Bulawayo photographers will turn this year’s Makokoba Music Festival into a visual storytelling platform, documenting the history, people and way of life of Makokoba and Mzilikazi.
The Bulawayo LensFest photography collective will be introduced as a new category at the festival, documenting the event and showcasing an exhibition centred on stories from the two townships.
LensFest director Mhondiwa Mhepo said the collaboration would use photography to tell stories that could otherwise be lost, especially where oral tradition remains key.
“During the festival, we will be documenting because LensFest directors like shooting showbiz, arts and concert photography,” Mhepo said.
“There is power in collaboration.”
He said the collective had gathered stories from Makokoba and Mzilikazi to present through an exhibition.
“Makokoba is taken lightly, yet it has many stories. It is Bulawayo’s oldest township, and its people have a unique way of living that we should tell the world about,” he said.
Festival manager Chistensen Mapuranga said the collaboration would take Makokoba’s story beyond the community.
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“Photography is one powerful way of spreading it to the world,” Mapuranga said.
He said the photographers’ involvement would give homegrown talent greater visibility beyond the physical audience.
“Having LensFest aboard means our festival is showcased not just to the physical audience, but to those who will see the images and visuals produced,” Mapuranga said.
“This is a win-win for Bulawayo.”
Mhepo said the project was informed by concerns that oral stories could lose authenticity over time.
“We handpicked four photographers and one cinematographer originally from Makokoba, giving us access to the lungs of the township,” he said.
The selected photographers are SaDee Lenswork, Light World, Epic Media and Pixel Zimbabwe.
Mhepo said the project also aims to encourage residents to embrace photography as a way of preserving their own stories.
LensFest also runs workshops, photowalks and a Little Lenses programme for children aged five to 11.
“We teach them how to use cameras and they capture images and tell stories at their churches and schools,” Mhepo said.
“They produce unfiltered, pure stories.”
The programme was previously taken to a children’s home in Sizinda, but was suspended due to lack of funding.
Mhepo appealed for donations of unused cameras to help revive the initiative.
“We stopped because we lack funding. We are calling on anyone with an old camera to donate so we can continue our dream,” he said.
