Zimbabwe's Music Consultancy Society just wrapped its eighth graduation ceremony, and the director is making noise about protecting local culture through traditional instruments. Dr. Tavonga Assiel Chipadza said teachers from across the country are learning to craft mbiras, ngororombes, and other indigenous gear as part of the government's National Development Strategy 1.
The National Arts Council backed the whole thing since it fits their 2022 music strategy, and they want the industry to become a legit profession where artists can actually pay rent. Board chair Cuthbert Jingura dropped plans to upgrade their program from certificate to diploma level, with dreams of eventually launching a full university for cultural arts. He pointed to Jamaica's billionaire musicians as proof that heritage-based training can print money if the corporate sector steps up with funding.
The National Arts Council backed the whole thing since it fits their 2022 music strategy, and they want the industry to become a legit profession where artists can actually pay rent. Board chair Cuthbert Jingura dropped plans to upgrade their program from certificate to diploma level, with dreams of eventually launching a full university for cultural arts. He pointed to Jamaica's billionaire musicians as proof that heritage-based training can print money if the corporate sector steps up with funding.
