Trevor Mawaka launches debut book, celebrating Bulawayo’s music scene Trevor Mawaka at the launch of his debut book

Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

THE vibrant atmosphere of the Hideout Cafe at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo was electric on Saturday as local musicians, artists and enthusiasts gathered for the launch of Trevor Mawaka’s debut book, “Curating Bulawayo’s Music Space – Conversations Over Coffee.”

The event drew a diverse crowd of art practitioners from Bulawayo, including notable figures such as Philani Nyoni, Sithandazile Dube, Mzoe7, Msiz’Kay, MJ Sings, Zenzo Nyathi and Kinah The Music.

Trevor Mawaka (left) with artiste, MJ Sings at the launch of Mawaka’s book on Saturday. (Picture by Mgcini Nyoni)

However, the absence of well-known rapper Asaph, who is currently in the United States participating in the Next Level Hip Hop programme, was felt by many attendees.

Mawaka, an art teacher by profession, expressed his gratitude to the musicians featured in his book, sharing personal anecdotes and reading excerpts that highlighted their contributions to Bulawayo’s music landscape.

His reflections not only shed light on the artistes but also underscored the rich talent within the city.

The guest of honour, Thabani Hilary Moyo, delivered an inspiring address, urging the audience to embrace the challenges of launching their own projects.

“When you take the first step in launching your project, it’s not going to be easy, but the most important thing is doing it,” he advised.

Moyo emphasised the importance of solidarity among art practitioners, stating: “For us to thrive, we need to support each other. That way, other people can have a buy-in.”

Copies of Trevor Mawaka’s new book. (Picture by Mgcini Nyoni)

The launch featured live performances that added to the celebratory ambience.

Mzoe7, known as “Mr Gagagugu” and Kinah The Music captivated the audience with their musical talents, while poetess Sithandazile Dube brought the event to a poignant close with a powerful Ndebele poetry piece celebrating the beauty of being African.

In a heartfelt moment, Mawaka read an excerpt from his book that alluded to his encounter with Kinah The Music: “With Shekinah, little chat-ups and formalities were needed. We had long grown into brothers from the day I saw him perform in a show for up-and-coming artistes at the Art Gallery car park. I remember walking up to him as he came off the stage and introducing myself, telling him he surely was a diamond in the rough that was one day going to sparkle in the bright lights for the whole world to adore.”

Mawaka’s book serves not only as a documentation of Bulawayo’s musical heritage but also as a call to action for artists and musicians to collaborate and uplift one another.

As the evening concluded, attendees left inspired to further explore and support the flourishing music scene in Bulawayo. —Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu

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