Harare, Zimbabwe – The Amplifaya Creative Business Conference 2024, held at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare on the 19th of November 2024 has been hailed as a resounding success. Bringing together over 500 attendees from across Zimbabwe’s creative and corporate sectors, the one-day event marked a significant step toward transforming the country’s creative economy into a globally competitive powerhouse.
earGROUND NETWORK
Organized by earGROUND Media and Zar Events, with support from the US Embassy in Zimbabwe, Amplifaya 2024 featured thought-provoking discussions and practical workshops designed to address critical challenges and opportunities within Zimbabwe’s creative industries. The conference focused on three key themes: Building Sustainable Creative and Private Sector Partnerships, Creating Quality Products for the International Market, and Exploring Untapped Opportunities for Zimbabwean Creatives.
Amplifaya began in 2022 as a music festival for emerging talent and has since grown into a comprehensive platform for dialogue, collaboration, and professional development.
Connie Mazani of Zar Events described it as “an event that brings together Zimbabwe’s leading and international creative industry leaders under one roof.”
Plot Mhako of earGROUND Media reiterated the vision behind Amplifaya, calling it “a convergence for Zimbabwe’s creative industries and a celebration of cultural diversity.”
Amplifaya was moderated by Becky K, Candice Mwakalyelye and Maimba who steered the conversations in a great way.
The event’s stellar lineup of speakers included accomplished creatives and corporate leaders such as Marian Kunonga, filmmaker and actress known for Flame, Joe Njagu, director of Cook Off, Zimbabwe’s first Netflix feature, Napoleon Nyanhi, CEO of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Brian Soko, 4 time Grammy-winning songwriter and producer, Monalisa Chisango, media professional with credits in The Real Housewives of Durban, Palmer P. Mugavha, Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe representative.
The speakers shared invaluable insights on professionalism, storytelling, and fostering partnerships between creatives and businesses.
Amplifaya 2024 tackled long-standing challenges in the creative sector, such as the informal nature of many operations, intellectual property violations, and the disconnect between creatives and corporate entities. Public Diplomacy Officer Becca Archer-Knepper from the US Embassy in Harare highlighted the need to “formalize and operate like businesses” for the industry to thrive.
Corporate representatives like ZIMOCO Marketing Officer Tafadzwa Nyabuta emphasized the importance of aligning with business expectations, saying, “As corporates, we want to partner with artists, but you have to fit the fit.”
Takeaways from the Audience:
Attendees left inspired and equipped with actionable insights:
• Zimbabwe has a wealth of untapped talent in film, fashion, and visual arts.
• Authentic storytelling rooted in African experiences is key to global success.
• The creative sector needs to embrace formal structures and adopt a business mindset.
• Numbers and marketability are crucial for attracting corporate partnerships.
“Amplifaya was an important catalyst for professionalizing the arts sector,” said Napoleon Nyanhi, CEO of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
As Zimbabwe’s creative industries strive for global relevance, Amplifaya 2024 has proven to be a critical platform for fostering growth and collaboration. With its focus on sustainability, professionalism, and innovation, the conference is poised to become a cornerstone event for the creative economy.
In the words of filmmaker Marian Kunonga, “We need to start telling our authentic daily stories to impact the world. There are sacrifices one needs to make to succeed, but the results are worth it.”
Amplifaya 2024 has laid the foundation for a thriving creative ecosystem, positioning Zimbabwean talent for both local and international success.
All images – Pxel Business
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