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Writes Tanyaradzwa Mombeshora
A Night of Theatrical Performances by 2nd Street Writes production, Makumi Matatu, is ready to take Mutare by storm at the Mutare Museum on the 28th of March.
Makumi Matatu is a 2nd Street Writes theatre initiative using literary arts and performances to encourage a safe space for controversial decisions and challenge societal norms as well as creating a platform to empower upcoming talents in Zimbabwe.
The 2nd Street Writes Initiative is the brainchild of award-winning Mutare native, Shingirai Manyengavana, who aims to create social change through arts to encourage youths nationwide by creating a unified platform where artists can come together and impact fellow Zimbabweans.
In an interview, Shingirai Manyengavana said, “I was inspired by my own problems to talk about issues that are affecting us as young people. Art can mirror society, evoke emotions, and spark conversations that often remain unspoken. I realized that creating Makumi Matatu as a platform that could serve as a platform for individuals to explore their vulnerabilities and confront difficult issues.
“The beauty of 2nd Street Writes lies in its ability to start conversations that might otherwise be avoided. Through our events, we encourage audiences to engage with difficult topics, fostering an environment where dialogue can flourish. However, true social change requires a collective effort—community engagement, education, and ongoing discussions beyond the stage. I am hopeful that our productions will inspire more conversations and actions that lead to a deeper societal transformation over time.”
Shingirai Manyengavan, a visionary and artist, has ambitious goals he set with 2nd Street Writes and Makumi Matatu to become the therapeutic place to be for creatives and artists in Zimbabwe.
“In the next ten years, I see 2nd Street Writers and Makumi Matatu becoming a lively hub for creativity, a safe space to explore, create and deliver.”
The initiative has received a positive welcome in Harare, particularly among the youths and artists, and is anticipated to achieve the same results in Muatare.
Mutare-based local talents such as musician Tawanda Charie also known as Wacharie and entertaining magnate, Amanda Ranganawa will be among the many performers who admire the advocacy through arts 2nd Street Writes aspires to achieve.
Amanda Ranganawa, who will be Master of Ceremony at the show couldn’t be more enthusiastic in a separate interview, ” I feel that art can foster positive as it is a form of communication of the mind and heart and it appeals to people of different backgrounds send universal messages through the artists”
Amanda Ranganawa hopes that 2nd Street Writes future productions will continue to promote young talents across the nation.
“I hope 2nd Street Writes becomes a bigger brand that can uplift young talents who are still finding their way in the industry.”
Fellow entertainer, muso Tawanda Chari, aka WaChari, shares the same sentiments as he stated in an interview, “As a young performing artist who sees young voices pushing for progression, I never miss the opportunity to be part of the production as I view myself as the voice of the voiceless and use my music as a form of both education and entertainment, we call it ‘edutainment’.”
WaChari hopes his audience will be unified in the Makumi Matatu production to achieve the unachievable in society.
“It is always my goal to bring people together through music. People are different from other living organisms because we need each other. We are not individuals, rather we are built up by the next person.”
The 2nd Street Writes initiative, Makumi Matatu Theatre hopes to unify and empower youths nationwide with further productions soon.
