Artists for Democracy in Zimbabwe Trust (ADZT) has partnered with Pamberi Trust to advocate for peace among citizens. This partnership saw the two organisations hosting this month’s edition of the House of Hunger Poetry Slam at the Book Café on Saturday, under the theme ‘Celebrating Peace and Unity’.

Over twenty poets performed in a packed venue, among them Arnold ‘SoProfond” Chirimika, Sekuru Nhano, Madzitatiguru, Shabba, Happius ‘Bravoman’ Musinde and Christopher Chiwanza a.k.a D’Vokal.

Various peace related messages were conveyed including the issues of gender-based violence, public violence and political violence as the nation heads towards harmonised elections.

The House of Hunger Poetry Slam, named after Dambudzo Marechera’s seminal work, is Harare’s longest running poetry platform. It gives performance space to upcoming poets, offering them an opportunity to share the stage with seasoned performers.

The Slam is staged on the first Saturday of every month

Bravoman (pictured) who came all the way from Masvingo walked away with the first prize whilst SoProfound and Shabba took second and third place respectively.

“As poets we must not tire to speak of issues that build our community. We really need to encourage people to co-exist despite their differences,” said Bravoman.

ADZT Information Officer Nyaradzo Muchawaya said of their partnership with Pamberi Trust, “We are hoping to make artists voices for peace love and respect among citizens.”

As well as partnering with poets, the organisation has engaged various musicians including Peter Moyo, Somandla Ndebele, Tryson Chimbetu, Abel Mahuchi, Chiwoniso Maraire, Jah Prayzah and Sulumani Chimbetu among others.

ADZT will also be launching an exhibition by Christine Ndoro entitled Memories of Peace at Book Café tomorrow night (Tuesday 9 July).

Saturday’s, slam was followed by a fusion of mbira, poetry and visual art in a show organised by Mbiravolution.

In this show Gary Tight, son of the legendary Willom, fused his music with poetry by SoProfound and Moreblessing Size.

During their performance Trust Mutekwa a.k.a Ticha Muzavazi showcased an mbira exhibition.

Ethnomusicologist and co-founder of Mbiravolution Hector Mugani enthused, “We are happy to carry on with the legacy of mbira educating people through various mediums of art.”

Mbiravolution is a community of mbira musicians, researchers, makers, academics and lovers coming together to discuss, share and engage each other for the development of the mbira instrument and music.