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MINISTER ANDREW LANGA

Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
LOCAL artistes have been urged to embrace modern ways of disseminating information and produce their work in local languages in order to appeal to the Zimbabwean audience.This was said by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa at the launch of the movie SamaVoe: The Heartbreaker on Saturday.

The movie, which tackles safe migration issues, was produced to educate people on socio-economic issues.

In a speech read on his behalf by Mangwe District Administrator, Felistas Gangada, Langa urged artistes to embrace modern ways of disseminating information.

“This movie comes at a time when we are embracing the advent of technology as a way of disseminating information. Street theatre and drama would only reach a few people, whereas the movie will have a wide coverage and can be viewed in other countries.

“Performers should use local languages to sensitise local communities,” he said.

Langa applauded Yebo Yes Performing Arts for producing a movie that tackled crucial societal issues.

“This movie production gives us crucial insights about life. It puts more emphasis on safe migration, breaks the silence on child abuse and educates people on the importance of HIV and Aids testing.

“These are some of the problematic issues in our societies which result in family disintegration. Some of these issues are common in border towns and information in such areas is vital,” he said.

Langa said it was important for talent to be nurtured and developed in small towns.

The movie was produced by a Plumtree based drama group Yebo Yes Performing Arts. The group operates under the Youth Edutainment Services Trust which is a youth organisation whose main goal is to provide information through entertainment.

A board member of the group, Tina Maphosa said: “We wish to expand the entertainment industry in this town and we need support from various stakeholders. We have managed to identify talent among young people and we will continue doing so.

“Yebo Yes Trust has 28 artistes who comprise dancers, singers and actors who all strive to educate people through entertainment.”