The 7th edition of the annual Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RoilBAA) recently took place in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, celebrating outstanding achievements in the arts industry. The event, held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, was a glamorous affair, with attendees dressing up for the occasion. One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of various artists and their exceptional contributions to the arts.

Following the awards, however, unsettling claims and allegations have emerged involving Saimon Mambazo Phiri, a well-known arts practitioner and one of the organisers of the BAA. Reports suggest that Phiri was involved in a violent incident, allegedly assaulting a monitoring engineer during the event. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards Management said:

With all positives from the Awards and in line with enjoyment and celebrating the arts, it is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge an incident that happened backstage. The AWARDS TRUST sincerely apologises for the incident and would like to assure our creatives that it will not happen again, the stage is a safe environment. We have since reached out to the aggrieved camp who we have worked with since inception of the awards and in other events.

We do not condone violence in any form and nature. Apologies to everyone affected.

However, Phiri has yet to comment on the matter.

Among the winners was the popular Rhumba group Insimbi Zezhwane, who received two awards. They were honoured with the People’s Choice Award, which included a brand-new car as a prize, and the Outstanding MaEli Tshibilika Act. The group expressed gratitude for the support they have received, particularly in light of the tragic loss of some of their members in a road traffic accident earlier this year.

The RoilBAA also acknowledged the outstanding works of artists such as Black Umfolosi, Thandanani Women’s Ensemble, jazz guitarist Simbarashe Hudson, Thabani Moyo, and Ezra Sibanda. The awards ceremony featured captivating performances by local artists like Mzoe 7 and Umnikazi Wempuphu, as well as a special tribute to the late Hip Hop artist, Calvin Ncube.

In addition to the music category, other awards were presented, including the Outstanding Gospel Act Award, which went to Everton Mlalazi, the Outstanding Alternative Music Award, which was won by Fab G, and the Outstanding Male Artist Award, which was bestowed upon Calvin Mangena.

Prior to the event, the top ten nominees for the People’s Choice Award were announced, with the ultimate winner being determined by the votes of those in attendance. 

According to Nkue Nkala, one of the organisers, the BAA (Bulawayo Arts Awards) are meant to recognise and honour exceptional individuals and collaborative artistes and artists who have made significant contributions to the arts scene in Bulawayo, Matebeleland North, South, and even those originally from the region but now practising internationally.

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BETHELHEM, Pa. — ’Tis the season of songs.

From student-led performances to community choirs, there are numerous ways to celebrate Christmastime in the Lehigh Valley.

Check out these Celtic, jazz and modern performances featuring classical and contemporary music.

Festival of Carols

Central Moravian Church will present its Festival of Carols, a choral and instrumental that features organ prelude, “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” by Rebecca Lepore, minister of music at the historic church that was founded in 1742.

Additionally, you can hear the church choir on anthems and choruses by Felix Mendelssohn, G.F. Handel, John Rutter and Dan Forrest; the Mainstreet Brass on a new set of Roger Harvey arrangements for Advent; and congregational hymns, including “Morning Star,” a Moravian Christmas tradition.

Tickets: Free

When: 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2

Where: 73 W. Church St., Bethlehem

Info: centralmoravianchurch.org/season/advent-christmas/

Bel Canto in Bethlehem

The Bel Canto Youth Chorus’ holiday show includes Mendelssohn’s “He Watching Over Israel,” and selections from BWV 61 (with guests from the Bach Festival Orchestra).

The show will begin with a traditional Zimbabwean song of welcome and concludes with the singing of beloved carols.

The youth chorus — consisting of 50 musicians — was founded in 1993 by the Bach Choir of Bethlehem.

The performance will be conducted by Kelly Rocchi and Alaina Swartz.

Tickets: $15, free for students with school ID

When: 4 p.m. Dec. 3

Where: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 21 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem

Info: bach.org/belcanto

Be merry with the Vespers

For something full of seasonal spirit, Lehigh University Choral Arts Christmas Vespers will present its annual gift to the community.

The performance will be directed by Steven Sametz, with associate director, Hana Cai.

The longstanding holiday show combines two traditional forms of worship in the Moravian Church — the singstunde and the candlelight service.

Tickets: Free. Early arrival is suggested

When: 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec 10

Where: Packer Memorial Church, 18 University Drive, Bethlehem

Info: zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu/content/lehigh-university-choral-arts-christmas-vespers

Cheer with Charter Arts

The Charter Arts Vocal Music Department’s winter choral concert will feature traditional holiday songs performed by close to 200 student musicians made up of three of the school’s choirs.

Tickets: $11 adults, $6 students/children

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 11 and Dec. 12

Where: 321 E. Third St., Bethlehem

Info: showpass.com/winter-choral-concert-3

The ‘light’ of the Chorale

The Lehigh Valley Chorale will take the stage for “The Light That Leads Us Home,” a holiday showcase that mixes modern-day tunes with classics like Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Morton Lauridsen’s “Sure on this Shining Night.”

The chorale group, based in Easton, is led by Nick Sienkiewicz, the conductor of the 153-member choir, ages 18-80.

Tickets: $20

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 p.m. Dec. 2

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 3231 Tilghman St., Allentown

Info: lvchorale.org

Santa and the Symphony

The Allentown Symphony’s annual “Holiday Pops” concert will feature Christmas classics, sing-a-long opportunities and a visit from Santa Claus.

Led by conductor Diane Wittry and vocalist Michael Andrew, this year’s guest stars include Robert Trexler, the Emmaus High School Chorale, the Accent School of Dance, the O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance and the Uilleann Bagpipers.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk will deck the halls as the opening speaker.

Tickets: $25 – $72

When: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16

Where: 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown

Info: https://www.millersymphonyhall.org

Christmas with Bach

The Bach Choir’s annual holiday program will consist of Bach’s “Magnificat,” and the festive “Cantana 63,” which he wrote in 1732.

Historically, “Magnificat” was performed in Germany and part of church services on Sundays, and recited in Latin, especially during holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

The Bach Choiris celebrating its 125th year in 2023.

The group was founded by John Frederick Wolle in 1898, nearly 150 years after Bach’s death.

Wolle was an organist at central Moravian at a time when Bach was tied to the singing tradition of the Moravians.

Tickets: $9 – $45

When: 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at First Presbyterian Church, 3231 W. Tilghman St., Allentown and 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at First Presbyterian Church, 2344 Church St., Bethlehem.

Info: bach.org/christmas2023

Student recital

The Community Music School’s holiday show will feature student musicians from beginner to advanced levels.

The intimate recital, which will contain a mix of song and piano, prepares students for future live performances.

Tickets: Free, but donations are suggested to help fund the nonprofit’s programs.

When: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 10

Where: 1544 Hamilton St., Allentown

Info: cmslv.org/holidayrecital2023

Organ performance

Moravian Historical Society will present a concert with Thomas Dressler, director of music at College Hill Presbyterian Church in Easton.

Dressler will perform a yuletide concert on the 1776 Tannerberg organ.

The Tannerberg piece, in the museum of the Moravian Historical Society, was built by Moravian organ builder David Tannenberg.

Tannenberg arrived in Bethlehem on Nov. 25, 1776, to set up the organ, which was used in the Single Brethren’s House in Bethlehem.

Only nine of Tannerberg’s organs exist today.

The concert will take place in the museum on the second floor of the Whitefield House.

Tickets: $10

When: 3 p.m. Dec. 3

Where: Moravian Historical Society, 214 E. Center St., Nazareth

Info: tickettailor.com/events/moravianhistoricalsociety

A Creole Christmas

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, a New Orleans group founded by tuba player Allan Jaffe, will bring some soulful, Southern sounds to the Lehigh Valley.

The jazz troupe will perform original holiday hits, plus favorite Christmas tunes such as “Walking in a Winter Wonderland, and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Tickets: $35-$55

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 1

Where: State Theatre Center for the Arts, 453 Northampton St., Easton

Info: statetheatre.org/events/preservation-hall-jazz-band-creole-christmas

Celtic candlelight

You can warm up at the Gov. Wolf Historical Society’s holiday event, which will feature classic Celtic Christmas songs by the Seasons.

The family band is based in Harrisburg and performs with the Celtic harp, guitar, fiddle and hammered dulcimer.

There will be a dessert buffet and light refreshments served.

The concert will take place in the newly restored Wolf Academy.

Reservations are recommended and seating is limited. 
Tickets will be available at the venue Dec. 2 and 3 during the holiday history event.

Call or email for tickets at 610-737-3000 or gwhs1958@gmail.com.

Tickets: $20 non-members, $15 members

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 10

Where: 6600 Jacksonville Road, Bath

Info: www.govwolf.org

Old time charm

The banjo, fiddle and dulcimer will take center stage at the Bell Tower’s first-holiday concert.

You can enjoy traditional country tunes by local musicians Norm Williams and Tom and Betty Drunkenmiller.

Williams is known for his old-time Appalachian fiddle and gospel songs and tunes as well as other folk styles.

The Drukenmillers, with their son, Nate, began performing and recording in the 1990s.

Alongside Williams, the couple have made six recordings, most recently “Bound to Change.”

Tickets: $10

When: 7 p.m. Dec. 15

Where: Belltower Cultural Center, 2904 Church Road, Bangor

Info: belltowerculturalcenter.org

By Staff Reporter

Obert Masaraure

Sikhala expressed gratitude to Masaraure and Zimbabweans at large saying: “He, together with the masses, of our people adopted me from the dumpsite. Together with the masses of our people, they gave me the greatest gift of love-together with many others, he was humiliated and suffered in my name.

“He, like many, is the unsung hero of solidarity. He is now mandated to take the solidarity gospel to all the 10 provinces of our nation, to each and every village, street, township, growth point, town and city.”

The incarcerated opposition figure called on Zimbabweans to refrain from “dabbling in dubious politics”.

“To all those who have been blackmailed, scorned, humiliated, fought and dissuaded from exercising your free will solidarity to me, this is the time to organise yourselves without fear.

“You are not on the wrong side of history. Do not join the road of those on the wrong side of history. Do not dabble in dubious politics.”

Responding to the appointment, Masaraure said the task was daunting but expressed optimism over the number of people who have already volunteered.

“The task is bigger than my small shoulders but I am confident that if all progressive citizens pull together we can secure the release of our Zimbabwean Mandela,” said Masaraure on X.

“We have made inroads in the first 24 hours of appointment. We are impressed with the number of volunteers who have joined the fight.”