Timbe Urges Teachers to Upgrade Competencies in Visual and Performing Arts

Christopher Timbe, a respected retired veteran music educator, recently delivered a powerful message at the graduation ceremony of 22 teachers at the Music Consultancy Society of Zimbabwe (MCSZ) Music Academy. Timbe, serving as the guest of honor, emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for educators in the field of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).

With extensive experience in both industrial and consultancy roles within music and the arts, Timbe illustrated his points through dynamic speeches, dancing, singing, and playing instruments like the guitar and mbira. His interactive approach highlighted the graduation theme: Championing Innovation, Industrialisation, Community Service, and Research in the Teaching of VPA.

The ceremony featured captivating cultural performances by poets and musicians such as Mambo Guramatunhu, Nyanduri Nyama, and Munyaradzi Munodawafa, among others. The Hwamanda Dance Troupe impressed the audience with their exceptional traditional dances, including nyambera and mbende. Munodawafa’s piano performance, along with the Chipadza Sons’ rendition of Mechanic Manyeruke’s hit Makorokoto, further energized the event, showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity.

Timbe urged the graduates to continually improve their teaching competencies in VPA to become leaders within their industry. He stressed the need to integrate new technologies into teaching practices, with a focus on enhancing students’ social and emotional development. He further reflected on the humble beginnings of African music innovation, mentioning the production and sale of traditional instruments such as the nyunga nyunga mbira, marimba, and zvigufe.

Assiel Tavonga Chipadza, the MCSZ director, also highlighted the importance of innovation in education, noting that innovation involves addressing real problems in simple and effective ways. Under his leadership, MCSZ has conducted over 40 VPA workshops in 2024, aiming to improve teaching practices in music, dance, theater, film, and visual arts across Zimbabwean schools.

Erick Mutanga, Program Officer for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to embrace digital technologies, which could expand their reach to regional and international markets. He urged them to view music as a viable business, noting the success of many artists in earning a living and gaining recognition.

Farai Jingura, MCSZ Board Chairperson, expressed pride in the institution’s accomplishments, despite limited resources, and affirmed the academy’s mission to become a regional and international center of learning for VPA teachers.

Among the graduates, Freemental Nhembo earned the title of Best Diploma Student in VPA, with distinctions in piano, dance, and marimba. Other awardees included Lorraine Magwizi (Best in Voice), Raveena (Best in Visual Arts), Rebecca Musora (Best in Mbira), Kudakwashe Mavengedze (Best in Saxophone), Polite Moyo (Best in Recorder), and Kwenda Mukorera and Janet Gogo (Most Dedicated Students).

In conclusion, Timbe’s speech underscored the significance of capturing best practices in schools and communities. By utilizing the knowledge gained through VPA, educators and students can contribute to shaping a future where innovation and cultural preservation thrive in the arts.

With continued investment in education and professional development, institutions like MCSZ are paving the way for a brighter future in Zimbabwe’s arts and education sectors.