always spoke out against injustices in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world. Furthermore, it is important for us to speak out against the injustice of the handling of Shingie’s case, after she passed away in a car crash in early 2011.
Fungai can often be seen at numerous Arts & Culture events in Zimbabwe, camera in hand. And this is where we see the creative work of ‘Fungaifoto’ (his photography name), the subject of my focus in this blog. I chose to focus on Fungaifoto because of my deep passion for photographic modelling asa way of telling stories and creating expressive art. And how often have we seen interviews/profiles on Zimbabwean photographers? Rarely! So whilst I’m in Zimbabwe, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to highlight one of many, as a prime example of our blossoming Creative Arts industry.
I also had the blessed opportunity to work with Fungaifoto, when he photographed me for the Zimbo Jam. There wasn’t a dull moment! Fungai enjoys capturing uncommon angles and perspectives, thus we shot in a disused industrial factory in Harare, which included, amongst other things, climbing onto thin metal drainage with Lady Gaga inspired heels, scanning for rats before a pose…albeit, all the adventure I love in photo shoots (no, seriously,haha I do love it!).
The creative expression that is ‘Fungaifoto’ started when he was twelve, when a visiting aunt and uncle bought a new camera, which fascinated him and aroused his curiosity of photography. Having been given the camera, he constantly saved pocket money for weeks to buy film for it. Things really took off when he was at university, became part of a student publication called Vision Magazine and started photographing lectures, student demonstrations, shows, etc.
His inspiration is fired by his love of photographing people doing every day things: chatting to the neighbour, sweeping the yard, praying at church, etc and by human interaction, by how one person's actions affect everyone else, which he tries to bring out in his pictures. He is a big fan and has learnt a lot from watching the work of Zimbabwean photographers such as Jekesai Njikizana, Annie Mpalume, Ezekiel Mutasa, Dave Brazier and Laurie & Jon McPherson, who take their work to the level of art.
I asked Fungai what he thinks of the Photography Industry in Zimbabwe and what changes he would like to see within the next five years. “There is an amazing amount of talent in Zimbabwe. I am awed by some of the work I see by young photographers here. The only challenge is that there aren't too many platforms for their work to be seen. As the Publishing Industry takes off and the Internet becomes more omnipresent in the country, the next five years will see photography taking off and being taken more seriously as a profession and an art form. As of now, I'd like to see people take photographers more seriously and pay them their due worth.” Rightly so! Creatives use their brains just as much as a person in other jobs that societies and cultures worldwide, often expect them to take instead.
I have always wondered who/what is Fungaifoto’s dream to photograph? “I would REALLY like to photograph a U2 or Beyonce concert, partly because it would be so challenging to bring out something that has not been brought out before and because I've heard that their live shows are truly awesome. I would also love to photograph a conference of world leaders. Thirdly, I have a list of under-the-radar Zimbabweans who have made major contributions to this country who I would be honoured to interview and photograph. Oh, for more time in a day!”
And for those wanting to follow a career in photography, Fungai’s advice is, “photography is a practical business. Whether it's your hobby or your profession, you have to get a camera, go out there and do it. The more you play around, the more you discover. I would also encourage you to read everything you can about the craft: books, magazines, websites, etc. Understanding of the theory will take you from being a 'cameraman' to being a 'photographer'.”
**S upport Fungaifoto by checking out:www.fungaijames.com
www.zimbojam.com www.existdigital.com - Website development, Online marketing, Mailing lists www.defzee.com - Zimbabwe's newest, freshest website for young people * To learn more about the writer, Teurai, visit www.teurai.com and www.elizabethchanakira.org. Click here to support ‘Teurai Chanakira Model’ on Facebook.
 On Saturday 18 June 2011, I attended the monthly Mashoko! Spoken Word Event at the Book Café in Harare. The event was started in 2007 by MAGAMBA! Cultural Activist Network, an organisation which aims to counteract social and political injustice through avenues, such as those of self-expression through its spoken word events. Mashoko, which features some of the most inspirational performers in Zimbabwe, is one branch of Magamba! which emphasises more on performance and the need to connect with society. That natural connection is the reason why it has received such a warm following.
What made the event so exciting is that there was a whole mixed bag of creative performances – from standup comedy, hip-hop performances such as that of Upmost and poetry, which were all fused with live music and amusing commentary from the host, Comrade Fatso. The most sensational and memorable performance was by the beautiful poet, Batsirai Chigama. She recited Maya Angelou’s “And Still I Rise", a poem which she contextualised to fit in with her Zimbabwean roots, some of the lines getting ovations and a few male members of the audience rushing in front of the stage to bow down to this African Queen.
One has to look deeper than its powerful performances to understand the significance of Mashoko. In the budding Creative Arts Industry in Zimbabwe, it provides a ray of light for people to use self-expression as a way of freedom and defining their hopes for themselves, the country and the future, within an environment that is safe and supportive. It is also one of the events that is breaking the stigma attached to being in the Creative Arts industry, reflected for example, in the minimal occurrence of paid or highly-paid work in our industry. This is saddening when you look at the high talent of Zimbabweans and this is arguably why we find many of our talent, becoming more successful (perhaps even just financially) outside of Zimbabwe. But like many others, I have hope for a bright future for our talented creatives.
*SUPPORT MASHOKO! Spoken word event by joining the group on Facebook: click here!
*To learn more about the writer, Teurai, see www.teurai.com and www.elizabethchanakira.org. Support ‘Teurai Chanakira Model’ on Facebook by clicking here.
 In April 2011, I found myself flying back home to Zimbabwe. The last time I had flown back from Melbourne, was in November 2010, during which my mother sadly passed away after a 7-year battle with cancer. In February 2011, my father fell critically ill and I made an emergency trip back. He is much better now and I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with family and amongst my roots. Despite the tough past months that I have had, my outlook on life is to always make the most of seemingly negative situations.
Being a creative spirit, I have met so many inspiring, creative and talented individuals whilst I have been here. I have also taken the opportunity to continue the growth of the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust and to learn how the Zimbabwean Fashion Industry works by being involved in photo shoots, fashion shows and networking with so many different people. It only seems right to share these experiences in some form.
From this week, I will be featuring snippets of the positive events I am attending and short interviews of inspirational people I have met whilst in Zimbabwe.
The first featured person is the positive-minded Outspoken (known as Outspoken Alpha Intellect), an Underground Hip-Hop Emcee and Spoken Word artist and front runner to his band, Outspoken and the Essence. He is also the Co-Founder and Projects Facilitator for MAGAMBA! The Cultural Activist Network, an organisation which aims to counteract social and political injustice through avenues such as its spoken word events. One of these events is the powerfully-charged MASHOKO! Spoken-word event, which I attended last month and will be happily attending and blogging about this Saturday 18 June 2011.
Outspoken has too many accomplishments to mention here, but his resume includes performing at close to all Zimbabwean international Arts Festivals, including more recently at the Harare International Arts Festival (HIFA) 2011. He has toured worldwide - from South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Denmark to America. He has shared stages with talents such as Pops Mohammed, Kwani Experiance, Likwid Flo, Tamika Harper(Georgia me), Imani Woomera, Comrade Fatso and Chabvondoka. He has also organised and hosted skills sharing workshops in schools and has been a mentor for the British Council program: POWER IN THE VOICE, as the Hip-Hop mentor for Harare.
On being asked how he became a Hip-Hop emcee and Spoken-Word artist, Outspoken said that he found the need for self-expression from a tender age. “My marriage to hip-Hop came about when I was introduced to it through my older siblings and I realised how it gave voices to people who had words stuck in their throats. My inspiration stems from me being an observer in life and applying it into a personal perspective. My beats and words then become a mere extension of the feelings and emotions I find myself exposed to.”
Arguably, there is still cultural and social stigma in Zimbabwe attached to being involved in the Zimbabwean Creative Arts Industry, thus creatives’ work is often not taken seriously. And Outspoken’s view on this? “The biggest drawback is in us as artists and our intended audience in not realising the seriousness that should be considered in this very serious business of self-expression.” However, I agree with Outspoken that on a positive note, there is still hope on the horizon – “we are still a very young and untapped market that has the potential for greatness.”
It is essential to inspire and pass on any wisdom to the youth because they are our future, so I asked Outspoken what his advice would be to youth wanting to pursue a similar path. “Don’t give up your day job, or at least get one until you feel that you and your art are capable of taking care of each other. Never take what you intend to do for granted, because if you do, others will follow suit!” He has been equally inspired by the work of artists such as Metaphysics, Laygwan Sharkie, Kingpinn, Upmost, T-Shoc, Lupe Fiasco, to mention just a few.
Having a vision for your life is equally important. Outspoken hopes to be involved in more community-based activities, mentoring, pursuing his dreams as a chef, those of running a festival in the outbacks and more producing. “But most definitely I see myself remaining in the pursuit of happiness and spiritual growth”.Outspoken is currently on the SPEAKZIMLOVE TOUR in America, will be touring Denmark later this year and is finishing off work on his debut album with his band, Outspoken and the Essence. He is also working on several video projects. **LISTEN TO & WATCH A PERSONAL FAVOURITE OF HIS POEMS, 'Miss Homegrown' AT www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TNKndYW2hw**VIEW MORE OF HIS WORK & SUPPORT
www.myspace.com/outspokenthealphaiwww.youtube.com/idakeptbrutha
*Learn more about the Writer, Teurai at www.teurai.com and www.elizabethchanakira.org. Click here to support ‘Teurai Chanakira Model’ on Facebook.
 Larissa Jane Photography 2010 We all give and receive labels in some form or another – “the Doctor”, “the Academic”, “the Snob”...the list is endless. But under these labels, who are we and how much effort does it take to rise up from under these titles, emerge at the surface and simply be?
In the past two years, I have begun to get a sense of who I really am and to be comfortable just being me and not feed into the titles/labels society gives me and expects me to live out. It began as a journey of self-discovery triggered by a series of events – I feel as though I’m steadily climbing up a rocky steep (sometimes with heels on!), but I can see the flat surface just up above.
I have been given many labels. Because I travelled alot from a young age, in the countries I’ve lived in, I’ve been “the African Girl”, “the African Model”, “the Lawyer”. Furthermore, in Zimbabwe or amongst Africans abroad, I have sometimes found myself inadvertently defending statements, (based on my 'labels'), that I’m a snob, or that I can’t really connect with my home country/continent because I haven’t lived in Zimbabwe for the past number of years or because I made a grammatical error in Shona. I wonder what qualifies one to connect with their home country? What is to connect? Is it limited by when, how long you lived there, whether you can speak the language, whether you can recite your family history...? For me, it's simple: connecting with my home is the sense of unity I feel when I am in Zimbabwe interacting with the environment, the people, my family & friends, the peace I feel when I'm there that I cannot get from being anywhere else in the world.
Then there is the label, “Model”. People may automatically dismiss you as someone who is not brainy, a timewaster, someone who doesn’t see modelling as an avenue to other and/or arguably greater things, coupled with the fact that men may sometimes objectify you. The latter has rung true for me and been magnified in a society where there is a minority of black women and the black woman is sometimes objectified by men as an “exotic creature”.
Then there is the label, “Writer”. Amidst comments such as, “oh..you and your writing ‘stuff’ ”, all I can say is I don’t identify with these labels in so much as they are just titles. All I know is that I am just being me, I feel so much more than the labels. My desires lie in expressing myself creatively because that is the most comfortable way for me to be me. I also have so many other desires, for example, wanting to see change in the world in terms of breaking barriers, encouraging, inspiring people, giving hope to those who are ready to give up and using my passions to try and effect these desired results.
And to those who are afraid to break out of themselves I say, I am far from perfect, but isn't the world overwhelmed with people doing and feeling the things they don't enjoy...there is nothing more fulfilling than turning from a caterpillar into a butterfly.Visit my site at:www.teurai.com
|
RSS Feed