Preface to Zen Dust

There is a song in the wind we cant quite catch. To hear it we have to
stop. We have to set ourselves aside and listen.
Under the hum of tyres and computers, beyond the restless din of right
and wrong, there lies a silence that holds the heartache and the
longing of the world.
And then, still further out, an empty road where wind and dust have
wiped out all our tracks.
In this openness our hearts are lit. It is here the singing starts.
And our connection to each other and to the land will flow as
naturally as the waters of the great Gariep that run under the bridge
to the sea.
We can find again this precious world in all its myriad forms.
The sound of buses taking children off to school.
An eagle owl calling in the night.
The cry of living in difficult times.
And each becomes a doorway to the light.
I am not talking here of yet another way to put things right. I am
talking about giving ourselves to this life completely, however it
turns out.
I am talking about selflessness.
And that slippery necessary word, love.
It is time to go home.

- Antony Osler

Book Café Wins Prestigious NAMA Award

A week ago on February 16th, The National Arts Council presented The Book Café with a NAMA Award for National Arts Service.  The Book Café is one of Zimbabwe’s most important arts and culture venues, combining entertainment and artist development with informative discussions and critical platforms for freedom of speech.   Book Café Senior Arts and Communications Officer Extra-Blessing Kuchera accepted the award at the star-studded ceremony.

The event was well-attended by various dignitaries, including Minister of Education, Sports and Culture David Coltart, ZiFM head Supa Mandiwanzira and music legend Oliver Mtukudzi.  The Book Café received the National Arts Service award in recognition of the achievements of its live music venue and the outstanding support it gives to artists.

Book Cafe is part of Pamberi Trust and is founded on the belief that the arts are critical in shaping values that reflect society.  Since its inception in 1997, The Book Café has evolved into a lively arts hub that is open 7 days a week and offers an art space that has become a place where all cultures mix freely and comfortably.

This award is the first time Book Café has been recognized by the National Arts Council.  Senior Arts and Communications Officer Extra-Blessing Kuchera was very excited to receive the reward as it was completely unexpected.  Kuchera says, “NAMA had said they wanted a representative from Pamberi Trust to come and present an award at the ceremony.  They wanted to surprise Book Café so they didn’t tell us.  I was supposed to present the National Arts Service Award to someone else.  It was a genuine surprise!  It’s a special award.  They created this for specific individuals and organizations that have excelled in terms of developing arts in Zimbabwe.”

Kuchera was presented the award by acclaimed musician and guest of honour, Oliver Mtukudzi.  Last year the National Arts Service Award was awarded to Prince Tendai Mpfurutsa.  Speaking about the significance for the award Kuchera said, “NAMA looked at the quality that came out of The Book Café.  However, from my perspective it’s just hard work, team work, commitment, determination and being responsible.  The most important thing is being able to help people realize their potential – to go another mile.  Being able to give people that opportunity is what we do and that’s what the award is all about.  The artists are the ones who really deserve this award because they are the ones who come in and build themselves, who come in and enjoy their time at Book Café, and who come in and make a name that enables them to go places.”

The Book Café has been in operation for 16 years.  In 2012, they moved from their location in Five Avenue to their new premises a stone’s throw away on Samora Machel.  Last March, The Book Cafe received the prestigious Prince Claus Award for excellence in the arts from the Dutch organization, The Prince Claus Fund.  Importantly, most of Zimbabwe’s well-known and well-loved musicians have performed or received critical support and mentoring through the many platforms and opportunities at The Book Café.  These include, Chiwoniso Maraire, Victor Kunonga, 2013 NAMA Award winner Hope Masike, 2013 triple NAMA Award winner Suluman Chimbetu and singer Peace Ndlovu, popularly known as Ba Shupi.

Ba Shupi is a talented artist who is rising in the music scene, in part because of the important platform provided for artists at The Book Café.  About the Book Café he says, “The Book Café is a platform that I also came into.  I have learnt a lot and a lot has happened in my life through the Book Café, and the Open Mic and all the activities that happen at Book Café.  For me to have a band, I got it from Book Café because it’s a meeting place for all different artists.  In Zimbabwe the Book Café, are doing their level best to uplift us artists.  That’s where I met people like Chiwoniso Maraire and all kinds of artists.  At the end of the day, my dream would be for the Book Café to expand to other towns because every artist gets the opportunity to showcase their talent”.

Book Café continues to play a critical role in the development and promotion of arts and culture in Zimbabwe.  Congratulations on their award.

Press Release from Book Cafe

Our heart survives between hammers,
just as the tongue between the teeth is still able to praise.
- Rilke, Duino Elegy 9

ILLEGAL POLICE ACTION MUST BE CHALLENGED

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is astounded by the most recent actions of the Zimbabwe Republic Police on Tuesday 19 February 2013, where through a press briefing, they launched an unwarranted assault on freedom of expression and access to information by purporting to ban citizens from possessing and distributing radios and similar communication devices.

In terms of Section 20 (i) of the Constitution every Zimbabwean is entitled to receive and impart information without any hindrance and the use of common technology such as radio, television or mobile phone is protected by law.

The utterances by the police are patently illegal. This so-called ban has no basis in law. The lengths to which State institutions and actors are now going to deny fundamental rights and freedoms and act outside the law is alarming but is typical of paranoid State authorities who are contemptuous of any diversity of opinion and information.

ZLHR is deeply committed to freedom of expression and access to information. It is also our firm and unshakeable belief that the police are the least expected to act outside the law considering that they are mandated in terms of Section 18 (1) to act lawfully and uphold the Constitution. We refuse to be passive spectators of such blatant violations and impunity, and as such ZLHR is preparing to challenge this purported ban through the courts imminently.