CONTENT creators recently had a chance to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage in Iran after travelling to the Asian country on a cultural exchange trip.
Content Creators Association of Zimbabwe (COCAZ) leader Takunda Tapfuma described the trip as a milestone. Tapfuma is making efforts to empower content creators in the country.
His organisation’s members Ernest Mavaza (Boss Matsanga), Kuda Rushman and Elizabeth Fukiza (Kimnanah) recently travelled to Iran for the exchange programme, with Tapfuma saying “our primary goal is to foster growth, development and collaboration among content creators in all 10 provinces of the country”.
COCAZ is a vibrant organisation that brings together emerging and established content creators from across Zimbabwe.
“We are thrilled to announce that COCAZ was invited to participate in the Media Exchange and Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Expo through the Iranian embassy in Zimbabwe,” Tapfuma said.
“This exciting initiative provided a unique platform for our members to engage with Iranian content creators, share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences.”
He added: “As part of the exchange, a delegation of four COCAZ members travelled to Iran to represent our organisation and Zimbabwe’s thriving content creation community while exporting our heritage and diversity.”
He said the opportunity helped “to build bridges, forge new connections and explore the possibility of international collaboration.”
- Woods fuels Masters’ return rumours
- WHAWHA, HARARE CITY SHARE SPOILS
- Author pens book in honour of Dendera
- WHAWHA, HARARE CITY SHARE SPOILS
Keep Reading
Tapfuma’s interest in content creation began when he realised the power of storytelling in shaping a people’s perceptions and understanding of the world, as well as changing the negative narrative about Zimbabwe.
“We collectively started COCAZ to provide a platform for Zimbabwean content creators to collaborate, learn from each other, showcase their work to a wider audience and contribute to national development through art,” he said.
About the content creators
Tapfuma: A social media influencer and content creator known for his entertaining and informative videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Mavaza (Boss Matsanga): A comedian and social media personality who has gained a large following for his humorous skits and commentary on Zimbabwean culture and society.
Rushman: A social media influencer and content creator who has built a reputation through his witty commentary and humorous takes on current events and pop culture.
Fukiza (Kimnanah): A social media influencer and content creator who has gained a large following for her lifestyle and beauty content, as well as her outspoken views on social issues and women's empowerment.
The four have built a significant following on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and are known for their entertaining and engaging content.
They often use their platforms to share their perspectives on Zimbabwean culture and society, as well as to promote their brands and businesses.
Below, Tapfuma speaks on a number of issues:
Cultural exchange programme in Iran
We recently participated in a cultural exchange programme in Iran, aimed at promoting mutual understanding and co-operation between our two countries.
The programme was a fantastic opportunity for our members to learn the Iranian culture, share experiences and explore possibilities of collaboration.
Our time in Iran was incredibly enriching. We experienced the country’s rich cultural heritage, from its stunning architecture to its vibrant arts scene.
These experiences will undoubtedly inspire our content creation work and provide new perspectives on storytelling.
The cultural exchange programme benefits COCAZ members by providing them with new insights, ideas and collaborations.
We’re excited about the opportunities that will arise from this programme and look forward to sharing our experiences with our members.
Content creation in Zimbabwe
As the leader of COCAZ, I believe one of the biggest challenges facing content creators in Zimbabwe is limited access to resources, training and funding.
To address these challenges, COCAZ is working to provide its members training, undertake capacity-building programmes, avail networking opportunities and facilitate access to funding and resources.
The government and private sector can support the growth of the content creation industry in Zimbabwe by providing funding and resources to content creators, investing in infrastructure and technology and promoting Zimbabwean content locally and internationally.
There is a growing demand for high-quality, engaging content in Zimbabwe, particularly in the areas of entertainment, education and information.
COCAZ members are responding to this demand by producing innovative and compelling content that showcases Zimbabwean talent and creativity.
Iran-Zimbabwe relations
We believe there are significant opportunities for exchanges and co-operation between Iran and Zimbabwe, particularly in the areas of arts, culture and education.
By leveraging on these opportunities, we can promote mutual understanding, foster creativity and innovation, and strengthen the ties between our two nations.
The cultural exchange programme will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Iran-Zimbabwe relations.
By sharing experiences, ideas and cultures, we can foster understanding and co-operation between the two countries.
COCAZ is exploring ways to collaborate with Iranian content creators and organisations.
We’re excited about the possibility of co-producing content, exchanging ideas and expertise, and learning from each other’s experiences.
Future plans and aspirations
COCAZ plans to expand its membership, increase training and capacity-building programmes, and establish partnerships with local and international organisations.
We’re committed to empowering Zimbabwean content creators and promoting our country’s rich cultural heritage.
We hope to make a positive impact on the content creation industry in Zimbabwe by providing opportunities for growth, development and collaboration.
I’m committed to promoting Zimbabwean talent and creativity, and to showcasing our country’s unique stories and perspectives.
We’re excited about several upcoming projects, including a documentary series showcasing Zimbabwean culture and heritage, a training programme for young content creators, and collaboration with content creators from different countries on production.
Content creation community
To COCAZ members and the wider community of content creators in Zimbabwe, I’d like to say that we’re committed to supporting and empowering you.
We believe in the power of storytelling, shaping our perceptions and understanding of the world, and we’re excited to see the amazing content you’ll create.
