Poetry Red Carpet Awards to Showcase Zimbabwe-Botswana Artistic Talent

Cynthia Mapando, widely known in the arts industry as Blackbird Zimbabwe, has confirmed that the fourth edition of the Poetry Red Carpet Awards will feature top poets from Botswana. As the chief executive officer of the Poetry Red Carpet Awards and a renowned TV presenter, Blackbird Zimbabwe is dedicated to elevating poetry as a recognized art form in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Set to take place tomorrow night at the PG Centre along Chinhoyi Street in Harare, the event will showcase a diverse lineup of poets from Zimbabwe alongside celebrated names from Botswana. Among the international guests expected to perform are Winnie Winani Mpala, musician and poet Mogapi “MR ONEX” Mojatlou, Dr. Ditsupo Mosoboloko, and Gaolathlhe Othusitse.

Speaking ahead of the event, Blackbird Zimbabwe expressed optimism about the growing recognition of poetry as an art form.

“We are hoping to have a great number of artists who appreciate their art being spotted and having the world to see it at large,” she said.

She emphasized that poetry has often been overlooked within the creative industry but hopes the awards will change public perception.

“Poetry is a means of communication, through love, societal issues, and more. Having to gather to appreciate it, not just within Harare, but Zimbabwe at large with a strong relationship with Botswana, is going to mark Zimbabwe’s finest poets on the map. It’s a place one would want to be.”

Among the local performers expected to take the stage is visual artist-turned-poet Avril Taral Nachipo, known as Loveletter. She highlighted the event’s potential to bring together spoken word artists, poets, writers, mental health activists, the corporate sector, and the general public in a powerful and inclusive celebration of poetry.

PG Industries, a leading supplier of building materials and industrial hardware, is the event’s host and main sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the arts and culture scene in Zimbabwe.

With an exciting lineup of poets and a strong emphasis on fostering cross-border artistic relations, the Poetry Red Carpet Awards are set to be a night of inspiration and creative brilliance.