Story: Philip Weiss.
The Vestry Hall came alive again with the latest incarnation of the Burngreave Cultural Industries Challenge.
There were workshops with local artist Leman Mirazi on the Zimbabwean thumb piano known as the mbira and Burngreave dance choreographer Owen Ncube. Younger children enjoyed drumming with Kutamba Kids.
Aspiring video artists studied award-winning films on subjects ranging from trading cities of 16th century East Africa to modern dance companies. The film session concluded with the feature film ‘Flame’ about women in the liberation struggle.
Workshops for up-and-coming publishers were led by Sarudzayi Chifamba-Barnes, who showed local people the nuts and bolts of putting a book together. For several weeks, Ethel Dlamini had been supporting local actors in the new play ‘Dambudzo’, as part of the African writers course. She gave a great talk on developing theatre from Africa.
The real climax of the evening was Burngreave-based Hype Squad showing off their dance skills. They will continue to work with SOSA-XA! Sounds of Southern Africa, led by cultural director Mandla Sibanda: future projects include the Abbeyfield Festival.
It was all wrapped up with a visit from Zango, the Bristol-based orchestra who combine western instruments with electrified mbira.
Thanks to Prisca Mudzengerere for some great photos.
To join the Burngreave Cultural Industries Challenge, Contact
SEMEA on 0114 243 7899 & 213 3803 or at
www.sheffieldchallenge.ning.com