writers & contributors

earGROUND Class of 2025

Dickson Bandera

Dickson Bandera is a seasoned journalist, public prosecutor, trainer, and author with a passion for writing on culture, arts, entertainment, law, and business. His articles explore diverse topics, offering fresh perspectives and shedding light on untold stories. With a commitment to education and justice, Dickson’s work aims to inform, inspire, and challenge readers.

earGROUND

earGROUND AFRICA is an award winning digital media company working to amplify creative voices.

Innocent Tinashe Mutero

I wander African cities with my ears to the ground, listening to how music is woven into urban life. A dual-PhD ethnomusicologist, I research how music, migration, and urban culture shape belonging, creative economies, and well-being. Proven grant writer who transforms research into platforms that empower artists and strengthen communities.

Israel Sebenzo

Gweru Born and raised Singer, songwriter, A&R Executive. Helping creatives develop both their talent and business capacities. Currently based in Sydney, Australia. Learning and unlearning is his life’s mantra.

Lennon Mudzengerere

My name is Lennon and I have a right to write what I think is right.

Marshall Shonhai

Author, event specialist, stage manager and social activist based in Harare Zimbabwe.

Patson Mashingaidze

Chief Executive Director of Totus Legal Micro Insurance. Founding Chairman at Afronome Digital Music Africa. Advocating for music and creative arts copyright law. Songwriter, fixer, and artist manager.

Plot Mhako

Founder of earGROUND, Jibilika and Amplifaya Festival. Creative entrepreneur, cultural producer, award-winning journalist, arts community champion with two decades of dedicated experience.

Shingi Mavima

Poet, writer, musician, and Assistant Professor of History at the University of Toledo specializing in contemporary Southern African history, African literature and popular culture.

Tafadzwa Gambiza

Content Manager at earGROUND AFRICA and creative brands strategist. Combining captivating storytelling with digital savvy, shaping earGROUND's online presence to amplifying the voices of African artists.

Takudzwa Kadzura

Award winning writer and avid follower of the arts industry in Zimbabwe. Motivated by desire to participate in the expanding urban culture through documenting lived experiences.

Tanaka Denglish

A two-time nominated freelance investigative journalist who not only hopes to aid in the discovery of undiscovered talent but also to amplify the voices of creatives and make them seen and heard across the globe.

Tawanda Kajawu

A multidisciplinary arts creative and youth practitioner whose work blends storytelling, music, theatre, and broadcasting to evoke deep nostalgia and cultural reflection. A modern-day griot rooted in CHIPAWO since childhood, he has journeyed through roles as a radio DJ at Capitalk 100.4FM, a youth advisor for the Netherlands Development Organisation, and now a consultant in policy-making—yet always remains a portal for timeless narratives that bridge history, memory, and purpose.

Tawanda Mupatsi

A freelance correspondent for earGROUND AFRICA. He hopes through his journalistic work, marginalized stories on both the arts and culture will be brought to the fore and create essential dialogue that will contribute to the growth of the creative sector.

Timothy Kuhamba

Advocate for arts development and spearheading space education initiatives in Zimbabwe. National Coordinator for World Space Week Zimbabwe and UNISEC Global Zimbabwe actively promoting global collaboration in space education.

Tinotenda Chimusoro

A seasoned journalist with deep roots in the SADC region, and now based in the United States — blending newsroom rigor with strategic communication savvy to craft stories that move minds, shape narratives, and drive impact across continents.

Trevor Mawaka

A music teaching artist, musicologist, composer and adjudicator guiding emerging artists in developing their musical identities and expanding their brands.

Valerie Chatindo

Biochemistry graduate, writer and sexual health & awareness educator. Author of 'Sheba' and 'Birds That Sing Too Loudly', The twenty eight year old resides in Harare, Zimbabwe with her cat, Muffins, where she runs her own Literary Platform, Shumba Literary Magazine.