The two groups met and initiated a relationship in Lilongwe, Malawi, during the Mwezi Walala Arts Festival late last year. Mwezi Walala festival is an annual carnival that brings artists from all over the globe together.Yezi Arts programmes manager Ian Mwiinga was in the country last week and met with the Ghetto Waves Productions' leadership. Mwiinga was in the country at the invitation of Ghetto Waves. In an effort aimed at growing live and stage theatre in the two neighbouring countries, the two groups are expected to work hand in hand and stage joint theatre performances at regional and international arts festivals. Lionel Nkosi, the production manager at Ghetto Waves said each of the two groups brought something to the table.
"During their performance at the Malawi festival, we noticed some uniqueness in them. And during our performance, they also noticed something in us. It is against this backdrop that our Zambian counterparts have approached us for collaboration," said an excited Nkosi. Nkosi said the collaboration will result in a win-win situation. He said Botswana has got talented artists but are lacking exposure to the outside world where they can earn a living through the arts. He said local artists will be exposed to other groups through television and getting the opportunity to be invited to some internationally recognised festivals within the continent and beyond.
"As much as we have admired talent, Yezi Arts will have the opportunity to hire some of our artists. I am certainly looking forward to the collaboration," said Nkosi.
