Bruce Ndlovu
GLOBETROTTING all female group Nobuntu continues to break barriers, after launching the Ubuntu Sisterhood talk last week, a platform designed to help women improve on their professionalism in the arts industry.
While the city’s artistes are recognised as some of the best and most travelled from around Zimbabwe and beyond, some have bemoaned the lack of education within the arts sector, something that has disadvantages artistes as they try to make money off their craft.
As perhaps Bulawayo’s most successful female ensemble, Nobuntu has taken it upon themselves to educate women on what it takes to make it in the industry.
“Performing arts are a well-paying profession, looking at how other countries are doing it, it is important for us locally to take it seriously and not take it as a pastime. It is imperative for the girl child to be able to handle herself professionally so as to avoid being manipulated and forced into other activities that might be compromising to her,” said group member Duduzile Sibanda.
With the first girl talk held at Indlovu Youth Centre in Tshabalala on 22 June, Sibanda said the series is ongoing and they would hold more such talks in the near future.
“This is the beginning of many talks that we will be carrying out at Youth Centres around the country . . . we’re asking all ladies in the performing arts sector to come and join us,” she said.
Since its formation, Nobuntu has become one of Bulawayo’s most sought after acts overseas, representing the city with aplomb on some of the most prestigious stages around the globe. Recently, the group toured the United States while they have also teased a new album.