Who is Mthombeni?
My full name is Catherine Mthombeni and I was born in Harare on August 29, 1984 in a family of three girls and one boy. I am the first born and I have to set the pace for those who come after me.
Can you give me your detailed academic background?
Well ah! Yes! I started my primary education in Harare at Thomlson Elementary School from 1st to 7th grade. Then I proceeded to Form One to Form Six in Daramombe “Christ” the King which was 1996-2000. I am currently at Midlands State University completing my Bachelor of Arts in Media and Society Studies.
What is art and how do you relate it to the media?
Art is a form of communication that can be literary, visual, dramatic, and musical. It can be done in an open space where community members can celebrate with the artist. Art is a vehicle that perpetuates the culture of society that is the totality of people in a given space. It is a social cement that keeps society united and supportive. It enhances the language and transmits the norms and values. The media are used as a means to perpetuate and promote the arts. It allows a multiplicity of points of view to circulate among the members of the community.
In your family, who do you emulate and why?
None in particular! But he had to accomplish what no one in the family had accomplished. Through zeal and determination coupled with the global environment we live in, I had to develop the hard work attitude and the result has been achieved. What contribution do the media make to the discipline of art? Both print and electronic media provide extensive coverage of stories, events, artistic displays, and columns that spread culture throughout society. These programs help artists to realize their weaknesses and improve them. The media also turn artists into popular celebrities. The media help artistic products to be marketed on a broader scale. The media helps wrap the message in a way that will make the audience like it.
What does it take to meet the NAMA qualities?
Ah! That is a persuasive question, anywhere speaking of experience, there are many things that need to be improved. Cunning to write stories, proficiency in language skills, effectiveness in conveying ideas, and a taste for the arts, I guess that’s all it takes for someone to emerge as a NAMA nominee. Criticizing the artist, although it sometimes sour relationships and helps the artist know their strengths and weaknesses.
Do you think Midlands State University (MSU) is an institution that contributes to the arts? If so, how?
Yes, it does it extensively. Programs such as musicology, African languages and culture, and media studies are the programs offered at MSU and impart skills and knowledge that are artistic. Many MSU products have started recording in most urban centers and have recruited many addiction trainees.
What do you think Zimbabwe is missing to promote artistic talent?
Currently, in Zimbabwe there are many problems facing the arts industry. The lack of money to buy instruments is a great challenge. Financing is another problem faced by this industry, unlike in other developed countries where such disciplines can be financed or sponsored by the state by large companies. In Zimbabwe it seems that it will never happen. Only if we can get more shows like “Chibuku Road to Fame”.
Who inspired you to dedicate yourself to the arts?
Well, I can’t say exactly where I got the inspiration from, but what I can say is that I like listening to music and reading novels. On The Sunday News, I was drawn to the entertainment desk.
Do you think the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) should be hailed for facilitating the NAMA and why?
Yes! As in my case, the award is my first achievement to be recognized by NACZ. I am happy to have been the first person to win that award as a woman. Second, it encourages journalists who write stories to work hard by rewarding them accordingly, depending on their skills. The NAMA award encourages journalists to write artistic stories. Respecting the media as a discipline and giving recognition is something to be applauded.
Who do you want to thank in the Media Studies department and why?
General: I would like to thank all of my teachers who contributed immensely in fostering my writing skills and talents. However, a special thanks to Mandava, the president of media, for the message he gave us when we went to an attachment. Not forgetting Oga Ndoro, who taught me the cunning of writing stories.
Any words of encouragement for the NAMA Award applicants?
Yes! They shouldn’t write hoping to win the NAMA award, but they still have to write competently and effectively to whet the reader’s appetite. Determination, zeal, and hard work are all it takes to win an award. Cunning and good command of the language is a prerequisite. In any part of journalism, if you can’t handle the language properly, you don’t automatically qualify to be there.
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