Sistaz Open Mic: Celebrating progress

September 10, 2008 by Pamberi Trust ·
Filed under: Art life, Entertainment, Arts & Culture, Events

Theresa & Elizabeth Muchemwa (Photo: Jekesayi)

This Saturday 13 September 2008, the popular SISTAZ OPEN MIC will be celebrating 20 months of Sistaz ‘Walking It Out’ at The Book Café, claiming their space in the performing arts industry, doing their thing and moving on to bigger things in Zimbabwe and out of the country.

An exciting platform established for young women to come out in the safety of daytime to perform, the 2-5pm event will feature many artists, but will especially celebrate the growth of three young women who have come a long way, and encourage other aspiring women artists to step up to the challenge.

Since it’s inception in 2006, the Sistaz Open Mic event has included over 350 young women performing poetry, songs, dance, playing instruments, and this 13 September the theme ‘Sivela Kude, Kwatabva Kure, We’ve Come A Long Way!’ will be carried by ‘Poetic Angel’ Linda Gabriel, Vimbai Zimuto, and Hope Masike who will be sharing the stage with other participants who register to perform on the day.

LINDA GABRIEL (stagename “Poetic Angel”) was one of the pioneers of Sistaz Open Mic in the early days of the programme. In January 2008 she gained entry to the Market Theatre photo-journalism programme, and has been studying hard learning new skills and gaining experience which she looks forward to bringing back home. Since leaving her ‘home stage’ at The Book Café, Linda has performed at HIFA and other poetry circles in Zimbabwe, and Arts Alive and Jozi Spoken Word Festival in South Africa.

VIMBAI ZIMUTO surprised Sistaz Open Mic audiences when she stepped into her own in 2007. Formerly backing vocalist for Tanga Wekwa Sando and other groups over time, she emerged as a soloist on mbira, with a pure, clear singing voice which led her to the open mic stage, valuable workshops with Pamberi Trust’s gender programme FLAME, and then to the finals of BOCAPA XPOSURE, which included workshops,
opportunities for shows, and the chance to record two of her own compositions. This in turn led to recognition and sponsorship for her debut album ‘Vimbainashe’ which was launched in June 2008.

HOPE MASIKE is a gifted young woman, who is embracing the future with energy, style and confidence, a symbol of hope for the arts in Zimbabwe. She easily switches from mbira to congas, revealing the natural music talents within her which She attributes the formation of the band ‘Kakuwe’ to their participation in Pamberi’s Bocapa Xposure youth programme, ‘Workshops for Women Artists by Women Artists’ and Sistaz Open Mic programme. Since July, Hope & Kakuwe have taken up the challenge and successfully held down the Tuesday mbira night at The Book Café.

As well as celebrating the progress of these three artists, the show will also be saluting women who have achieved much and inspired many – artists, writers, film-makers and activists in the continuing fight against HIV/Aids, hunger, poverty and violence.

Those wishing to perform are welcome to register with Rudo at The Book Café (Tel 792551, 793182, or email pamberit(at)gmail.com at any time.

‘SIVELA KUDE! KWATABVA KURE! WE’VE COME A LONG WAY!’
Saturday 13 September 2008, 2-5pm
The Book Café, Fife Ave Mall, Harare

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