MUD Journal

MUD Journal

6/20/2025, 10:33:07 AM

_OPPORTUNITY_ Free Rehearsal Space + Mentorship for Emerging Arts Groups Are you part of a creative group just starting out and in need of a space to rehearse, dream, and experiment? Whether you’re into theatre, dance, music, film, comedy, or any kind of live performance — there’s a space waiting for you! Following the success of hosting the 3-day European Film Festival Zimbabwe, the newly renovated Amakhosi Cultural Centre in Bulawayo has relaunched the Cont Mhlanga Amateur Arts Development Programme. If your group is between 0–5 years old, you can now apply for: ✅ FREE rehearsal space ✅ Mentorship & production support ✅ A creative home that believes in your potential 📞 To apply, call, text, or WhatsApp +263 771 030 187 to request an application form. This is your chance to rehearse, grow, and shine under the same roof that helped shape legends. Let’s build the next generation of bold, original Zimbabwean storytelling!

MUD Journal

6/18/2025, 3:52:01 PM

As Father’s Day passes, we’re reminded to honour the “fathers” of African freedom. Which of these underrated leaders do you think deserve more attention?

MUD Journal

6/17/2025, 12:51:22 PM

Do you know _TOPE AWOTONA?_ Nigerian-American entrepreneur Tope Awotona, founder of Calendly, is now one of just two Black tech billionaires in the U.S., with a net worth of $1.4B (Forbes, June 2025). Born in Lagos, he left a software sales job and risked $200K of his life savings to solve a simple problem—scheduling meetings. Today, Calendly serves 10M+ users/month, including most Fortune 500 companies. “In my life, I’ve benefited from not taking the conventional wisdom. It’s benefited me personally, and I think it has benefited the business,” says Awotona. Passionate about diversity in tech, he supports initiatives like Black Girls Code and My Brother’s Keeper, and backs young entrepreneurs in Nigeria. His journey reflects Africa’s rising tech sector—digital economy growth from 1.1% of GDP in 2012 to 4.5% in 2020, projected to reach 5.2% by 2025 (World Bank). Despite challenges like limited internet access and high broadband costs, tech startups are fueling innovation, jobs, and investment across Africa.#PushAfrican #TechAfrica #MUDDYK

MUD Journal

6/13/2025, 9:33:00 AM

_EVENT_ *Budula Festival (2025)* “Budula” means active pathway in Shangani (Tsonga) — and that’s exactly what this festival is: a cultural journey through dance, art, music, storytelling, fashion & conservation across the lowveld of Zimbabwe, Mozambique & South Africa. This year’s vibe: Dance. Power. Community. Culture. Expect: Xibelani moves 💃🏾, climate talks, wild stories, & living side-by-side with elephants 🐘 📍 Boli, Muhlanguleni | Near Gonarezhou National Park 🗓️ 21 June 2025 Can’t make it this year? Keep 2026 on your radar 😉 #BudulaFestival #XanganaVibes #DanceWithElephants #ActivePathway #LowveldCulture #Gonarezhou

MUD Journal

6/12/2025, 8:35:45 AM

"You have to know yourself to be an artist," says photographer, painter, and creative consultant KUDA CHAKWANDA. Known for his bold aesthetic and thought-provoking themes, Kuda is a multidisciplinary artist reshaping the art landscape. His work explores social dynamics, mental health, and identity through self-expression, self-exploration, and self-actualization. He has collaborated with renowned brands and collectives such as Haus of Stone, Coca-Cola Unplugged, and Old Mutual. In this deep-dive interview with MUD, Kuda shares insights into his creative process, reveals his favourite artists, and offers valuable advice for emerging creatives: https://bit.ly/3HAGsRo ##PushAfrican #ContemporaryArt #FullSelf #MUD

MUD Journal

5/22/2025, 8:41:03 AM

"I'm jealous of those nights you keep me wake, heavy in the mind, heavy in tongue, overcast, like an unripe cocoon." *3 Poems About Communication:* https://bit.ly/4mqY5D1 _Featuring:_ ° Bonface Otieno Okinyi (Kenya) ° Princess Daniel aka Fortunate Writes (Nigeria) ° Takudzwa Goniwa aka TearsInTheSoil (Zimbabwe) #PushAfrican #AfricanPoems. #AfricanLiterature #MUD

MUD Journal

5/23/2025, 7:23:58 AM

_OPPORTUNITY_ *Call for Aspiring Female Documentary Filmmakers* SWIFT (Sisters Working in Film & Television), in partnership with the National Film and Video Foundation and the Gauteng Film Commission, is offering a free Documentary Filmmaking Skills Development Programme for women in South Africa. The programme runs for 10 weeks, from 2 June to 1 August 2025, and includes a monthly stipend. Applicants must be based in Mpumalanga, North West, or Johannesburg. _Requirements:_ You must be an unemployed woman aged 18–35, with at least two years of production experience. You should be comfortable using a PC or smartphone and have a strong documentary idea you want to develop. *To apply,* send your CV, a one-page motivational letter, and a brief description of your documentary idea to: [email protected] *Deadline:* 26 May 2025, 5PM Don’t miss this chance to grow your skills and bring your story to life! #WomenInFilm #SWIFTSA #DocumentaryFilm #NFVF #GautengFilm

MUD Journal

5/20/2025, 9:08:16 AM

It seems like Hollywood has rediscovered Africa, again. But how does this new wave of content compare to previous generations? Which era of films about Africa do you enjoy the most

MUD Journal

5/25/2025, 7:51:33 AM

Happy AFRICA DAY! Celebrated every year on May 25th, the day commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU) in 2002. Today, Africa Day is observed by all 55 African Union member states, but only ten countries recognize it as a public holiday, including Ghana, Mauritania, Gambia, and Zimbabwe. To mark the occasion, #MUDRecommends watching the late legend Oliver Mtukudzi’s Tiny Desk Concert. Tuku was one of the first African artists to perform on the platform back in 2013 and he remains the only Zimbabwean to have done so—a powerful performance worth revisiting: today:https://youtu.be/11po9xKBsbw?si=N4YXiO9ydtHR8YV- #AfricaDay #RipTuku #TinyDesk #MUD

MUD Journal

5/18/2025, 3:37:11 PM

MONAKY is a Nigerian artist who has been bubbling under the radar for some time, but with his new song "Chandelier" — produced by Solid Keys — he’s solidifying his star power and carving out his own unique lane. The song has already garnered over 20 million streams on Spotify and inspired countless TikTok lyric videos. The poetic video for the hit song, directed by MSJ, captures Monaky’s signature blend of baritone vocals, introspective lyrics, alté edge, and vibrant, wavy Afro-fusion. #MUDrecommends watching it for its easy-repeat-play vibe, creative imagery, and standout lyrics like: "Just because you don't see me well doesn't mean you should look at me less / When I text you, you reply with emojis." https://youtu.be/5S9rnLXvJbE?si=vz_0G1Y4tKD_pc0H #PushAfrican #Afrofusion #Afrobeats #MUD