In 2004 I journeyed to Zimbabwe and independently established relationships with Ntengwe, Government Leaders, Anthropologist from local museum, Minister of Education, Minister of Health & Child Welfare, Staff & Students at Primary & Secondary Schools in a rural district of Zimbabwe. Ntengwe is a non-profit making organization promoting development, especially for youth, women and children through projects and programs in art, film and video, and publications. The organization promotes community awareness of HIV and AIDS, provides income generating projects, home based care and counseling and orphan support services. While there I had an opportunity explore and experience the culture in ways that I still cannot find words for, however, the media I will be presenting will tell the various stories intermingled with the many similarities to African American culture. I will direct and produce 12 episodic internet TV shows. The topics will be as follows:

Episode 1 PLANETARY LIBERATION

Ntengwe launched a music CD (Tuli Bamuchaala – which translates to We are the Orphans) in which the children wrote and composed their own songs that express their feeling of being alienated from the rest of society. The children recorded this CD along with Oliver Mtukudzi, Zimbabwe’s most popular music maker. Oliver’s gifts as a live performer were first introduced to the U.S. as part of the Africa Fete tour, on which he shared the stage with Taj Mahal and Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal. Oliver also made an appearance in the Spring of 2002 on The Late Show with David Letterman. Oliver also co-wrote and recorded a song for Bonnie Raitt’s album in 2002.

The first episode presents a variety of still shots of the children and Oliver with their music as a backdrop. Also a live interview with Oliver Mtukudzi filmed backstage at his 2005 performance at Yoshi's Jazz Supper Club in Oakland, CA.

Episode 2 DIARY OF AN AFRICAN JOURNEY

In August, 2005 I was a featured guest on “Echoes of Africa” KKUP Radio Station 91.5FM with the Producer/Host Emmanuel Nado (a native of the Ivory Coast). At that time I shared with the radio audiences in the San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell and Monterey areas of my Zimbabwean Journey with the Ntengwe Orphans and local government and community leaders. The second episode presents more stills with narration of radio show interview telling the story behind the pictures.


Episode 3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YA!

The third episode presents segments of the joint birthday celebration of two African American Elder Women (ages 77 & 90) in San Francisco, and also a Zimbabwean boy's fourth birthday party in Zimbabwe.

Episode 4 AFRICAN RHYTHMS by an AFRICAN AMERICANS

The fourth episode presents master drummer and musicologist Kamau Sietu, native of New Orleans as he takes the audience on a journey through the different african rhythms via drums to the rhythms of New Orleans infused with the movement of Hip Hop Dancer, Hassan Chaney who danced his way from Oakland to New York's 106th and Park St. (BET Cable TV Show).

Episode 5 DIARY OF AN AFRICAN JOURNEY CONT...

In March of 2005 the Japanese Embassy funded the building of an orphan center in Zimbabwe for the Ntengwe children. It opened it doors in October of 2005. This episode will feature my second KKUP radio station interview on the current events of Ntengwe Orphans since August 2005. Radio Host, Emmanuel Nado and I will discuss the footage shot during the Center's Grand Opening via Radio with the phone lines open for dialogue from radio audience.