By Edward Makuzva
In the heart of Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province, a powerful artistic movement is taking shape — one that fuses creative expression with a commitment to community upliftment. More than 100 artists from Gokwe, inspired and led by the passionate cultural advocate Wonesai Chimwanamambo, have united under a shared vision: to celebrate their vibrant cultural heritage while driving social change through art.
A Creative Awakening in Gokwe
Gokwe, often celebrated for its agricultural prowess, is now shining for a different reason — its blossoming arts scene. Painters, poets, dancers, sculptors, musicians, and dramatists from across the region have come together to form the Gokwe Artists Collective. At its core, the collective seeks to redefine how rural Zimbabwean talent is viewed and valued.
“This is not just about art,” Chimwanamambo explains. “It’s about identity, empowerment, and using our creative gifts to educate, heal, and inspire our communities.”
A Cultural Milestone: Upcoming Album Launch
Chimwanambo reaveled that the collective’s momentum will be on full display this coming September at Mapfumo Primary School under Chief Njelele, with the much-anticipated launch of a collaborative album by local artists Proster Musindo and Isaac Shoko Matutu. Set to be held in Gokwe Center, the album launch promises to be more than a musical event — it’s a celebration of homegrown talent and artistic solidarity.
Furthermore, the event will feature live performances, spoken word poetry, traditional dance, visual art exhibitions, and interactive workshops. Other artists in the collective will use this platform to share their work, make professional connections, and uplift one another — creating a ripple effect throughout the creative community.
Art for Advocacy: Combating Drug and Substance Abuse
True to its mission of social transformation, the Gokwe Artists Collective is also preparing to roll out a community-wide Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign. This initiative responds to the growing concern over drug and substance abuse among youth in the area — a crisis that has quietly eroded potential and disrupted families.
“We are losing too many young people to drugs,” says Chimwanamambo. “We believe art can be a powerful tool for advocacy. Through music, drama, and storytelling, we can reach hearts and open minds.”
The campaign will feature edutainment sessions, school visits, street theatre, youth dialogues, and family-centered workshops that focus on resilience, peer pressure, and access to mental health support.
The Power of Partnerships: A Call for Support
To bring these ambitious initiatives to life, the collective is appealing to businesses, government departments, NGOs, and well-wishers for support. They require assistance with logistical elements such as:
Public Address (PA) systems
Transport and fuel
Catering for event participants
Refreshments for attendees
Venue support and mobile stages
“We are more than 100 artists here who are willing to work and assist the Gokwe community,” says Chimwanamambo. “But without basic resources, our impact remains limited. We’re asking for partners who believe in the transformative power of art.”
Building a Movement: Art with Purpose
What sets the Gokwe Artists Collective apart is its fusion of creativity with activism. The artists aren’t just waiting to be discovered — they are actively building platforms to raise awareness, provoke thought, and shape the future of their region.
By aligning art with education, health, and social empowerment, the collective is nurturing a new generation of purpose-driven artists who see themselves as agents of change.
Get Involved: Support the Movement
This movement is open to everyone — community members, artists from outside Gokwe, corporate sponsors, media partners, and cultural institutions. For those looking to contribute or get involved, the organizing committee can be reached via:
Contact:
+263 772 129 563
+263 715 318 977
A Brighter Tomorrow Begins with Art
The story of the Gokwe Artists Collective is one of unity, resilience, and vision. In a world often divided by hardship, these artists are reminding us that creativity — when fused with purpose — has the power to restore hope and renew communities.
By supporting their journey, we are not just promoting the arts — we are investing in education, health, youth empowerment, and the cultural legacy of Gokwe.