Bulawayo Emerging Artist Spotlight: Langelihle Buhle

In April, I had the pleasure of chatting with a dynamic young creative in Bulawayo who is making waves with her groundbreaking project. Langelihle Buhle, a proud multidisciplinary artist from Nketa, “elokishini,” is steadily carving a name for herself in the city’s vibrant art scene. As a fashion designer, author, and visual artist, Buhle embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. Her journey began at the tender age of six when a friend introduced her to drawing. That early encouragement blossomed into a lifelong passion for art. By 14, she was exploring various materials under the mentorship of Dumisani Ndlovu, a veteran printmaker and resident artist at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Ndlovu introduced her to painting, and his guidance helped shape her artistic foundation. Though often questioned for her multidisciplinary approach, Buhle found her unique voice by merging her talents. Her work on fabric has become a cornerstone of her practice, bridging her interests in visual arts and fashion design. Her medium of choice includes acrylics and oils on hard-to-absorb fabrics like Ankara and animal skin. These materials, rich in texture, provide an ideal canvas for her experimentation. Buhle draws inspiration from the sun—a fitting muse, as her name, Langelihle, means "Beautiful Sun." The sun's changing shades infuse her work with light, warmth, and vibrancy, evoking powerful emotions. On April 26, 2023, Buhle showcased her artistic versatility with Ignite the Light in You, a creative project that highlighted her diverse talents. This ambitious event, supported by the Alliance Française de Bulawayo, included the launch of her book A Resolute Dynamite, a collection of her latest paintings, and a fashion show. The well-attended event left audiences mesmerized by her multifaceted artistry. Beyond her work, Buhle finds joy in sharing her creations with those who support her journey. She thrives on curiosity, constantly seeking knowledge and embracing growth. Her addiction to multitasking reflects her relentless drive to explore the depths of her creativity. As an architect by profession and a relentless innovator at heart, Langelihle Buhle is a rising star whose light promises to shine far beyond Bulawayo. Her story is one of courage, versatility, and the transformative power of art. Cliford Zulu is an independent Curator working in Bulawayo

Bulawayo Arts Awards 2021 - Bekumnandi

It was clear that that the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) were determined to push ahead and worked around hosting the 5th Bulawayo Arts Awards ceremony in the middle of a pandemic and the economic challenges that the city of Bulawayo continues to experience. By staging a multi-level awards ceremony, sponsored by United Refineries using its Roil brand. Guests came through in support of the 2021 edition. Arriving at the large city hall the traditional venue of the awards, it was another usual Saturday evening in Bulawayo as people went about their business.

With very little public performances in 2020 and 2021, it was mind-boggling to me how the decision to host the awards was arrived at. Could this have been a business decision or a Bulawayo creatives decision?   How “Bulawayo” are the Bulawayo Arts Awards for who by who?

Entry to the venue was simple and easy, the red carpet event hosted by Red Carpet team of Farie Jules Calvin Madula and Spanchie Omnyama mirrored an opulent time and space, as Bulawayo people dressed by local designers and self-styled guest, nominees, and sponsors posed for photos and interviews. So why “red” and who is supposed to walk on the "red carpet" could this be the best time our weavers start designing our Bulawayo carpet? 

The sitting arrangement was relaxed enabling interaction with sponsors, partners, paying guests and nominees. It was a good networking space across the creative sector in Zimbabwe and beyond the borders. Our city fathers enjoyed the event high up from the comfort of the interior balcony. It is a commendable and well-deserved gesture from the City of Bulawayo to avail the Large City Hall for this event. The poor lightning at the back of the hall and the dark parquet floors and a flooded men’s toilet signaled that it’s time to look into a contemporary space.

     

The main stage host Q. Dube, together with Charmaine Mudau kept the event flowing smoothly capturing the attention of the guests, and coordinating well with back stage. The choice jokes from the comedian could have been well thought, especially for an all-inclusive event like the BAA, kodwa they were both on point. I had a bit of a challenge with names of the great performers. 

The technical team managing audio visuals and sound were equally on point with a well sychronised script with the performances and award presenters. It’s time that our talented graphic designers develop home grown visuals to compliment events of this nature, I suppose it’s a question of quotations not matching the budget. For an indoor event the combinations of Lekos, PAR and Intelligent Lighting could be toned down since it was a multi-performance event, however the lights were professionally controlled sharp and crisp. 

We were informed that the 2021 event was organized in 3 parts allowing the organisers to compress the whole presentation and conform to the COVID-19 curfew, seeing uniformed low enforcement agents on stage in the previous edition was disturbing and crushing for everyone. The downside for me on the 3 part event was balancing the prominence of the nominees. Managing practitioners in that manner may have serious consequences to the future.

A well-presented live performance and encompassing new talent on stage was beautifully choreographed and the live band was amazing. Certainly, Bulawayo has talent but lacked originality that Bulawayo touch, perhaps a challenge to content creators. Surely, we can’t be reminiscing on the music of Lovemore Majaivana, Ilanga, Dorothy Masuku we need new legends. I must say Skhosana is the new “Bulawayo” dude, I have not had a chance to listen to his music but from what I read from Zenzele Ndebele’s FB page, and yesterday’s performance of Intethe song, I am keen to read more about him. So ngubani uSkhosana?

The actual presentation of awards was marvelous and energetic the list of nominees and eventual winners will take another review. There is so much happening in Bulawayo in terms of the Arts, Culture and Heritage. My understanding of ama awards   is that it’s a ceremony like BAA should make creative people feel that their work is valued. Like, some kind of approval and validation for a good job, and it makes people aware that good work can be rewarded. I think that recognition motivates people to support talent, what I witnessed is that the "people" were missing even though the event was streamed live. Bulawayo artists seem to be very supportive of each others acts, so much that they make up 60% of nonpaying audiences. We may need to find other ways of presenting our productions. I have noticed recently that street performances in Bulawayo generate a lot of street audiences and they do offer cash on the go. Now, how do we move forward in building up on these new audiences? 

Any way here is a full list of Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards 2021 Winners 

Outstanding Song of the Year: ‘For Me’ – DJ Zandimaz

Newcomer of the Year (All Genres) : Sandra Sibanda

Outstanding Male Artist of the Year : Msizkay

Outstanding Female Artist of the Year : Vuyo Brown

Outstanding Hip Hop Artist/Act : Awa

Outstanding Kwaito/House/Gqom Act : Mawiza

Outstanding Alternative Music : Thandy Dlana

Outstanding Gospel Artist/Act : Mai Mwamuka

Outstanding Imbube/Acapella Group/Act : Focus Accapella

Outstanding Tshibilika/Rhumba Act : Insimbi Zezhwane

Outstanding Music Producer : Nashville 

Outstanding Music Video : ‘Induku Enhle’ – X Mile

Outstanding Radio DJ : Nomalanga Nyathi – ZIFM

Outstanding Club DJ : DJ Mzoe

Outstanding Dance Ensemble : Geek Twins

Outstanding Female Dancer : Dorcas Ngwenya

Outstanding Male Dancer : Hebson Ncube

Outstanding Arts Journalist : Mthabisi Tshuma – The Chronicle

Outstanding Arts Photographer : Sadee LensWorks

Outstanding Online Media : Ekasi Magazine

Outstanding Theatre Actress : Musawenkosi Sibanda

Outstanding Theatre Actor : Cadrick Msongelwa

Outstanding Theatre Production : Bhalagwe Is Burning by Victory Siyanqoba

Outstanding Comedian : Zwe Hlabangana

Outstanding Poet : Desire Moyo

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction : All Come To Dust by Bryony Rheam

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction : Our Food, Our Heritage, Our Culture by Makhosi Mahlangu

Outstanding Ndebele Literary Work : Ngubani Owabulalala uDube by Mihla Sitsha

Outstanding Fashion Designer/House : A Tribe Called Zimbabwe

Outstanding Model : Ben Chest

Outstanding Ambassador (worldwide) : Vusa Mkhaya

Outstanding TV Production/Programme : Mjolo FM – Byo Memes

Outstanding Short Film : Figure It Out – Nkosilesisa Ncube

Outstanding Film/TV Actress : Lee Mchoney – Wadiwa Wepamoyo

 Outstanding Film/TV Actor : Leroy Mthulisi Ndlovu – Figure it Out

Life Achievement Award : Ebba Chitambo

People's Choice Award : Mai Mwamuka

Source BAA FB page #RoilBAA21

Until the awards statement are redefined, it is my personal view that they are not inclusive, multi-disciplinary arts awards that recognise and honour exceptional individuals and collaborative artistic efforts in the city of Bulawayo. However they are the best awards organized in the southern part of the country to date, stimulating conversations about the arts in Bulawayo. To get there, it will take everyone to come to the table.

For me it was good to be out again, and I am looking forward to reviewing, documenting and archiving Arts and Cultural events. Please note that I am writing in my personal capacity with a visual arts background (feel free to edit the text), people love that.

Cliford Zulu

Independent Curator

7 November 2021

Reloaded and Moving on

Dear Friend, 2020 was a pivotal year, not just for me, but for many in the Culture and Creative Industry (CCIs). Zimbabwe's challenging economic and political climate, coupled with the decline of our tourism sector, has made it increasingly difficult for artists to thrive. For those of us who rely on our artwork as a primary income source, this has been a stark reality. As I navigated these turbulent times, both as an employee of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and as an artist, the onset of COVID-19 unexpectedly reignited hope. Digital platforms became a lifeline, offering new avenues to reach clients and audiences. It’s incredible to reflect on how technology has opened up opportunities to connect with buyers and enthusiasts globally, even when local markets dwindled. Like many artists in Bulawayo, my training was tailored to serve a thriving tourist market. When that market collapsed in the early 2000s, it forced many of my peers to emigrate or abandon their craft altogether. My own journey took a different turn. In 2006, I was invited to join the Friends of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, leading the Visual Arts Development and Outreach Program supported by HIVOS. This role allowed me to nurture my passion for art while finding ways to sustain myself. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have been instrumental in reconnecting me with the global art community. They’ve also revitalized my practice, inspiring me to chart new paths forward. Today, I’m excited to share two projects that have become central to my creative journey: Centre for Contemporary Arts Bulawayo (CCAB): This initiative embodies my work as a curator and arts administrator, fostering collaboration and innovation in Bulawayo’s vibrant art scene. Zulunlimitedart: This is my personal studio project where I showcase my work as a sculptor, carver, and scrimshaw artist. It’s a space where my artistic voice truly comes alive. The past five years have been a period of immense growth. While being an institutional curator was a role I deeply cherished, my dismissal in June 2021 became a turning point, prompting me to refocus on my independent projects. I’m thrilled to be dedicating my energy to CCAB and Zulunlimitedart, both of which reflect my evolving identity as an artist and curator. I’ll continue to share updates on these projects here, but I also invite you to follow my journey on Facebook, where I share more about my work and experiences. Let’s stay connected and keep the conversation going. Warm regards, Cliford Zulu

Echoing Silences by Andreas Wutz

Zimbabwe as a metaphor

Echoing Silences is an interdisciplinary art and exhibition project on the history of violence using the example of the Zimbabwean Liberation War and its traumatic aftermath on a postcolonial African society. The project examines and mirrors this history of violence, such as the Crocodile Gang guerrilla attack, through image and text materials from the fields of botany, geology, paleontology, and archeology of everyday private objects. The exhibition includes photographs and texts, film and video projections, a library, a film program and introductory artist talk with Cliford Zulu, the curator of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, who has been a guest at the Ebenböckhaus in Munich for a month.

Artist Andreas Wutz, working between Munich and Bilbao.

Moving on

It has been a while since I shared, a lot has happened and I will be breaking that down in a series of posts that will update my status and plans for the future in and around my life and practice. let's catch up on https://zw.linkedin.com/in/cliford-zulu-aa355921 or  follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ 

تحية من مراكش

Moving on, i am in Morocco participating the International Curatorial Intensive Marrakech 17 - 26 May, 2015.

The Curatorial Intensive is a rigorous schedule of seminars, conversations, and presentations that support the process of developing an idea for an exhibition or program into a full proposal. I am here with Jeff Ajueshi, Robyn-Leigh Cedras, Wafa Gabsi, Inês Grosso, Salma Lahlou, Fatima-Zahra Lakrissa, Rosa Lleó, Kwasi Ohene-Ayeh, Evelyn Owen, Ilhan Ozan, Shahana Rajani and Ipek Ulusoy  a group of exciting emerging curators from around the world we are exchanging ideas, and developing  curatorial projects in the local context and artistic production.

We will be doing site visits, had individual meetings, roundtable discussions be led so far (21 May) by, Omar Berrada co-directors of Dar al-Ma’mûn the host of the ICI Marrakech, María del Carmen Carrión Director of Public Programs & Research at ICI, Renaud Proch (Executive Director, ICI) and we are expecting Hassan Darsi and Florence Renault-Darsi (artist and curator respectively, Founders of La source du lion, Casablanca), Mohamed Rachdi (curator and art critic, Casablanca), Shuddhabrata Sengupta (artist and writer, New Delhi), and Bisi Silva (Founder/Director, Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos), among others. this was an introduction i will keep you updated as the projects develop you can see the photos on http://curatorsintl.org/posts/photos-from-the-curatorial-intensive-in-marrakech

Crossing the Bridge exhibition

Introducing my second second project in Harare  “Crossing the bridge” is a tale of two cities bringing together the works of Israel Israel a Bulawayo Sculptor and Forbes Mushipe  mixed media artist from Gweru, in an exhibition about the near and the far, quantum and universal patterns, insight and out of sight, and crossover sensibilities. Connecting the inner and outer eye, the two illustrious artists use metaphor and transformation to see beyond the known. Israel is presenting the concept of jackets in its contemporary denotation while Forbes Mushipe pushes the spiritual journey through the African tales within the social, religious and cultural context. Both artists seek to probe the world around them and as means to describe their work using abstraction and intuition, by conveying individual ideas and emotions.

The exhibition open on Thursday 8 October 2014 at 17:30hrs at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Using metal wood and bone, the artwork faces the challenge of visualizing movement and energy through static forms:  although the artworks are not literally dynamic, in suggesting motion change, and instilling an imagined wonder in the viewer. The process of mixing material and layering stimulates Mushipes’s works, which reflects his on-going fascination with spiritual energy, patterns and shapes. Rather than expressing micro-scaled behavior of the realm of humankind, Israel focuses equally on mysterious and invisible habits of humanity.

In this collaboration the artists are exploring subjects that are affecting Zimbabweans locally and beyond our borders.  The exhibition builds up through their work experimenting and joining various segments of varying widths and metals, and occasionally incorporates found objects and recycled metal sheeting, finding the entire process so liberating and contemporary.

 Finding grace in the everyday, Forbes and Israel are “back in business” and the exhibition will run in Bulawayo until the end of August and then move to the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare in September to explore dialogue with other spaces. And as we join their exhilarating search for truth and meaning, we observe the beauty of metal wood and bone and experience moments of coming together and splitting up in a vast chain of being. The official opening was done in Bulawayo by professor Brian Jones in August. 

Cliford Zulu,

Curator

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2014/08/13/mushipe-israel-hold-joint-exhibition

http://www.herald.co.zw/crossing-the-bridge-exhibition-opens/

http://www.panorama.co.zw/index.php/archives/117-visual-arts/770-two-artists-cross-the-bridge

ASIKO 2014 international art programme under the title A History of Contemporary Art in Senegal in 5 Weeks as part of the OFF at the 11th Dakar Biennale.

Its May 2014, i find myself back in Dakar for a five week CCA Lagos intensive Global Critic Clinic that has become an integral component of the ASIKO initiative. The clinic Begun in 2012 in response to an urgent need for more curators on the continent, I am looking forward to develop my research methodologies, sharpen my proposal development as well as develop critical writing skills, engage closely with artists from across the continent as well as with experienced professionals from around the world. 

I look forward to interacting and learning from distinguished visiting faculty of artists, curators and academics including: Joseph Adande (BN), Jonathas de Andrade (BR), Lisa Aronson (US), Rashida Bumbray (US), Eddie Chambers (UK), Mimi Cherono Ng’ok (KN), Modibo Diawara(SN), Viye Diba (SN), Baba Diop (SN), N’Gone Fall (SN), Dominique Fontaine (CAN), Tamar Garb (SA/UK), Koyo Kouoh (CM), Simone Leigh(US), Nana Offoriata-Ayim (GH), Moyo Okediji (NG), Emeka Ogboh (NG), Olu Oguibe (US/NG), Wangechi Mutu (KN), Rosana Paulino (BR), Aura Seikkula (FIN), Mady Sima and Amadou Kane Sy (SN). But above all visit the main Dark Art biennale exhibition, sadly no Zimbabwean this time.. and other Dark Art OFF programs doted around Dakar and between ASIKO assignment reading and writing.

I will be sharing my Personal experiences in ASIKO international art programme under the title  A History of Contemporary Art in Senegal,  as part of the OFF at the  11th Dakar Biennale.  and pay much attention to what facilitators bring on to the table. Some of the visiting artists and curators i have only interacted with them on social media platforms so it promises to be a huge ling between my Job description and what is on the ground. I made this decision to apply because i was running out of ideas at the NGB. Huge challenges with artists responding to exhibitions workshops and conversations Up to date i question my self is it me or it’s the way things are. I have found and shared common stories with my colleagues here and the challenge in Zimbabwe is a challenge in Bamako, Nairobi Kampala, etc

Keep close for weekly updates 

Week one of ASIKO 

Great working week so far presentations with Rosana still going on well, pick of the week though was the visiting artists beginning with Emeka Ogbor Nigerian sound artist doing some fascinating work capturing the moment and sound at the same time. Archiving such works like sound and images image they took center stage, after Q&A, i am glad that Emeka came through to share his work with the team.

www.14thmay.com/about.html

Wangechi Mutu Kenyan artist and sculptor who lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. I consider Mutu as one of the most important contemporary African artists of recent years, and her work has achieved much global acclaim studied worked and lived in the US shared a very deep talk about her life as an artist from Wales to the US and now back in Kenya. The talk opened up my mind and answered many questions about African Artist in the diaspora. Both Emeka and Wangechi touched on the subject we worked on with Rosana the facilitator in the use of materials research and presentation of one’s work.  I am looking forward to the coming weeks as the main Dark Art biennale officialy opened and the city is alive with more than 100 other exhibitions around Dakar. It is that week of the biennales official opening  and reunions new contacts and networking with curators and Artists.

www.wangechimutu.com

Glad to have seen  fellow Zimbabweans like Sithabile Mlotswa, Gina Maxim, Richard Mudariki in Dakar as well.

   




http://www.asikoartschool.org/

Popty Bach 2013 Wales UK

In July 2013 Cliford Zulu sculptor and Assistant Curator was invited to participate in a three week long international artist’s workshop in the UK. Popty Bach is a networking result that was discussed in 2011 by Victoria Malcolm and Cliford Zulu while working at the Wales and Zimbabwe Pavilion respectively during the 54th Venice Biennale in Italy. In February 2012 Victoria Malcolm came to Zimbabwe to give a talk at the National Gallery in Bulawayo after participating in the Tuphelo International Artist’s Workshop at the Bag factory in Johannesburg South Africa. During her stay in Bulawayo a workshop along the Tuphelo concept was the direction taken hence the invitation to participate.

The workshop officially began on 17 September with participants including Cliford Zulu Zimbabwe, Witty Nyide Artist/ Education Officer Durban Art Gallery and Igshaan Adams artist/ Great more studios committee member from South Africa, Peter Backer Artist from Liverpool, Louis Bird Artist, from Carmarthenshire UK and Chris Bonfati USA, visiting to the Tate Modern Gallery and other galleries in and around London to see the exhibitions and curatorial work.

We drove to Wales the same afternoon to familiarize with the working space. Dolbantau is a former bed manufacturing factory known as Alpha-beds, run by Brian Faux and Victoria Malcom. Victoria Malcolm

The workshops main objectives sought to put together in one space artists and curators in one space for 10 days so that they can work on experimental works and are able to tell a story through the exhibition. Also the workshop persuaded the idea and concept of presenting unfinished works for the public to interact with the work and complete it in their own interpretation and understanding

The other part of the workshop included visits to the galleries in London and Wales which included The Tate Modern and Britain National Gallery Victoria Albert Museum, October Gallery, Gasworks artists residency and gallery and in Wales we visited the

Zimbabwe the workshop is still pending I am thinking of asking a few schools in and around Bulawayo to send in a total of 15 young artists to beging to focus on art and curating at that level seeing that curating in Zimbabwe is a fairly new concept the workshop will cover basic curatorial and art lesson and will share educational opportunities for curating and art and a professional career

The Spirit of friendship “Entre dos aguas” Pakati pemagungwa

 I am glad to have been asked to curate this exhibition as it was the one that many people in Zimbabwe would see the for the first time my outside the Gallery spaces. the itinerant show was special to me as it was a dedication and a way to keep the memory of the good work that the late ambassador did especially when it came to  the promotion of the Arts below is a reportage of: Art, Design, Gallery & NYC Events, done by David Barish

more
http://www.artandculturemaven.com/2012/12/gallery-show-opening-in-new-york-city.html

The Spirit of Friendship @ The Gabarron Foundation

 The Spirit of Friendship / Entre dos Aguas

Opened at The Gabarron Foundation December 6, 2012.

The group show consists of eleven contemporary African artists 

curated by Cliford Zulu and will run until February 22, 2013.

The exhibition is dedicated to the late Spanish Ambassador
to Harare, Zimbabwe, H.E. Pilar Fuertes Ferragut who suppoted
the Arts of Zimbabwe.

This exhibition was organized by the Gabarron Foundation
with the Spanish Embassy in Harare and the National Gallery 
of Zimbabwe.

The Gabarron Brothers, Gris and Juan, CEO and Vice President.

Dark Art 2012

Arriving in Dakar was a moment that I had looked forward to as it imaginatively presented to me as the finest contemporary arts showcase in the continent. As a young curator I started to put images and research together and I had this image of an unfinished vision. Travelling to Senegal really made me feel great as this was set to thwart all the misconceptions about contemporary African art. I have to say the facilitation by Goethe for me to travel and meet up with old friends within the creative circles from around the world kept me on my toes as I sought to find the Biennale and immense my imaginations into it with an open heart and mind set. Oohhhhh!   The first block was communication then it all clicked that I am in a French speaking territory, the basics worked to keep me in focus.

The official opening signalled challenges amongst the curators and organisers. Compliments to the Senegalese government to the support of the Arts. I was surprised to see that the 10^th Biennale still did not attract locals to attend and participate in the various exhibitions dotted around Dakar. At first it was a bit of a challenge identifying exhibitions but eventually the official map was out and Dakar began to roll out. Coming from Venice Biennale in 2011 I was comfortable seeing that the people that matter in the growing African creative scene, from Curators to artists and sponsors put the effort to see the biennale taking off.

Personally I was thrilled walking up and down the streets of Dakar eating the local favourite Rice and Fish, and the street markets, the fancy and well decorated commuter mini bus rides. Art was found in most places, though to most people it’s just a way of life. The story of African Arts is just the same in the continent that the west is funding our culture and the locals are not keen to support the events. I did not have an outstanding show that moved my jaws. As a young curator I was mostly interested in the use of space, audience building, support and presenting the image of the contemporary artists by African for Africans very little of that I saw, at least in the few days I was there so I lost the oomph and because 20years on, the biennale it did not meet my expectations.

I am grateful to have been part of the show and to have been part of the Goethe team in Dark Art 2012 the experience was worth it as networking with fellow artists and curator in Africa was the highlight of the stay nurturing the contacts and sharing with fellow creative will be a joy to do as I look for something new to create or participate in the story of Dark Art is debatable yet it sounds complete.