The arts scene in Zimbabwe often goes unnoticed, with sporadic visibility of local talents and a lack of consistent efforts to showcase them on a global scale. Despite some individuals attempting to promote these talents, there’s still much work to be done.
One individual who has remained dedicated over the years in promoting and discovering talent, sharing stories through live shows, videos, and audio is Plot Mhako. His consistent efforts have played a pivotal role in providing visibility to Zimbabwean arts, without which many artists might have remained relatively unknown. As we strive to showcase talents in music, visual arts, dance, and drama through various mediums, it’s crucial for Zimbabwean creativity to gain the recognition it deserves.
Plot Mhako’s motivation stems from a deep passion to see creative arts and artists of his country and the continent thrive. He refuses to give up on talent until it receives the spotlight it deserves. Using his resources, Plot has travelled extensively across Zimbabwe, shining a light on talent in schools and earning a reputation as one of the few narrators of Zimbabwean arts stories. His digital media platform, earGROUND, has gained momentum, overcoming the challenges of being received within the Zimbabwean and becoming a well-regarded platform. His passion for journalism and desire to tell untold stories, he feels the lack of documentation and storytelling is stifling the creative and arts industry. His project earGROUND which he established five years ago is there to curate and document stories, especially when the media space is becoming toxic.
In a recent interview with Trevor Ncube, Plot discussed his early passion for music and his involvement in various projects, including HIFA and Jibilika. Working with big names such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Plot transitioned into the media space, creating platforms for creatives to showcase their talents. While Jibilika continues to thrive, Plot emphasises the importance of documenting the creative space and availability of museums to preserve artistic talents and achievements. He has been instrumental in providing opportunities for emerging artists. He gave Jah Prayzah his first chance to play live at Jibilika, introduced Nutty O when he was still a dancer, and worked with Probeats from an early age, facilitating his first flight to Europe for a gig. Plot’s contributions to the creative sector extend beyond discovery; he mentioned working with Feli Nandi, helping her with strategic management and providing advice. Another discovery of Plot is the young vocal prodigy, Andrea the Vocalist.
Highlighting the importance of internet connectivity in today’s digital age, Plot advocates for affordable and accessible internet in Zimbabwe. He acknowledges its impact on creativity, particularly in educational institutions. Mhako finds joy in the success stories of artists and emphasises the significance of developing artists and elevating art beyond transactional relationships. To nurture the creative space, Plot calls for a review of processes by entities like Zimra, and the National Arts Council, the censorship issues need addressing. Zimbabwe requires world-class infrastructure, such as music dorms for events, showcasing the country’s commitment to supporting the music space. Despite challenges affecting creativity, Plot believes in providing a platform like the Amplifaya Festival for emerging artists to be heard and showcase their talent.
Plot Mhako is a national treasure, he has earned numerous well-deserved nominations in the creative space, and his contributions to the arts industry are remarkable. Hats off to Trevor Ncube and his show “InConversationWithTrevor” for profiling exceptional individuals from our beloved country.
