The Sunday News
Rumbidzai Mbewe, Sunday Life Correspondent
FOR the past weeks social media has been buzzing about the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) to be held on 30 June.
People have been receiving the awards in a different way, some taking them for a joke and some political. Last week, award winning playwright and director, Raisedon Baya who is also one of the organisers of the awards had to set the record straight on social media to people who had been asking questions and doubting the awards.
Writing on his Facebook page, Baya said it was unfortunate the project was viewed with suspicions or as politically-minded and divisive. He said the Bulawayo Arts Awards were about recognising and celebrating local talent.
“They are about taking stock of arts and cultural activities in the region. These awards are about motivating local artistes from grassroots, giving them hope and something to aim for every year,” he said.
Baya said such awards encourage effort and creativity amongst artistes, at the same time they help improve quality and standards of art in the region.
“ If you like, they are an honourable excuse to dress up and celebrate culture made in Bulawayo and surrounding areas or art made by sons and daughters of Bulawayo,” he said.
Baya said Bulawayo needed something to celebrate in the midst of challenges. He also said the Bulawayo Arts Awards are open to anyone who was born in Bulawayo even if they have relocated to other places.
“Anyone born in Bulawayo or working in Bulawayo regardless of race, gender, religion, tribe is eligible for the awards. And we are not going to apologise for recognising and celebrating our own. We are not going to be explaining everyday why we are having a party in our own backyard! By the way anyone, from any part of the country or world is invited to the awards,” said Baya.
These are some of the comments that people wrote on Baya’s wall:
“We are not second class to anyone. We deserve to celebrate what we think we have achieved. We can’t wait for someone to invite us when we have all it takes to throw a party… Some people are behaving as if artistes from Bulawayo have no right to celebrate,” wrote Mthokozisi Ndlovu
“Celebrating Arts should never be a reason for dispute, those who misguidedly look for such in such a beautiful endeavour are not worthy of the title of human beings….keep on pushing on Bulawayans, we support you fully,” wrote Muzie Mahlangu
“We have a culture of producing the best in any genre, it scares everyone who is doesn’t know who we are… Can they go and ask schools why have speech n’ prize giving days? This is an in-house issue we promoting Bulawayo,” wrote Bonisiweyinkosi Sithole.
The awards has about 40 categories. The event, set to be a glitz and glamour night, will be held at the Large City Hall. Tickets range from $5 to $15.
