SAYWHAT and Jibilika Dance Trust Successfully Host 2nd Edition of CRAFT Festival

Harare, Zimbabwe – The 2nd edition of the Creative Reproductive Health Arts Festival for Transformation (CRAFT II) took center stage on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Harare Gardens, bringing together youth from across Zimbabwe to tackle critical societal challenges through the transformative power of art.

earGROUND NETWORK

Organized by the Student and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT) in partnership with Jibilika Dance Trust and supported by the Embassy of Sweden, this year’s festival carried the theme “Voices Unleashed: Addressing Drug and Substance Abuse (DSA), Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through Art.”

Launched in 2022, CRAFT has become a vital platform for young people to express their experiences and perspectives while advocating for change. The festival featured a dynamic lineup of activities, including dance-offs, poetry, photography contests, short film screenings, and live music performances.”

Highlights included:

• Artistic Performances: Emerging talent from the SAYWHAT talent search and established artists like Willom Tight and Leo Magozz entertained and educated the audience.

• Short Film Launch: The premiere of Choices 2, a powerful narrative tackling SRH and GBV, accompanied by theme soundtracks from acclaimed musicians.

• Contests and Competitions: Dance cyphers, music battles, and creative competitions engaged the crowd while amplifying the festival’s core messages.

The festival also featured exhibitions by civil society organizations and health service providers, offering on-site healthcare services and information on SRH, GBV, and DSA. Star FM broadcasted live, further extending the festival’s reach.

Musicians such as Killer T, Nisha Ts, Bling 4, and Chief Capone captivated the audience with spirited performances interspersed with messages on tackling DSA, SRH, and GBV.

In one of the event’s highlights, Team Mamero emerged victorious in the dance competition, winning $500, while Dough Major triumphed in the music battle, delivering thought-provoking lyrics that resonated with the theme.

Jimmy Wilford, Executive Director of SAYWHAT, emphasized the vital role of youth in combating DSA. “Our youth hold the power to lead the charge against addiction. Their voices and actions can pave the way for a healthier, drug-free future,” he stated.

Swedish Ambassador Per Lindgärde commended the festival for leveraging art as a tool for social transformation. “This festival exemplifies creativity’s potential to drive meaningful change and engage communities in addressing critical issues,” he remarked.

Deputy Director of Youth Empowerment Mr. O. Mudhunguyo highlighted the far-reaching impacts of DSA on SRH and GBV, calling for collaborative efforts to empower youth and foster resilient communities.

CRAFT II aligned with Zimbabwe’s national efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, declared a national disaster. It also fostered partnerships among youth organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to address the interconnected challenges of DSA, SRH, and GBV.

The festival concluded with a resounding call to action, urging all stakeholders to prioritize youth empowerment and use art as a transformative tool for advocacy and policy change.

For SAYWHAT and Jibilika Dance Trust, CRAFT II is more than a festival—it is a movement, a platform, and a catalyst for change, inspiring the youth of Zimbabwe to unleash their voices and build a better future.