Plot Mhako Interview

How is Plot doing in 2015?

Plot is doing so well in 2015. The year started on a very high note with some hip hop exchange, shows and a European tour.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Glen-View. .

What is your project about?

Jibilika Dance Trust is an award winning arts-based education organization founded in 2007 that engages and empowers the voice of young people through innovative programming, multimedia activism, mentorship and community service projects. Jibilika promotes the development of popular youth culture mainly dance for youth engagement and development.

What motivated you to start your Jibilika platform?

I was motivated by the abundance of talent among young people in communities where I grew up who lacked a platform to expose and develop it

What do you want to achieve with this project?

We want to promote the development of popular art forms for positive youth engagement and development.

How long has the project being running for?

Its been running since 2007 so this is our 8th year.

Are you working alone or do you have people who work with you?

I work with a team and volunteers.

How do you feel participating on the global scale for youth?

It feels great and fulfilling especially knowing that we are working with the future generation of leaders.

Do you what volunteers?

Yes we do have many volunteers in 7 of the countries 10 provinces that we work with.

Do you have a specific target market and location?

Our programs target young people anywhere in the country.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has been promoting dance when I don’t dance myself.

Who is your inspiration?

Young people are my inspiration. Young people are never scared to experiment and try out new things.

How has being a father changed your perspective on art, life and immortality?

It has given me a sense of responsibility and a strong purpose for life especially if you are working with young people and addressing issues of behavior.

Do you think young people are involved in the future of this country?

Young people are not involved in the future of this country. The existing systems and the attitude of the elderly is not encouraging. However a lot of the youth are finding their own way to have a hand on the country’s future.

Do young people in Zimbabwe recognize your work or its young people outside Zimbabwe?

There is great appreciation at home from young people given that all our programs are to meet their needs and are administered by young people themselves.

Is it important to you to be appreciated at home?

It is very important.

Whats your biggest achievement yet?

My biggest achievement to date has been founding and running Jibilika for eight years and surviving the macro-economic challenges that we faced in Zimbabwe. It wasn’t easy and whenever I look back I have more reasons to smile.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In the next five years Jibilika will be running an urban youth arts centre. A facility that will train, develop and offer recreational opportunities to hundreds of young people.

What do you do to relax?

I visit my childhood area, Glen-View and catch up with my hommies and young people from around. I love music, dancehall especially so I listen to a lot of it when chilled.

Your advice to young people?

My advise to young people is, “Go to school, dream, stay focused, safe”

Where can your fans reach you?

They can reach us on Facebook page – Jibilika, our email: [email protected], Twitter @jibilika or Whatsapp +263773591356