Youth blazing trail in creative industries
THE memorable performance by Nigerian star musician Burna Boy during his Space Drift tour at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare in June this year has remained etched in the minds of many, particularly due to the amazing stage set-up.
Behind that eye-catching stage design was a group of local youths who have taken creativity to new heights.
In a world where technology is influencing all facets of life, youths who operate under the name Events Evolution have used a combination of strong Christian beliefs, creativity and skill to create dazzling stage designs.
Blessing Bero, Tatenda Gaylord Rushwaya and Mark Makomborero Madzinga are the youthful trio at the forefront of the trend-setting company.
They work with technicians Isaac Kaseke, Tafadzwa Musarapasi, Samson Zinyemba, Oswald Mazarire, Shepherd Musere and administrator Kudzi Chako.
Apart from Burna Boy’s Space Drift tour, they have worked on multiple projects with top Zimbabwean artistes and corporates.
The group has blazed a trail, using skill, hard work and a thirst for excellence to be among the best in their trade.
As testament to their hard work, the group takes several days to prepare for a show.
For example, preparations for a recent live DVD recording dubbed the Vine Live DVD lasted for over a week as they had to engage an architect to certify some structures they built.
Setting up for the Gwanda Festival editions of 2018 and 2019 stretched for six days due to the size of the structure that had to be erected using scaffolding and steel beams.
The youthful outfit also designed Econet’s stand at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in 2019. This took them five days to set-up, with most of the material tailor-made.
Madzinga, who is finance and logistics manager, at Events Evolution said:
“Events Evolution has paved a new path for young people to execute things at very big stages using minimal resources at most times, but giving glory to God. I encourage young people to be in touch with who they truly are and who God has called them to be. From there, the world will become a much better place,” he said.
Madzinga (33) previously worked for Standard Chartered Bank. He is Janet Manyowa’s music director as well as head of music and media at New Life Covenant Church. He also owns his own record label. Rushwaya (32) is the project manager and technical director who captures concepts and expectations of clients. His success story is unique in that his skills are self-taught.
“This is more of a talent than a qualification. When you love something and work hard, you can become a genius in it. Although I am a Glow Shine Certified Engineer (LED technician), I have no qualification for this,” Rushwaya said.
In bringing the client’s concept to life, Rushwaya works with Bero, the set and lighting designer. Bero is described by peers as extremely creative, gifted and hardworking.
He started working on sound systems at his church, where he also developed interest in lighting. He furthered his studies to become a lighting technician.
“My vision as a lighting designer is to be precise and accurate in trying to partner with artistes and produce an experience to their audience, being able to download everything that is in their heads and produce that through technology on stage.
“It has to be an experience where one cannot just see technology doing what it does, but how the artiste is creating a stunning and emotion-filled story on stage.”
If you know of any trailblazing youth, send an email to fatima.bulla@gmail.com