Zim Community Trailblazers Awards
Black Umfolosi Profile
Black Umfolosi performing Arts Project is registered as a company. It is also registered with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Sports and Culture, as well as the Zimbabwean Arts Council. It is affiliated to various associations,including the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association.
WHO IS BLACK UMFOLOSI?
THE Zim Community Trailblazers Awards 2023 Distinguished Arts Ambassador winner Black Umfolosi Productions (Pvt) Ltd is a wholly-owned indigenous Zimbabwean Company that was formed and registered by citizens from diverse backgrounds of Matabeleland in Zimbabwe for the purpose of participating in the country’s economic growth.
Black Umfolosi Productions aims at growth from a small and medium enterprise to a corporate level.
The idea of Black Umfolosi came about in 1982 when a group of school mates started improvising their own means of entertainment, while at a ZIMFEP Institute.
With a gentleness of spirit, a joy of singing and exuberance in dance, Black Umfolosi has touched audiences of all ages locally and internationally since then, and hence having done sixteen recordings.
Black Umfolosi Productions Ltd is equipped with the capacity to achieve vertical growth, take part in Global economy ownership, and competitively handle international deals.
HISTORY
Black Umfolosi is an award-winning Acappella singing and traditional dance group that was formed in 1982 by students who wanted to develop themselves and contribute to their communities, in a positive way.
The main reason for this initiative was to preserve and revive the Imbube Culture which was at the time invaded by Break Dance and Western Culture, in which it was now facing elimination from African Dance Culture.
Black Umfolosi is among the most-travelled groups in Zimbabwe and southern Africa having toured extensively nationwide and internationally; Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and Asia.
They have represented Zimbabwe at international events such as Universal Expo 1992 in Spain, Universal Expo in Portugal 1998 and the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada among others.
Black Umfolosi soon found the need in the visited communities for people to see and learn about Zimbabwean traditions.
The group made it their obligation to demonstrate and teach others around the world (including other African countries) about the Zimbabwean and most Southern African traditional dances and music.
To achieve this; Black Umfolosi music group had to become Black Umfolosi Performing Arts Project.
This expansion involved:
o Lifting up high the Zimbabwean flag as cultural ambassadors to the International Arena since 1987 till today
o Mentoring newly formed groups in the performing arts fraternity
o Promoting other local artists who do not have the funds and facilities to promote themselves
o Allowing the use of equipment and facilities by other performing arts groups
o Hosting foreign artists and visitors
o Providing training in singing, dancing, technical management in performance art projects and various discipline capabilities
MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS
o To promote, preserve and perform Zimbabwean traditional music and dance, while creating associations with international, contemporary and traditional performing arts groups.
o To achieve this mission; Black Umfolosi has established six goals
(1) To create employment for its members
(2) To use the Arts in addressing various social, economic, cultural and topical issues
B
(3) To use the Arts as the drive for promoting social harmony and understanding amongst people of different backgrounds
( 4) To assist the community through education and awareness for various issues affecting their lives, such as gender equality
(5) To assist the underprivileged and mentor youths in developing their abilities using Arts
(6) To provide an environment where traditions and religions may compromise basic and necessary women’s rights and freedom of choice in marriages
LEGAL STATUS/ AFFILIATIONS
Black Umfolosi performing Arts Project is registered as a company. It is also registered with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Sports and Culture, as well as the Zimbabwean Arts Council. It is affiliated to various associations,including the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association.
WORLD TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Black Umfolosi (Best World Travelled Group in Southern Africa)
1987- Swaziland International Tradefair (Manzini)
1988- Maitisong Theatre, Gaborone, Botswana
1990- Zimbabwean 10th Anniversary Celebration, Glasgow, Zimfest, London,
Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham
1991- Australia and Europe (Denmark, Switzerland, Germany and Holland)
1992- Europe Tour (UK, Germany, Switzerland and Holland)
North American Tour (USA and Canada)
1993- European Tour (Germany, Holland)
North American Tour (USA, Canada)
Southern African Tour (Botswana, South Africa)
1994- European Tour (Holland, Switzerland, France, Hungary, Austria, Spain,
Belgium, Slovenia, Germany, Italy and UK)
1995- European Tour (Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain)
North American Tour (USA and Canada)
1996- Europe (UK and Germany)
North American Tour (USA and Canada)
Southern African (Botswana and Zimbabwe)
1997- North American Tour (USA and Canada)
Europeans Tour (Sweden, Finland, Germany and UK)
1998- North American Tour (USA and Canada)
European Tour (UK and Portugal)
1999- North American Tour (USA and Canada)
European Tour (Spain, Ireland and UK)
African Tour (Morocco and Zimbabwe)
2000- European Tour (Netherlands and UK)
Asian Tour (India)
2002- The Rainforest International Music Festival (Sarawak, Malaysia)
European Tour (UK)
North American Tour (Canada)
2003- European Tour (Netherlands and UK)
North American Tour (Canada)
2004- Asian Tour (Malaysia)
Europeans Tour (UK)
North American Tour (Canada)
2005- The Rainforest International Music Festival (Sarawak, Malaysia)
European Tour (UK)
2006- African Tour (Botswana, Zimbabwe)
European Tour (UK and Canada)
2007- Malaysia, Italy, Canada and UK
2008- European Tour (UK and Barbados)
2009- European Tour (UK and Italy)
2010- European Tour (UK and Norway)
2011- European Tour (UK)
2012- European Tour (UK, Estonia and France)
2013- European Tour (UK and Ireland)
2014-2018- UK, Canada, USA
2020-2021- COVID 19 restrictions
2022 – UK, USA, Canada (40th Anniversary Tour)
VENUE HIGHLIGHTS
Schools, Colleges, University of Zimbabwe
Natal International Folk Festival (Durban SA)
Expo 92, Seville Spain
Royal Festival Hall, London, UK
Ronnie Scotts, London, UK
JF Kennedy Center, Washington DC, USA
Womad Festival Reading, UK
Marcombe Bay UK
HIFA, Harare
Commonwealth Games, Victoria, Canada
Symphony Space, New York City, USA
Duke University North Caroline, USA
All Africa Games, Zimbabwe
Image of Africa, Copenhagen, Denmark
SADC Music Festival, Harare, Zimbabwe
Bumbershoot Festival, Seattle, USA
Houston International Festival, USA
Festival de Louisiana, USA
Opera House, Paris, France
University of California C.A. USA
The Globe (Royal Shakespeare Theater) London
UK, Schools, Colleges
The Rain Forest Festival, Sarawak, Malaysia
Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, UK
Expo 98 Lisbourne, Portugal
Honolulu University, Hawaii, USA
Vancouver International Folk and Children Festival, Canada
Museum of Civilisation, Ottawa, Canada
Sidmouth International Festival, UK
Albuquerque Festival, New Mexico, USA
Brisbane International Folk Festival, Australia
Oxford Town Hall
Café Graffiti, Edinburgh
The Millennium Dome, London
Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, Scotland (Twin City with Bulawayo)
Voices of God, Marrakech, Morocco
10. RECORDINGS
o Unity World Circuit Label, 1990 (WCD020)
o Festival-Umdlalo, World Circuit, Label 1993
(WCD037)
o Soze Sifike Vibrant Label 1993 (WCD1601)
o Zilungisele-ZMC Label 1995 (L4BU001)
o Stofotofo-ZMC Label Label 1996 (ZBU02)
o Xoxani-Lixolelane One Voice BU Label 2001
o Shosholoza-BU Label 2003
o Amen Amen-BU Label 2003
o Konyana-BU 2006
o Khulumalami (Talk to me BU Label) 2008
o Summertime (the best of BU) Arc Music Label -2010
o Washabalal’ Umhlaba (Earth Song) 2020
o Reason to Believe -2021
o A Thousand Ways to love the careless moon – 2023
11. TV AND RADIO EXPERIENCES
o ZBC Ezomgido and various other programs
o BBC generation game, blue peter, latter with Jools Holland, strictly African dancing world service
o City TV Toronto various appearances
o Canada AM
o CBC commonwealth games closing ceremony
o ITV Bracknell Festival
o Greater London radio various interviews
o NB –various media calls in USA, Botswana, South Africa, Germany, India, Spain
o Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Zimbabwe, Malaysia and Croatia
o Voices of God (Austrian television)
Collaboration with Canadian country musician Lennie Gallant
‘Christmas day on planet earth’
Directors Mr. Austin Chisare, Mr. Sotsha Moyo, Ms. Boitumelo Phuti,Miss Luzibo Tabona Moyo
CONTACT US ON:
Address: 33781 Mehlokazulu Street
Entumbane Township
Bulawayo
Zimbabwe
Postal Address
AS ABOVE
Mobile: +263 719 509 910 / +263 772 386 385
Email: blackumfolosimusic@gmail.com
Website: blackumfolosimusic.com
Compiled by Sotsha Moyo, Founding Executive Director –Black Umfolosi
The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA) recently inducted 15 outstanding past awardees into its Hall of Fame at the fifth edition of the prestigious community awards in Zimbabwe.
The ceremony, held at the Harare International Conference Centre on January 31, was officiated by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere.
The ZCTA recognises and celebrates individuals and organisations making a profound impact in their communities.
According to Albert Masaka, one of the event organisers, the ZCTA Hall of Fame aims to celebrate excellence, foster community engagement, and drive positive change.
Future Plans for the ZCTA Hall of Fame
Mentorship Programme: Pairing Hall of Fame inductees with emerging leaders or young individuals for regular mentorship sessions.
Community Engagement: Inviting Hall of Fame inductees to lead or participate in community projects, bringing together inductees, community members, and stakeholders to tackle pressing community issues.
Knowledge Sharing: Creating a digital archive or publication featuring the stories, experiences, and lessons learned from Hall of Fame inductees, hosting talks, webinars, or online courses featuring inductees as speakers.
Recognition and Celebration: Creating a physical or virtual exhibition showcasing the achievements, contributions, and stories of Hall of Fame inductees, hosting an annual induction ceremony to induct new members.
Capacity Building: Offering training and capacity-building programs for inductees, facilitating connections between inductees to provide access to resources, networks, and opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Community Impact: Conducting regular assessments to measure the impact of Hall of Fame inductees on their communities, supporting and amplifying community initiatives led by Hall of Fame inductees.
The ZCTA Hall of Fame is expected to increase recognition and celebration of exceptional community leaders and organizations, foster community engagement and collaboration, drive positive change, and provide a platform for community leaders to share their stories and experiences ¹.
The Big 15 Hall of Fame inductees
ZCTA 2024
Hall of Fame
1. Pastor Dr Ruth Musarurwa
2. Dr. Nigel Chanakira
3. Dr. Solomon Guramatunhu
4. Prophet Effort V. Maphosa
5. Dr .Johannes Marisa
6. Mr/s Isaiah and Tsitsi Musabayana
7. Black Umfolosi
8. Pastor Dr Daisy Mukariri
9. Minister Michael Mahendere
10 . Kidzcan
11. Dr Edzai Kachirekwa
12 Zimpapers
13. Radio Zimbabwe
14. Mutare City Council
15. Zodwa Mkandla
Harare – The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA) has announced a comprehensive strategy that focuses on inclusive partnerships as it celebrates the fifth edition of the prestigious community awards ceremony.
The strategy, aimed at promoting excellence and community development in Zimbabwe, is built around 11 key pillars: commitment to the awards’ mission and vision, inclusive media partnership, innovation, unique selling proposition, strong relationships, robust brand identity, industry analysis, collaboration, quality and excellence, online presence, and audience engagement.
“As we celebrate our fifth edition, we remain committed to our mission and vision,” said Meshia Mambo, ZCTA spokesperson.
The prestigious community awards’ mission is to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions to community development, social responsibility, and excellence in Zimbabwe. The awards’ vision is to be the premier awards ceremony in Zimbabwe, renowned for recognising and celebrating excellence, innovation, and community development.
The ZCTA board led by Dr. Nigel Chanakira, a renowned business mentor and philanthropist, has been instrumental in shaping the awards’ vision and mission. Its leadership has been pivotal in promoting excellence and community development in Zimbabwe.
Respected medical practitioner Dr Johaness Marisa and Tinashe Nyahwema are the other board members including shareholders Albert Masaka and Tariro Masunda.
“We are pleased to announce that West View Clinics and Westview Group of Schools and Ekenia Chifamba from Shamwari Ye Mwanasikana have come on board to sponsor some categories,” said Meshia Mambo. “We are grateful for their support and call upon more sponsors to partner with us in celebrating excellence and community development in Zimbabwe.”
The ZCTA seeks to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, including nominees, winners, sponsors, and partners. This will enable the awards to continue promoting community development, social responsibility, and excellence in Zimbabwe.
The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards is a prestigious awards ceremony that aims to promote community development, social responsibility, and excellence in Zimbabwe. The awards are open to individuals and organizations from all sectors, including business, sports, education, entertainment, healthcare, and non-profit, among others.
By ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
PREPARATIONS for the prestigious Zim Community Trailblazers fifth edition grand celebrations are at an advanced stage with the organisers calling for more mutually beneficial partnerships.
The coveted awards honour and celebrate trailblazing individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s development are set to be held at the HICC on Friday 31 January 2025 under the theme “Promoting a legacy of excellence in our communities.
An organiser, Albert Masaka has announced that they were also going to commemorate the trailblazing achievements of past winners.
“The great thing is that our awards will be held in a celebratory mood as this is our fifth ceremony.”
“We are receiving nominations that can win an award anytime and anywhere, from nominees who have a pioneering mentality, a way of visualizing paths that don’t exist and are blazing new trails .”
“In that light, we call on stakeholders to come and partner with us financially or in kind to make this event a memorable one for everyone.
“At the moment we can’t divulge much but we are going to honour deserving winners in the coming edition, and plans are in place for our trailblazers who have won in the past.
Masaka added that they have slashed the categories to be won by more than half and this has resulted in an improvement in the quality of nominations.
He added that it was their custom to provide strategic win-win partnerships with their partners.
In a trailblazing rise, the awards that are led by a board chaired by Dr Nigel Chanakira began as a virtual event during the Covid 19 era have grown in status and appeal.
SOME OF THE NOTABLE PAST WINNERS
Church leaders: Pastor Dr Ruth Musarurwa, Pastor Bonnie Deuschle, Prophet Effort Vakai Maphosa
Businessmen: Dr Nigel Chanakira, Ken Sharpe, Dr Phillip Chiyangwa, Zodwa Mkandla, Beven Makaka, Edzai Kachirekwa, Lincoln Masiyenyama
CEOs: Pikirayi Deketeke, Dr Christine Peta
Politicians: Temba Mliswa
Medical Practitioners: Dr Vivek Solanki, Dr Solomon Guramatunhu, Dr Johannes Marisa, Seasons Pharmaceuticals.
Organisations: Higher Life, Red Cross Zimbabwe, Inner City Mission, Bright Daisies
Sports: Sikandar Razah, Dynamos, Shihan Muripo, Charles Manyuchi, Andie Kuipers, Zim Women U21 (Hockey)
Artists: Charles and Olivia Charamba, Mechanic Manyeruke, Minister Michael Mahendere, Black Umfolosi, Jesesi Mungoshi, Madam Boss, Flame B, B, Rev Chivaviro, Albert Nyathi, Nutty O, Kenny Gamble, Lewis and Tau Ngara, Chaka Ngwenya, Collette Manny.
Journalists: Guthrie Munyuki, Victoria Ruzvidzo, Kholwani Nyathi, Faith Zaba, Robson Sharuko, Charles Mabika, Moses Mugugunyeki, Terrance Mapurisana, Wadzanayi Mhombera, Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, Abigail Tembo, Michael Gwarisa, Catherine Murombedzi
Philanthropists: Liane Lombard, Brenda Mudzimu, Fayaz Rahman, Bhuran Weston, Sylvia Sanyanga, Daisy Mukariri, Ruvarashe Masarakufa, Nyasha Nhau
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