Bulawayo’s Gog’ Bekezela to Showcase Zimbabwe at Global Creative Summit

For Bulawayo arts stalwart Bothwell Nkomo, popularly known as Gog’ Bekezela, the upcoming Global Creative Summit (GCS) in South Africa is more than a conference — it is an opportunity to position Zimbabwe, and especially Bulawayo, on the global creative map.

The summit, set for November 13 to 15 in Johannesburg, will bring together leading creative minds from across Africa to develop a unified continental agenda for the arts. Founded by Sinamandla Kwepile, GCS aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to foster collaboration, remove trade barriers, and amplify Africa’s voice internationally.

Held under the theme “Visa to the World”, the summit seeks to strengthen Africa’s Cultural and Creative Industries, including music, film, fashion, digital arts, and literature, as drivers of innovation and sustainable growth. It will also coincide with the 2025 G20 Summit, the first ever hosted on African soil.

Countries including Lesotho, Botswana, Seychelles, Réunion Island, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe have confirmed participation, with more expected to join. The keynote address will be delivered by multi-Grammy-winning producer and UN Goodwill Ambassador Gordon “Commissioner Gordon” Williams.

Said Gog’ Bekezela: “I’ve attended many conferences, but this one feels special. For 17 years in South Africa, I noticed Zimbabwe’s absence at such events. I’ve always wanted to represent my country and my city, Bulawayo, as a creative hub. This summit is our moment.”

Attending as an artist, curator, and founder of Gobela Arts Development Agency, Gog’ Bekezela sees exposure as the key need for Zimbabwean creatives.

“Networking is everything. We’ll meet artists from across Africa, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. It’s time the world experiences Zimbabwe, and Bulawayo, as the cultural hub it truly is. The more exposed we are, the better our craft becomes. We need to see how others implement ideas and overcome challenges. That’s how our industry will grow,” he said.

He credits the late Cont Mhlanga, founder of the Amakhosi Cultural Centre, for inspiring his pursuit of international exposure. “He told me, ‘For you to grow musically, attend an international festival.’ I took that to heart.”

In 2008, Gog’ Bekezela attended the Haifa International Film Festival in Israel, an experience he says transformed his perspective. “Seeing the scale and creativity abroad opened my mind. I came back knowing exactly what I wanted to achieve. Travel opens you up to new cultures and systems you can adapt at home.”

While preparing for the summit, Gog’ Bekezela remains active locally, with recent performances in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and private events lined up in Harare. His participation at the Global Creative Summit promises to showcase Zimbabwean talent, build networks, and further establish Bulawayo as a continental creative hub.