By Shyline Msika
Zimbabwean artist Mwendamberi has made a significant mark on the nation’s creative landscape with the release of “Hatiratame” (“We Won’t Live”), Zimbabwe’s first-ever 360-degree, Virtual reality music video. This innovative project, cultivated through an incubator program at Matamba Film Labs and supported by the Irish Embassy in South Africa, exemplifies Zimbabwe’s dedication to embracing cutting-edge technology while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
Mwendamberi, a seasoned musician with a deep connection to Afro-Jazz, sought to explore new avenues of artistic expression. “As an artist, I’m always looking for innovative ways to express myself and connect with my audience,” he explains. “When I discovered 360 VR technology, I knew I had to be a part of it. It’s an exciting new frontier that allows me to push the boundaries of storytelling and immersion.”
Contrary to initial concepts of purely futuristic visuals, the “Hatiratame” video presents a profoundly African narrative. It powerfully addresses the realities of climate change in Zimbabwe, portraying a man’s urgent prayers for rain during a severe drought. The visual storytelling takes viewers from a room filled with stark images of drought’s devastation to the spiritual heights of Sally Mugabe mountain. Here, Mwendamberi, dressed in symbolic blue and yellow, engages in traditional prayer, complete with ritualistic elements that showcase African Traditional Religion (ATR). The narrative follows the man as he gains strength from his prayers, then returning to his home to begin the work of rebuilding.
“The song and video are a heartfelt prayer,” Mwendamberi emphasizes. “It’s a plea for divine intervention, reflecting the song’s title, ‘Hatiratame,’ which signifies our reliance on spiritual support.”
The project’s success is a product of the collaborative and educational environment fostered by Matamba Film Labs. Through their incubator program, aspiring filmmakers gained essential skills in 360-degree video production, utilizing Qoocam cameras, stitching software, and Premiere Pro. This initiative, backed by the Irish Embassy, highlights the importance of investing in local talent and providing access to advanced technology.
The 360-degree filming process presented unique challenges. “We had to meticulously plan every angle and movement,” Mwendamberi recalls. “It was a demanding but rewarding experience that pushed us to think creatively.”
“Hatiratame” is more than a technological achievement; it’s a cultural statement. “I believe this video will elevate Zimbabwean music and art on the global stage,” Mwendamberi states. “It showcases our unique cultural identity and innovative spirit, demonstrating the potential of modern technology. I hope it will inspire fellow Zimbabwean artists to explore new forms of creative expression.”
The chosen locations are deeply significant, reinforcing the video’s connection to Zimbabwean reality. The mountain represents spiritual connection, and the home symbolizes resilience.
“Embracing technological advancements is crucial for artists,” Mwendamberi asserts. “It allows us to expand our creative horizons, reach wider audiences, and share our unique perspectives with the world.”
Mwendamberi’s “Hatiratame” is a powerful demonstration of how Zimbabwean artists are adept at integrating global technologies with their cultural heritage. This project stands as a testament to the nation’s artistic ingenuity and its determination to make a significant impact on the global creative scene.
The video can be viewed On Youtube https://youtu.be/exVPkh_zOc4?si=8Ynzj0wW7R-AeGns, and has reached over 8000 views in its first week on the platform. You can experience it on your screens from youtube or even in your Virtual reality headsets.
The San African 