New position for Plot Mhako as Jibilika turns 10

Jibilika Dance Trust is making major moves this year.

In addition to the highly anticipated tenth anniversary celebrations scheduled for 25 March 2017 and expanding to the external world, the Trust has just announced a major leadership change.

Plot Mhako, founder and the creative director of ten years, is stepping down.

Speaking to us, Mhako, 35, confirmed the changes,

I didn’t quit Jibilika. I will be around and will be pursuing some projects with Jibilika. The vision has grown bigger than an individual now. I believe in leadership renewal and the abilities of young people to do it and make a difference even much better.

Apparently he will remain at the Trust, in a “creative director at large” position as he assumes his new role as an advisor. While leading, Mhako played a huge role in making Jibilika what it is today – taking it from a small scale dance group, into the much bigger entity it is today, with various programmes that discover and nurture talents, fights epidemics, drug abuse and crime.

But before you freak out about the future of the Jibilika, the ever-growing social enterprise is in good hands.Mhako is handing over the reigns to Nyaradzo Nhongonhema and Blessing Fire. Nhongonhema holds a BA Honors Degree in Theater and French from the University of Zimbabwe and she is also a physical theatre practitioner from Dell’Arte, CA, USA. She’s been working with the Trust since 2013 and she won the 2016 NAMA for Outstanding Actress. She will assume the role of the Trust’s director.

Blessing Fire, popularly known as Bboy Christyles will be taking over the office of creative director. He has been a member of the Trust since it’s initiation and won an award for best hip-hop dance group in 2007. In 2009 he was part of team Zimbabwe at the African Championships of the World Breakdance Battle Of The Year in South Africa.

Mhako:

He has been instrumental in our community dance training programs and since last year he has been a coordinator at our Jibilika Centre in town. His dedication and commitment is moving and I have no doubt in their winning combination.
They both carry the zeal, energy, innovation and courage the responsibility needs.”

This year’s anniversary celebrations will feature performances from Ugandan hip hop artist ,bboy,events organizer and founder and director of YAEP.