Projects
Our projects are an expression of our beliefs in the primacy of human rights above all else. We strongly advocate for a world evry artistic voice has a platform where it can be freely expressed and amplified. A plural society where citizens can speak truth to power without physical harm or censure since power is negotiated and can be challenged and redefined for a harmonious society.
Above all, an ideal society for us is one that recognises freedom of expression and accountability; free exchange of information and the ability of citizens to influence decisions that affect them as a nation. Through our various projects, we live by these ethos and work with like-minded stakeholders to uphold them.
Books
Nehanda Re-Imagined
POVOAfrika Trust, presents its latest project Mbuya Nehanda Re-imagined, a collection of curated essays, academic articles, drawings, photographs, short stories, poetry, music, paintings, prints and other depictions of Mbuya Nehanda. Mbuya Nehanda reimagined is an attempt to write back into Zimbabwean modern memory one of the most influential female protagonists. From this milieu, the ever-present link between past and present is re-evaluated, interrogated and repurposed to fit the aspirations of a new generation, without overestimating the role she played nor diminishing it for a narrow agenda. Read More
Sokunge (As If)
“Sokunge”, is a Shona word that describes phenomena that is intrinsically something else other than their appearance. More like deception or dissimulation of form, concept, or sound. In this exhibition, I was looking at forms that appear as something, but upon a closer look, they reference a lot of other things, more like below the surface politics. That is the relationship between hidden and exposed transcripts, it is the subtext, the micro politics. There’s a lot of mingling of symbolism in the work itself and layered aesthetics.
Music
Nehanda Re-imagined
Three artists produced their interpretations of Nehanda in song
Nehanda
Handikanganwe
Nehanda
#16WomenVoices
#16WomenVoices a project by POVO Afrika Trust in Partnership with Music in Africa Foundation (MIAF) under their Music In Africa Live initiative (MIAL). It consists of live performances by upcoming Zimbabwean women collaborating in tackling themes ranging from ending violence against women and enjoying human rights! It was launched in commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence for 2021. Read More
SpeakSing
Music and the spoken word are the soul of the world, mediums of expression with limitless potential in capturing a people’s deep seated desires and aspirations. We have a compilation CD of artists which combines spoken word and songs for up and coming artists to showcase their talent to Zimbabwe’s audiences. We compiled 2 volumes.
Sustainability
The POVOAfrika Trust is a champion for equal access to sufficient, affordable and healthy food to all. Moreso, for the low-income earning grassroots to create substantial economic opportunities and generate positive environmental returns. Through our industry focused award winning newspaper, Sustainzim, we advocate for a self-sustainable world in which people use natural resources sustainably, to the benefit of all of mankind.
Truly sustainable energy and food supplies will not only take care of our planet but can also enable mankind to share everything it has to offer more equitably. In our aim for a green society, POVOAfrika Trust supports transitions towards renewable energy and diverse, resilient, fair and sustainable food systems by documenting the stories of the leading advocates of these interventions. SustainZim broadsheets are distributed to key stakeholders at embassies, colleges, universities, schools and libraries as well as government departments, civic society groups and private sector players.
POVO Journals
The POVO journal was launched in December 2009 as a platform for Afrikans to express themselves in the global community, to voice their thoughts and determine the Afrikan narrative from the eyes of Afrikans. We believe that every person’s opinion is valid, which is why we have set up this platform for continuous and vigorous discourse on all issues African. There are two journals, one with women only contributions and one with mixed gender contributions.
POVO Konvos
POVOKonvos is a series of conversations and insights from artists on topical issues of the day.