Intwasa unleashes hidden talent

04 Oct, 2015 - 01:10 0 Views
Intwasa unleashes hidden talent Debra Hlabangana

The Sunday News

Debra Hlabangana

Debra Hlabangana

Bruce Chimani, Sunday Leisure Correspondent
INTWASA Arts Festival koBulawayo, which gripped the city over the past few weeks, presented a bunch of art talent, a lot of which can be missed while focusing on the obvious — the musicians, dramatists, dancers and poets.

As the festival ensued, one could without any shadow of doubt ascertain the depth that the city of Bulawayo had in terms of aptitude in all things artsy.

Some of the young blood which the festival presented came in the form of two young presenters, Cde Phil and Debra, who were the hosts at the theatre productions whose main venue was Bulawayo Theatre.

The first impression of the two is just how endearing they are, and they individually carry a “Bulawayo flair” which one cannot quite put their finger on.

“Well, my journey has been an incredible one . . . you know when a stone that the builders rejected has finally become the principal cornerstone of the building . . . it’s incredible! I was despised a lot growing up — a few saw the best in me and I would hide myself in my shell. However, in the comfort of my privacy I always had an amazing friend that would whisper in my ear and tell me that I’m an amazing person — destined for greatness and should act likewise,” said bubbly Debra Hlabangana, who is also a presenter on ZBCtv.

Currently based in Harare because of her work with ZBC, Debra has seen herself having opportunities as a presenter at The Junior Carnival in 2014, being a ZBC young representative at the 2015 21st Movement Celebrations in Victoria Falls.

“One play that changed my life and came as a breakthrough was a play written by Thabani Moyo my high school (Eveline) theatre director called Before Our Eyes and I acted as Angela.

“That play was therapy to my burdened soul as it highlighted some of the things that were going on my life. It was stirring and amazingly soul touching. It touched a lot of people at Intwasa Arts Festival in 2011 at the Plan School Drama Competition, and all over Bulawayo. That was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had and from there I believed I can make a difference through my God-given talents and without a doubt, Mr Moyo is my hero — I owe him much of my achievement.

“However, with being a presenter, it has always been some sort of a joke — because I was more into radio than TV. However, I’ve fantasised about being on TV since I was at a tender age and I knew this odd obsession and passion of mine had something to do with my destiny though it wasn’t clear at that time,” revealed Debra.

She has also had a cameo in filmography on a drama yet to be aired on ZBC titled EzakoMkhakha.

The opportunity she has had to present at Intwasa has been surreal for the 22-year-old, as it challenged her in resounding ways.

“My role at Intwasa this year has been a blessing. I learnt a lot about live audience since I’m used to two-three cameras in the studio. It gave me life and I have been encouraged not to give up but press on and learn more. It somehow left me tear-stained considering the mesmerising love and support that young people have,” she said passionately.

Speaking on why she got into presenting, Debra said: “I find presenting/MC-ing unique and interesting because I breathe it. I do it effortlessly. It gives me hope and it definitely boasts my inner being. It’s one of my God given talents and it really calms me.”

Debra did not present alone at Intwasa 2015. A young light-skinned man, affectionately known as Cde Phil also partnered her on stage.

Philip Moyo

Philip Moyo

“My journey in the arts began during my school days. In 2008 I entered the Dreams to Fame competition at Amakhosi and I won the poetry category. Back then I used to be a poet, then later on I became a presenter. I started loving arts during my primary school days. At high school I became serious with it as I featured in the school drama club and recited poetry at school functions. In the year 2009 I featured in a short film called Msomi Gang which was showcased at Ibumba Festival the same year,” he said, giving bits of his journey.

Moyo has also presented at festivals like Inxusa, Aloha Meets Ubuntu, Blended 328, Jibilika, Jikinya Festival, and at Isiphiwo Sami Talent Seach finals and at the Plan High Schools Drama Finals.

“My role at Intwasa 2015 is a testimony that hardwork pays off in the industry and in life. It was my 3rd year presenting at the festival and I have had more shows to do this year compared to the last two years. This shows that the festival is growing in leaps and bounds and also in believing in young talent thus we were accorded the opportunity to grace such a big event,” said the 22-year-old, former St Columba’s pupil.

“My greatest achievement, I must say, has been presenting at the Jikinya National Finals in 2013 and being able to be the youngest MC in Zimbabwe to have graced all the festivals around the country besides Hifa — which is the only one I haven’t had an opportunity to be an MC at,” he pointed out.

Besides being a presenter, Cde Phil is also a motivational speaker, actor, poet and a writer. He writes short stories and poems.

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