The Zimbabwean
March 21, 2011
Written by Rejoice Ndlovu
HARARE — The mission statement for Magamba reads: ‘Magamba is a network of cultural activists with rebel rhythm in our voices and a free Zimbabwe in our hearts’, and thanks to the events that they organise, the message of freedom is spreading.
Representatives from Magamba attended the World Social Forum from February 6-11 in Senegal. In association with TrustAfrica and Africulturban, Magamba held a roundtable discussion on ‘Artists as Agents for Democracy and Development’ which attracted a large crowd. The collaboration between the three organisations, dubbed The Freedom Train, aimed to build the power of cultural activism in strengthening democracy.
It also created space for new links to be formed between Senegalese and Zimbabwean revolutionary artists. Comrade Fatso & Chabvondoka alongside Outspoken and Upmost teamed up with leading Senegalese hip hop artists Awadi, Matador and Keyti to give a powerful performance on the WSF main stage.
As well as participating in international forums, the organisation established ‘Mashoko! The Spoken Word Event’, a monthly performance of music and poetry at the Mannenberg Club.
View the original article on The Zimbabwean’s website.