MARONDERA’S lively community of artists and creatives took the spotlight last Saturday as the third edition of Micro-Town Mega Story (MTMS) united musicians, poets, fashion designers and visual artists in a vibrant celebration of local talent.
Held at #961 Hub, under the auspices of Covinis Music Academy, this event continues to establish itself as a burgeoning platform for highlighting the creative potential of small towns while fostering opportunities within the local creative economy.
MTMS is a community-focused initiative aimed at amplifying the voices, narratives, and talents of creatives from smaller urban areas.
Through live performances, exhibitions and networking opportunities, this platform cultivates an environment where artists can showcase their work, collaborate and engage with audiences.
This month’s edition also received broader recognition after MTMS 3 was included in the Creative Economy Week.
This acknowledgment came after the successful completion of two consecutive cohorts of the So Creative e-learning program in Marondera, facilitated by Magitare Africa Trust.
The So Creative programme, backed by the British Council, is an online learning initiative designed to equip creatives with essential skills for establishing sustainable careers in the creative sector.
It covers vital topics such as understanding the creative economy, developing creative enterprises, and strategies for artists to monetize their work.
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By linking local creatives to global discussions about the creative economy, the programme has inspired initiatives like MTMS that seek to enhance creative ecosystems in smaller towns.
The third edition of MTMS showcased a rich array of performers and exhibitors.
Seven musicians and seven poets delivered live performances that enthralled the audience, while the Creative Showcase segment featured the work of eight creatives from various artistic disciplines.
Among those highlighted were fashion designers, visual artists, and artisans whose creations showcased the expanding diversity of Marondera’s creative landscape.
Designers like Chrissy Heritage Atelier, LeeTrends and Designer J unveiled their fashion collections, capturing the interest of attendees keen on locally crafted fashion and design.
The event also included a special guest performance by the talented female saxophonist Tina Watyoka, whose lively set infused a distinctive musical essence into the evening.
Her performance became one of the event’s standout moments, prompting audience members to rise from their seats and dance along with the music.
Beyond mere entertainment, MTMS is increasingly showcasing real economic advantages for local creatives.
Feedback from participants suggests that the platform is aiding artists in creating new opportunities and connecting with potential clients.
After a previous edition of the event, two participating fashion designers reported receiving orders totalling around US$350 after displaying their work on the platform.
Audience engagement has also led to increased local spending.
A post-event survey conducted after MTMS 2 indicated that 93,8% of attendees spent money as a direct result of attending the event.
The expenditures varied from transport and airtime to food, drinks, and clothing purchases, highlighting how creative events can invigorate economic activity within the community.
According to organiser Donovan Makuzo, the vision behind MTMS is to ensure that the stories and talents emerging from smaller towns receive the recognition and support they deserve.
“Micro-Town Mega Story is about narrating the stories of our town through art,” Makuzo said.
“Small towns like Marondera are brimming with creative talent, yet many artists lack platforms where they can be seen, heard, and valued. MTMS aims to change that by providing creatives with a stage and an audience.”
As the platform continues to expand, organizers aspire for MTMS to develop into a more robust network and community.
As the platform expands, organisers are optimistic that MTMS will transform into a more robust network and community of creatives, fostering artistic talent and aiding in the cultural and economic growth of the town.
With every edition drawing in a larger number of creatives and audience members, MTMS is consistently establishing a niche for Marondera in Zimbabwe’s wider creative landscape, demonstrating that even in smaller towns, significant stories can be expressed through art.
