The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube Sunday Leisure Correspondent
THE African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games official opening ceremony set a platform that could see artistes coming together and producing great works this year and beyond.Afro-jazz singer Jeys Marabini believes the official opening act presented at Barbourfields was a lesson to those within the arts industry that collaborations could produce appealing work.
The musician said the act brought artistes from almost all groups in the city and enabled them to work together for a prolonged period of time as they sought to perfect their act that was hugely received on the official opening day of the games.
Jeys Marabini, real name, Majahawodwa Ndlovu said the fact that artistes from different backgrounds that included musicians, dancers, poets and vocalists managed to come together and create a great piece that enthralled the nation showed what unity could achieve among artistes.
He said it was clear collaborations were taking the hearts of arts lovers and artistes should draw a lesson and use that experience to collaborate more.
“I think as artistes we just see each other from afar but coming together to practise for that piece brought us closer and we saw each other’s sides that we do not usually see. I believe many misconceptions were busted during that time and it makes it easier for us to work together in the future.
“I believe we should seize that chance that was created then and come together more this year and beyond to produce works that will find appreciation among the public.
“The piece was well received by many people who commended us for that. The piece was viewed nationally on television,” he said.
He added that collaborations were always good as they fuse the artistes’ strengths and the product was always wholesome and entertaining.
The Youth Games piece was co-ordinated by Simon Mambazo Phiri.
Over 50 groups took part in the act and among them were Godlwayo Wushu Club, Iyasa, Sandra Ndebele, Umkhathi Theatre, Desire Moyo and Siyaya Arts.
On a personal note, Jeys said he would be working on reviving the Bulawayo Comes Alive music festival that had a hiatus last year.
“It is a project that I would like to see grow but there have been challenges along the way but I am ready to court partners and hope they will see the value as we seek to bring local musicians onto one stage where music fans can dance to their beats all night,” he said.
Bulawayo Comes Alive is an all-night music fiesta that seeks to bring local musicians on one stage and is aimed at the lower end of the market as it targets music lovers in the western suburbs of the city.
It was last held in 2013 at Masina Sports Bar in Gwabalanda and it had a lineup that included Jeys, Sandra Ndebele, Black Umfolosi, Clement Magwaza, Ndolwane Super Sounds and Khuxman.
Lack of corporate support has affected the holding of the festival and Jeys Marabini had to largely fund it from his own pocket.
