I don't really brag I just state facts. And I'm pretty much the best female in this events game - the entire Africa. Ask somebody or google, I've been coordinating the biggest Festival in Africa the past 5 yrs. Drone shot of opening night, of my final Bushfire cred: DTPhotography

5 years doing this is 3 years longer than any other coordinator they've ever had in their 14 year history.

Sadly, this year was supposed to be my final one, dololo due to Covid19 - so besides experience in curating international events I, have experience in managing the risk including cancellation & associated indemnification :D (Dass me in the front making my annual thank you speech)

Before this, I was also the longest serving LOS manager and first Malawian to be paid by those guys (lol) and also the founding production manager for @qonceptcreative (the one who set the bar for events excellence under that team - argue with your ancestors, but who knows knows)

Fun fact, I didnt go to school for to learn how to do this. I've just picked up some things from my various lines of work which have included Core Business Service Associate in a Big 5 Audit Firm, Radio Show Host and Chef (?) lol. I'm the odd jobs champion. Had to survive.

So anyway - it's me, and I'm here because occasionally I've walked into an interview like "I literally don't qualify for this position but show me what to do and i will prove my competence. Check my record" I've been lucky like that and I feel like it's time to give back

So with the help of people like @ZilanieGondwe who has honestly mentored me since I got into this events game way back in 2009 (I still remember the gin sachets that kept me going that year lmao) and collaborative willingness from other queens like @NthandaLManduwi the plan is

To lift the next generation of young creatives across Africa. I don't mean artists although we all are. I mean the faces behind the scenes... the ones you don't see so you don't know there's thousands of unsustainable jobs and unnurtured skills being lost in the industry

The next level is to formalize a largely informal sector - because those who know, know what it takes to put on events of such magnitude. We can no longer rely on cheap disposable labour. That real skills developed in the art can be upscaled into a whole range of other industries

Idk why I'm telling y'all this, but maybe someone on your TL is interested in finding out more about this side of the creative industry.. or just looking to find themselves a career path - I'd love to engage on some level whilst I'm still trying to formalize a training course

Obviously the broader discussion is what happens to the industry now? But if any profession is resilient, this one is, boss. The show will innovate and go on. cc #ResiliArt

And finally - cc @SkeezySays who I had the honour of bringing to Bushfire 2019 under my mentorship

I 1st noticed Sharon at #YouthFest 2012 - I saw the passion she had then, and in 2019 I got to mentor her into role of Artist Liaison - 100% responsible for the entire world class Bushfire line-up. There were tears, guys, and 3 months of sleepless nights but She OWNED THIS SHIT

It was ananana my girl, to watch u grow into this role and flourish! u did the things miss Shaz! And you did NOT embarrass me lol! All this to say if you wanna get involved on this #FestivalInstitute journey. in any way at all. Hit me up. I came to change the game

And here's me winning the Best Responsible Event Award for Bushfire, at the African Responsible Tourism Awards in Capetown 2017 :D In case you think I'm for jokes
@ArtaAwards :D
lol

Also shoutout @lusciousyvo who's supported my journey from day!!! As she has many of you in this industry. Flowers for you too, queen. Ulemu wanu. :D

And a final plug for our new festival @KukayaFestival - expect big things from us, through the institute and across Africa.

2020 digital festival highlights coming soon. Once again. I'm here to change the game :D issokay? :D thanks for listening,

The Curationist

Bonus 2020 Frames
Me with Zakes Bantwini on a panel at ARMC earlier this year (talking bout arts mobility before we knew the world was gonna shut down. lol!)

Me with Josh - the manager of the Late Great Bra Hugh Masekela

Me with Mr Benza (AKA's Manager and founder of VthSeason)

I dont talk much - but I thought I'd share my vision before you see it manifest in any other form. Big dreams take time - but I trust my process.

I know my shit. And I'm so excited for when I finally get to share it with other people, starting out a lot like I did

Thanks y'all