AGP Executive Report

Gweshengweshe’s Farewell: The burial of veteran actor William Matenga, known as Gweshengweshe, may be delayed while war veterans seek provincial hero status for the former soldier. Zimdancehall: Hulengende’s rising profile is drawing bigger live crowds, with his songs reportedly passing five million online views. African Creators: The NAACP has opened 10 new Image Awards categories for African film, TV, streaming and music, welcoming submissions from across the continent. Fashion and Music: Zimbabwean designers are bringing heritage and the natural world into fashion, while musician Shingai sings in Shona on a new climate-focused album centred on water. Music Homecoming: A Zimbabwean rock prodigy is planning a return home, adding to a lively week for local music.

Zimbabwean Arts: The Crisson & Hind African Gallery is closing after 27 years, with a clearance sale of hundreds of works, including Zimbabwean sculptures bought directly from local artists. Screen Tribute: The family of veteran actor William Matenga, known as Gweshegweshe, remembers him as a hero whose career brought pride to his family and inspired the nation. Music: Zimbabwean-born Minneapolis rock artist Uchaye is gaining attention with her new EP, War is ov3r, while planning a homecoming. Cricket Spotlight: Zimbabwe has drawn more than 13 million ticket requests for the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup, including over 3.3 million for the Zimbabwe-India match at Mosi-oa-Tunya.

Pageantry: Zimbabwe’s Amaechi Christabel won Miss Port Harcourt City 2026, standing out among contestants from across Africa. Fashion: Zimbabwean designers are bringing heritage and the natural world into their work, with one blending forest themes into fashion. Books and Creativity: Judy Nganga’s children’s book and a reported surge in the creative sector’s GDP contribution spotlight Zimbabwe’s growing arts scene. Music: Alick Macheso’s former dancer is seeking a return to the band after falling on hard times. Screen and Media: MultiChoice is teasing a new psychological thriller, while DStv has launched packages aimed at competing with streaming platforms in Zimbabwe.

Celebrity Watch: South African DJ and TV personality Sithelo Shozi has welcomed a baby girl with Zimbabwean businessman Kudzaishe Magura. Her lavish post-birth celebration, complete with sushi, champagne and a Birkin bag, is drawing attention. Fashion: Zimbabwean designers are bringing heritage and nature into their work, with one collection inspired by the forest. Arts: Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera has set a new auction record in London, raising the profile of local contemporary art. Music: Radio Zimbabwe is taking its roadshow to Zimunya, while musician Gweshe Gweshe’s death marks a loss for the local scene. Cricket: Zimbabwe’s men suffered a 3-0 T20I series sweep against Afghanistan in Sharjah.

Zimbabwean Fashion: Bulawayo designer Nkanyeziyethu Malunga is turning plants, bark and other natural materials into contemporary clothing through her label, GANU. Inspired by skills passed down by her grandmother, she hopes to create opportunities for rural women and keep traditional craft alive. Literature: Nigerian writers’ organisation STRIDA plans to expand into an international literary community, with members in Zimbabwe among its participants. Its proposed programmes include mentoring, writing competitions and scholarships. Zimbabwe Cricket: Sikandar Raza struck an unbeaten 106 in Zimbabwe’s second T20I against Afghanistan, becoming the oldest player to score a T20I century. Zimbabwe fell 19 runs short, and the teams meet again in Sharjah. African Sport: Zimbabwe-born IOC president Kirsty Coventry hailed Dakar’s historic Youth Olympics opening—the first Olympic event held in Africa—as a proud moment for the continent.

Sustainable Fashion: Bulawayo designer Nkanyeziyethu Malunga is turning plants and tree bark into natural dyes for her GANU label, drawing on skills passed down by her grandmother and supporting rural women. Community Radio: Radio Zimbabwe’s roadshow brought thousands to Bambazonke in Zimunya, with local organisations joining the live community event. Zimbabwean Art: Portia Zvavahera set a new auction record in London, taking her work to fresh heights internationally. On Screen: DStv Zimbabwe has cut its top-tier price by 20% and introduced new packages. Books: Judy Nganga’s new children’s book offers a reminder that everyone carries something. Music: A former Alick Macheso dancer who has fallen on hard times is asking to rejoin the band.

Zimbabwean Screen: Veteran actor William Matenga, famed as Gweshe Gweshe in the Gringo TV series, has died after a short illness. He began acting in 1984 and was also a journalist. Fashion & Heritage: Bulawayo designer Nkanyeziyethu Malunga is turning plant dyes, basketry, beadwork and traditional patterns into contemporary clothing through her GANU label, while creating opportunities for rural women. Visual Arts: Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera has set a new auction record in London, with her work selling for millions of rands. Broadcasting: Radio Zimbabwe’s road show drew thousands to Zimunya, bringing the station, businesses and community members together. Entertainment Access: DStv has announced new Zimbabwe packages and lower prices, in a move aimed at competing with streaming platforms.

Fashion & Heritage: Bulawayo designer Nkanyeziyethu Malunga is turning plant dyes, basketry and other traditional skills into contemporary fashion through her label GANU, while creating opportunities for rural women. Creative Economy: Zimbabwe’s creative sector contributed 8.8% of GDP in 2026, up from about 6.5% two years earlier, according to the National Arts Council. Broadcasting: Speaker Jacob Mudenda criticised local radio and ZTV programming, urging broadcasters to promote Zimbabwean culture and indigenous languages. Visual Arts: Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera set a new auction record in London, with her work selling for millions of rand. Beauty Industry: Zimbabwe’s Beauty Industry Awards recognised more than 30 winners.

Broadcasting: Speaker Jacob Mudenda criticised programming on ZTV and local radio, urging broadcasters to promote Zimbabwean culture and indigenous languages. Sungura: Former Alick Macheso dancer William “Kachule” Dangirwa says he is struggling to support his family through brick moulding and hopes to rejoin Orchestra Mberikwazvo. Screen: MultiChoice and Stained Glass TV have teased a new psychological thriller, with its title, cast and release date still to come. Visual Arts: Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera has set a new auction record in London, while the Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards recognised more than 30 winners.

Sungura: Former Orchestra Mberikwazvo dancer William “Kachule” Dangirwa says he is struggling to support his family by moulding bricks and is appealing to Alick Macheso to take him back. African TV: MultiChoice and Stained Glass TV have teased a new dark psychological thriller, with its title, cast and release date still under wraps. Zimbabwean Art: Portia Zvavahera has set a new auction record in London, with her work selling for millions of rand. Screen Nostalgia: James May’s Triumph Stag, featured in The Grand Tour’s Zimbabwe-and-Botswana finale, has sold at auction for £37,100.

Screen & Motoring: James May’s 1974 Triumph Stag, featured in The Grand Tour’s Zimbabwe and Botswana special, has sold at auction for £37,100. DStv Zimbabwe has cut its top-tier price by 20% and introduced new packages. Visual Arts: Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera has set a new auction record in London, selling for millions of rands. Live Music: The Restoration Concert is set to return for a fourth edition. Arts & Culture: The Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards have honoured more than 30 winners, while Nollywood actor Mai Azuka is back in Zimbabwe.

Cricket: Zimbabwe face Afghanistan in Sharjah today, needing a win to level the T20I series after losing the opener by 37 runs. Zimbabwe’s women also finished their India tour with a 3-0 ODI series defeat. Film: The European Film Festival Zimbabwe is screening European and local films in Harare through October 30, with discussions on the future of filmmaking. Television: DStv Zimbabwe will launch new packages on November 5, separating sport from general entertainment and adding options for different viewing habits. Arts: Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera has set a new auction record in London, while the Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards honoured more than 30 winners.

Gospel Music: The Restoration Concert returns for its fourth edition, featuring Zimbabwean worship leader Michael Mahendere alongside regional gospel stars. The event also raises funds to provide school shoes for vulnerable children in Namibia. Zimbabwe Cricket: India completed a 3-0 ODI sweep, bowling Zimbabwe out for 131 in the final match. Spinner Vaishnavi Sharma took five wickets, while Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma hit unbeaten half-centuries. Beauty & Arts: The Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards honoured more than 30 winners. Zimbabwean American composer and sound artist Hannah Mufuka is also set to take up an artist residency in the US in November.

Women’s Cricket: Zimbabwe were swept 3-0 by India in the ODI series after an eight-wicket defeat in the final match. Vaishnavi Sharma took 5/39 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 131; Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma sealed the chase in just 17 overs. Screen Time: DStv Zimbabwe is cutting its top-tier price from US$75 to US$60 and introducing five renamed packages from November 5, including Starter at US$9 and Sports at US$30. Zimbabwean Arts: Composer and sound artist Hannah Mufuka will take up a residency at Good Hart Artist Residency from November 2 to 20, with a performance planned during her stay.

Football: VAR will make its Zimbabwe debut at next month’s Chibuku Super Cup final, with officials training on the system ahead of the match. Screen & Style: Nollywood actress Mai Azuka has returned to Zimbabwe, while the Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards honoured more than 30 winners. Music: Thomas Mapfumo has reconciled with nephew Makore, and Zimbabwean DJ Nitefreak has teamed up with Zapapaya and La Negra Hawkins on “Negra Soy.” Film: A desert festival is using cinema to retell the Kalahari’s story. Cricket: India women clinched their ODI series against Zimbabwe 2-0, powered by centuries from Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma.

Screen and Stage: Nollywood star Patience Ozokwor, known as Mai Azuka, is due in Bulawayo on November 28 as a guest speaker at the Bride of Christ event. Beauty and Business: More than 30 professionals and businesses were honoured at the Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards in Harare, with organisers highlighting the sector’s role in jobs and entrepreneurship. Film: A desert film festival is offering a fresh retelling of the Kalahari’s story. Music: Zimbabwean music legend Thomas Mapfumo has reconciled with his nephew Makore.