The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube, Entertainment Correspondent
THE new National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Manicaland provincial manageress Caroline Makoni has pledged to work hand-in-glove with the local stakeholders to improve the welfare and other issues affecting them.
Makoni replaces Jonah Muchayi who recently retired.
She explained that it was critical for artistes and show promoters to operate within legal parameters to improve their brands to match regional and international standards.
“It is my wish to put our artistes on the national map. There is so much talent in Manicaland which should increase their participation at national awards and other initiatives.
“Mutare should bring more awards home and demystify the idea that only artistes from Harare are destined for greater heights. We want to make sure that artistes and show promoters operate legally and educate them on NAC products,” she said.
Makoni recently hosted a meeting with artistes from Mutare in order to hear their concerns.
“Issues raised, among others, include lack of funding which is one of the challenges affecting artistes. We encouraged them to operate legally, register with us and be beneficiaries of the Arts Development Fund, which is a Government initiative to assist artistes.
“I realised that most of them are not aware of this initiative and I urge them to be professional and engage us,” she added.
NAC annual events include Culture Week, Chibuku Road to Fame and Chibuku Neshamwari, among others.
