BY SHARON SIBINDI THE southern region’s 2020 showbiz calendar has been characterised by highs and lows across genres. Although the year started well with a number of artists mushrooming, some trying to become famous and pushing for better earnings, sadly very few completed the race. Just a few months into the year, a dark cloud hung over the creative sector and some budding artistes, who were slowly finding their feet in the industry, were grounded by the global COVID-19 outbreak. This forced artistes across genres to put their promising projects on hold while live performances, that attracted physical gatherings, were banned. Deaths The creative sector was plunged into mourning after the death of award-winning hip-hop artiste Cal_Vin in a hit and run car accident in October close to his home. Born Mgcini Calvin Nhliziyo in 1985, Cal_Vin was coming from watching Liverpool’s late-night clash against Sheffield United at Cricket Club in Luveve. He died upon arrival at Mpilo Central Hospital and was buried at the Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo. Last month organisers of the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RoilBAA) honoured Cal_Vin by naming this year’s Outstanding Hip Hop award after him. The award was called The Calvin Mgcini Nhliziyo Hip Hop Award. While Bulawayo was still mourning Cal_Vin, sadly, a founding member of the internationally-acclaimed Bulawayo arts group Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa), Sibonisiwe “The Original” Sithole, died at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) after a short illness. Sithole played a huge role in building Iyasa to an outfit that had become an inspiration to a number of the current crop of stars. Birth of new creatives A poet festival was launched in October by His Royal Highness of the Xhosa kingdom and Member of Parliament in South Africa, Zolani Mkiva through the Mkiva Humanitarian Foundation where he held the inaugural ceremony of the Mhlekazi International Poetry Festival and Mntwanomuhle Wine & Fashion Festival in Solongwe Concourse, Lobenvale, Bulawayo. The fete that featured 10 poets will become an annual event for the creative industry and local poets will share the stage with their international counterparts. Bulawayo filmmaker Braydan Heart launched his dystopian film — 18 Months Later which is inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shot in Bulawayo, the film’s story line is about the character Anesu setting up a team to survive the worst pandemic. The city of Kings and Queens also witnessed the birth of Pumula Royal Arts Community Awards (PRACA) which is aimed at promoting and revitalising up-and-coming, well established talent and leaders from Bulawayo community. Festivals Some of the notable festivals that were held this year include Intwasa Arts Festival which brought some form of entertainment during the festive season. Siyaya Arts hosted the Ibumba International Festival that featured several music genres. The event was considered one of the most well-co-ordinated virtual show. Umkhathi Theatre Works founder held a virtual Bulawayo Children’s Festival, (Bulawayo ChildFe