The Sunday Mail
Takudzwa Chihambakwe
NO money. So what?
Organisers of the Jibilika Dance Festival showed last weekend that money is just paper when they – against all odds – held their tenth edition of the event at Harare’s Theatre in the Park. And that was done without a single sponsor.
The Sunday Mail Society last week caught up with festival director Plot Mhako, who said he could not allow money to undo his life’s work. “Organising this year’s festival was a huge challenge. Unlike in the past when we could secure some funding, 2017 was completely dry. This was despite months of lobbying for support. We still had empty coffers come August, the month of the festival. This affected our initial plans to have the festival in Masvingo,” said Mhako.
Instead of scrapping the festival, organisers made do with what they had. The usual provincial competitions were shelved and the format was switched from group competitions to solo clashes. And since they were running on empty — there were no cash prizes. But that did not stop people from entering.
“Our turnaround plan was premised on strategic partnerships and collaborations based on relationships and a network we had built over the decade. It worked. We managed to host a successful event, which was fully subscribed by both the dancers and the audience,” said Mhako.
Without cash prizes, there had to be other incentives. Mhako and team used their networks to ensure that the winner of Jibilika 2017 automatically enters Battle Rivalskool, an international hip-hop dance competition to be held in December.
“We used to run Battle of the Year for three years so the event put me on the international radar for hip-hop dance organisers. So in 2011 while I was in France for the BOTY world finals I received a message from the guy and the conversation continued for five years until they invited me to Paris last year and it culminated in having the event in the country,” said Mhako.
And despite having no money, Jibilika filled the 400-seat Theatre in the Park as youngsters came to watch more than 70 competitors try to outdo each other for the chance to get on the plane to France for Battle Rivalskool.
Panashe Gwabi came out tops, with Kudzai Chikuwe and Mickel Simenti second and third respectively. Though he was third, 11-year-old Simenti thrilled all with a performance that belied his age. Simenti is a product of Jibilika’s outreach programme, Breakin’ Barriers.
“Simenti joined Breakin’ Barriers, a community programme we host in several neighbourhoods weekly, including his, which is Dzivaresekwa. We host this programme with the aim of empowering young people with creative skills as a way of building their confidence, enhancing talent and promoting positive social behaviour.
“Since becoming part of the programme, Mickel has honed his skills and is destined for greater days,” explained Mhako. Despite the tough times in organising this year’s festival, there is no talk of abandoning in in 2018.
“Next year the festival will grow bigger, with or without money. We have learnt that we have the resources we need but only if we look within, partner and support each other.
“The 2018 edition will transform into an international festival since it has an international event within it. It will run for three days, with more exciting workshops, events and performances,” said a defiant Mhako.
