Author John Donne phrased it well when he said, “No man is an island.”
His words remain relevant because they remain true.
If we are to thrive as humans we need community, we need other people. The same is true for creatives.
In order for a creative to climb to the top they need someone to let them step on their shoulders. In order for a creative to break into new spaces they need someone else to open the door.
Opportunities to connect and network are so important. It’s a good thing that’s what the Scripts and Bars Cocktail and Mixer was all about.
About Scripts and Bars Cocktail and Mixer
The Scripts and Bars Cocktail and Mixer was an event where participants, creative hub leaders and partners gathered to connect and network. The cocktail was the first mixer event held under Scripts and Bars.
Delivered by Kay Media Africa and UK-based Reprezent (UK), Scripts and Bars is a digital content creation programme that brings together 100 creatives from Zimbabwe and UK to deliver collaborative artwork across the Music and Literature sectors. The project is supported by British Council in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
The project seeks to enhance the digital content creation capacity and enterprise skills of creatives and arts organisations in Zimbabwe whilst strengthening their livelihoods, supporting job creation and increasing their access to networks.
What Went Down
The Scripts and Bars Cocktail and Mixer was held on Friday, 18 February 2022 at The Venue, Avondale.
Renowned digital artist, entrepreneur and Director of Kay Media Africa and Comexposed, Eugene Mapondera was the event’s Director of Events.
During the event attendees had the opportunity to rub shoulders with industry experts and hub leaders and connect with other creatives over food and drink.
For some the event drew them out of their comfort zones whilst for others it reminded them that they were not alone in their creative journeys. There were others walking the same path as them and people who were willing to lend a helping hand and even collaborate if the opportunity presented itself.
Attendees also enjoyed a collaborative show by poet and spoken word artist, Kuda Rice together with Bulawayo music sensation, Novuyo. The performance explored themes of love and hate and was accompanied by an animated loop created by artist, Kuda Rwizi and music by upcoming music producer, Innocent Masamba.
Following the performance, Innocent Masamba expressed excitement in realising that “We don’t have to limit ourselves. [Or] put ourselves in a box,” that prevented collaboration and connection. And now, thanks to this collaboration, “[The] boxes are open.”
For many of the attendees the highlight of the evening was the opportunity to network and form connections with other creatives and have their minds opened to new experiences.
About Comexposed
Comexposed is the organisation behind the Zimbabwean Digital Arts, Technology and Innovation Convention, Converge.
Comexposed is the collective effort of digital artists and creators in Zimbabwe showcasing their work, progress, and dreams and aims to bring together Zimbabwean digital creators under one banner to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and growth in skills. To this end, Comexposed has built a community of digital creators breaking the boundaries in Zimbabwe, Africa and the World.
About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. British Council build’s connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.
About Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is the agency for international cooperation of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
The SDC is responsible for the overall coordination with other federal authorities of development and cooperation with Eastern Europe as well as for humanitarian aid delivered by the Swiss Confederation.
About Khura Agency
Khura Agency is an A2B AGENCY – ARTIST TO BUSINESS agency helping artists do business creatively &efficiently. Khura provides the final connection with their audience, the smarter approach in the creative hustle.
About Reprezent
Broadcasting since 2011, and now from 3 shipping containers in Brixton, Reprezent Radio prides itself on its forward-thinking underground music. Reprezent’s DJ’s and presenters all work in the music industry; produce their own music, run their own labels and club nights- meaning the station’s sound is always on the cutting edge of music- across every single genre imaginable.
About Page Poetry Alive
Page Poetry Alive (PPA) is a poetry collective that nurtures storytellers from page poets to Spoken Word artists with a focus on Youth Development and explorative work.
Founded in March 2017, PPA has become a hub for the growth of brands within the arts and culture sectors. It started as a hub serving a community of creatives from in and around Harare, but it has now spread to areas outside Zimbabwe and beyond: working with artists from Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, UK, Barbados, Malawi, USA, Mauritius and Zambia. The main aim being to practice art coexistence and encourage experimental work while facilitating exchange across art forms.