Power in the Voice artists, Mauritius launch.

Power in the Voice artists, Mauritius launch.   
From 5 - 17 February 2007, Power in the Voice was launched in Southern Africa, with workshops and performances taking place in all six countries. In each country, a group of ten - 12 artists came together for an intense but exhilarating week of sharing creative ideas, fusing talents from very different backgrounds into performances which expanded the boundaries of their artistic expression. They also developed mentoring skills in preparation for visiting schools and youth groups, where they will be supporting young performers in the Power in the Voice competition.

The week culminated in a performance event in each country, attended by an invited audience of artists, Ministry representatives, journalists and 14 - 19 year olds representing the schools and groups which will participate in the competition. On stage, the artists gave a taster performance of rap, performance poetry and storytelling, to inspire the young participants. In Mozambique, an audience of more than 1,200 people showed up for the event, and in Mauritius and Zimbabwe, young people found themselves on stage with the artists!

Launch crowd, Mozambique.

Launch crowd, Mozambique.   
Not only did the launch events bring together local artists in each country, there were also six renowned African artists travelling around the region sharing their experiences:

Mauritian artist Know-Me visited Mozambique

Mozambican artist Mr Arssen visited Mauritius

Zambian artist Ernest Izai-Zai Yikona visited Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean artist Christopher Mlalazi visited Zambia

Batswana artist Stagga visited South Africa

South African artist Zubz visited Botswana

Botswana Launch .

Botswana Launch .   
Three UK artists also spent two weeks in Southern Africa, facilitating the collaborative workshops and performing at the launch events:

Zena Edwards visited South Africa and Botswana

Charlie Dark visited Zimbabwe and Zambia

Breis visited Mozambique and Mauritius

Experiences were different but the impact was similar:

'It is the first time that we as artists have been brought together to collaborate and also workshop our own talent. The programme allows local artists to go into our communities and develop and identify the talent that exists within'. International Batswana hip hop artist 'Stagga' Ralph Williams.

'The workshop has been a journey of discovery for me. We had an amazing facilitator who reconfirmed for me some of my personal abilities, which I had grown to doubt.' Christopher Mlalazi, writer, Zimbabwe

'I connected with other artists that I never thought I could connect with. When I was in the workshop I felt more confident. I really believe in this project, and I want it to be successful, not only for the winning team but for all the students who will participate directly or indirectly. Peace, love, unity and have fun!' Yonny Aeikilat Choumz, hip hop artist, Mauritius

Please click here for photos from the workshop and launch events.