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Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Correspondent

One of Bulawayo’s top arts ensembles, Bambelela Arts is not letting the lockdown halt their creativity as they are taking up other avenues of expressing their art.

The group is working on a 13-episode radio drama series titled Umtshado We Zinja which features actors, Josphat Ndlovu, Nyaria Ncube, Tawanda Mukoma, Nomvelo Bhehane, Leornard Phiri, Bongelani Ncube, Lorrin Sibanda and Khumbulani Mathe.

Interestingly, the group’s acting talent was endorsed last year when they won the Geraldine Roche drama competitions.

Explaining the radio drama’s title, one of the Bambelela members, Mathe said: “The tittle Umtshado we Zinja is an extract from a Ndebele figurative expression ‘Isisanasana umtshado we zinja’. The expression is used to describe an obtaining situation that is baffling and seemingly inhumane.

“The radio drama series seeks to address various human rights abuse issues obtaining in the country that need due attention.”

He said the story revolves around Macimeza and his family where Macimeza is a resident’s representative in the residents association.

“Amid his own family challenges, Macimeza finds himself having to play a moderators role within the community. The emanating issues range from the death penalty, gender based violence, torture, domestic violence, forced evictions and police brutality.

“The series does not seek to only raise awareness on these issues, but also advocate to our dear leaders to take a lead role in denouncing such abusive practices. It does not provide answers or solutions to the problems, but calls for a collective effort to find common ground where everybody’s rights are fundamental,” said Mathe.

If all goes according to plan, the series should be ready before end of April. It will be sent to various radio stations for consideration. – @mthabisi_mthire