When Mcheno and More made an impassioned rallying cry for more music and fashion events, it turns out creatives from across Zimbabwe were paying close attention.
In the sleepy town of Chinhoyi, a group of ambitious creatives have emerged to create a platform where artists, designers and musicians can collaborate, connect and showcase their talents. Dubbed ‘The OutKazterz (pronounced outcasters) Collective,’ they shall be hosting their inaugural show on March 15 at Occasions.
This is set to be a first-ever combined music, art and fashion show in the town. The OutKazterz were motivated by the booming creative events space in Zimbabwe, which Chinhoyi seemed reluctant to participate in. “We realised that all the major cities have been hosting shows for creatives, but Chinhoyi was lagging behind. We then decided to create our own platform to celebrate local talent,” explained Tinotenda Takawira, the co-founder of OutKazterz.
The platform aims to unite all creatives based in Chinhoyi, both the formally-trained artists and the innately gifted. The show is designed to be inclusive; welcoming people of all ages, from high schoolers to seasoned creatives. OutKazterz aims to break down barriers and create a judgment-free space where creatives can freely express themselves.
The Chinhoyi University of Technology’s School of Art and Design also provides fertile ground for OutKazterz to grow and impact, considering the faculty’s famed history for churning out Zimbabwe’s finest artists. Acclaimed designers and artists like Tapfumanei Munenge, Immaculate Kwashira, and Doris Kamupira have passed through the faculty’s corridors.
For their first ever show, OutKazterz partnered up with Occassions, KwaJumbe, Milton Technologies and Pietas Talent Services to ensure a flawless first time. It is endearing to see Chinhoyi corporates supporting their own creatives in this manner. The hope is that OutKazterz will convince other corporates to throw their weight behind creatives, becoming a catalyst for the development of Chinhoyi’s creative industry.
Chinhoyi-based creatives have been long-overlooked by promoters, who would rather bring mainstream artists from the capital to provide the entertainment, whilst stifling local creatives’ growth. OutKazterz then becomes an antidote – by the creatives, for the creatives to network, collaborate, and appreciate themselves. It is only through events like these that the Chinhoyi community will grow to listen, watch and wear Chinhoyi music, art and fashion.
“We want people to believe in our homegrown talent, and consider us whenever they need creative work,” said hip-hop artist Dray Blvck, who is also part of the OutKazterz Collective.
While the the organisers remain tight-lipped about the full list of featured artists, designers, and musicians that will be showcasing at OutKazterz, attendees can anticipate fresh talent and raw creativity. “At this point, we can only confirm that brands and artists will be there,” quipped Dray Blvck.
However, rumours suggest that Dray Blvck himself will be on the lineup, while fashionistas can anticipate runway showcases by rising streetwear brands Suchi Nuchi and Street Vogue.
The inaugural OutKazterz Show marks a new era for Chinhoyi, it is a rare opportunity for the creative community to rise up and put themselves on the map. It is only right for the town with the most vibrant Arts and Design faculty in Zimbabwe to become the country’s creative capital, and OutKazterz is just Step 1.
As the countdown to OutKazterz begins, Chinhoyi’s creative community is on the verge of something special. Unlike the usual, the OutKazterz Show is poised to become the first of its kind in Chinhoyi — merging music, art and fashion into one grand event.
Whether you’re a creative or a connoisseur, this is an event not to be missed. All you have to do is be at Occasions on March 15. Meanwhile, you can follow the official OutKazterz Instagram account for updates.
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