Episode one for the influencer series features King Her, a female DJ, actress, model and graphic designer. King Her is also the brand ambassador for Koovah a local alcohol beverage. In this episode we try to understand King Her’s perspective of what it means to be an influencer as a Zimbabwean female DJ in a male dominated industry. Whether or not all influencers should play a role in speaking truth to power or support causes that affect their communities.   

All throughout 2020 there were multiple events that took place that posed the question behind what helped to catalyze the creation of “the influence series”. The question being “Do persons in positions of social influence have the responsibility of being socially responsible and speaking in response to events that may be taking place globally or within their immediate sphere of influence?”. In 2020 we saw the crescendo of the Black Lives Matter movement which snowballed into what seemed like the beginning of a global awakening in terms of political and social activism. This took place at the beginning of a global pandemic where we saw celebrities and influencers speaking about people staying safe, staying home and following the necessary precautions to stay healthy. Although, when it came to the various political and social events that were taking place all over the globe at the same time, there seemed to be a loud silence coming from people who were in positions of influence. During the Black lives matter movement, which took place in the United States, there was the time when everyone was posting black squares and promoting specific hashtags on their social media platforms. This quickly started to become a social and political statement, on a global scale, as to whether or not businesses and people in positions of influence cared enough about racism and the social issues surrounding that to use their platform to speak on it. We watched people in positions of influence being dragged through the mud for their silence and questioned on the front of whether or not they carried the correct values of someone who has been given a platform by the people. To bring it closer to home, here in Zimbabwe we witnessed our very own political and social event around the same time of the creation of the Zimbabwean Lives Matter hashtag. This hashtag quickly became a marker for whether or not people in Zimbabwe stood on the side of “good” or “evil”, or whether they would choose to remain silent. There was a lot of discourse around why some Zimbabweans in positions of influence chose to remain silent, and when they did speak up it might not have been what the people had expected from someone in their position. This all brings us to “The influence series” as we begin to unpack the idea of influence and what that means to different people at different levels of influence.   

Also available on PlayAfrika  www.playafrika.tv 

For any donations or to be a guest, email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613  

Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Sponsored by Koovha Beverages 

Music: Photoshoot Perfect by Mr Rebel  

Venue: Zoom (The virtual realm) 

Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guest: King Her  

Videography: DT Productions 

Motion Graphics : Pedro Designs

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our lovely Hourangers, new and old. Do Zimbabweans as a collective have a drinking problem? That’s question on our lips this week as we dive into the topic of alcohol, alcoholism and “good times” culture. As we all know alcohol is one of the main events at almost every social gathering where the intention is for attendees to have a good time. Is there a reason why we can’t seem to separate ourselves from alcohol when we are seeking good times or is it a case of alcohol being something that is part of good times culture. It’s very easy to look at all the good times that many people have associated with alcohol but it’s also very easy to remember how much bad has been caused by alcohol. In Zimbabwe alone there have been many alcohol related deaths with the main one being in the form of car accidents, where the inebriated person is the victim or where a sober driver of another car becomes the victim of death because of a drunk driver. Alcoholism and addiction are also on the rise and have been a problem amongst Zimbabwean youths. Are we creating problems now that might evolve into greater problems in the future; or is this something that we have under control and know how to navigate without anyone being hurt. These are some thought for us all to ponder on going into this new year. 

Huge shout out to our sponsors Bodega Bar!  

For any donations or to be a guest, email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613  

Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Sponsored by Bodega Bar Music: Photoshoot Perfect by Mr Rebel  

Venue:  Bodega (Harare,Zimbabwe) 

Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guest: Zanele Mtomba , Kudzai Mtomba  

Videography: DT Productions 

Motion Graphics : Pedro Designs

PART 2 is ready!!! Join us as we finish up the complex conversation around Family and all it complexities. In partnership with #Wired2LoveANDThrive.   We all grow up with a different understanding of what family is based on how we experienced it. We also live in a world where these ideas of how families should be are shoved in our faces by media. Family Dynamics in an African context are complex. It is important to take into account that there is some sort of unspoken patriarchal hierarchy that is instilled in all of us as African Children from a young age. Though many households may lack a patriarchal figure to stand as the “head of the home”, the concept of one sided, automatic respect from child to parent or younger to elder is something that rings true for most family dynamics. The idea of the majority of the African population of parents having experienced colonial racism firsthand and in many other cases poverty as a result of colonialism adds another layer to this dynamic between parents and their children. The separation between generations by things as simple as technology or social media or social experiences and gender, are sometimes defining factors when it comes to how family members can relate to each other. Many aspects come into play when we speak about family dynamics as a family is essentially a group of people joined together by relation and familiarity, which often does not guarantee relatability or mutual understanding. Family dynamics become even more complex when we look at them as they relate to our mental health, respectability/acceptability politics and the idea of fitting into your family’s clan.  

For any donations or to be a guest, email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613  

Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Music: Photoshoot Perfect by Mr Rebel  

Venue:  Moto Republik (Harare,Zimbabwe) Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guest: Zen the Master , Scotch (Wired2LoveANDThrive) 

Videography: DT Productions 

Motion Graphics : Pedro Designs

Episode 3! In partnership with #Wired2LoveANDThrive. Christmas is coming up and we all know what that means a lot of dedicated family time! We all grow up with a different understanding of what family is based on how we experienced it. We also live in a world where these ideas of how families should be are shoved in our faces by media. Family Dynamics in an African context are complex. It is important to take into account that there is some sort of unspoken patriarchal hierarchy that is instilled in all of us as African Children from a young age. Though many households may lack a patriarchal figure to stand as the “head of the home”, the concept of one sided, automatic respect from child to parent or younger to elder is something that rings true for most family dynamics. The idea of the majority of the African population of parents having experienced colonial racism firsthand and in many other cases poverty as a result of colonialism adds another layer to this dynamic between parents and their children. The separation between generations by things as simple as technology or social media or social experiences and gender, are sometimes defining factors when it comes to how family members can relate to each other. Many aspects come into play when we speak about family dynamics as a family is essentially a group of people joined together by relation and familiarity, which often does not guarantee relatability or mutual understanding. Family dynamics become even more complex when we look at them as they relate to our mental health, respectability/acceptability politics and the idea of fitting into your family’s clan. 

For any donations to Her Hour email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613  

Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Music: Photoshoot Perfect by Mr Rebel  

Venue:  Moto Republik (Harare,Zimbabwe) 

Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guest: Zen the Master , Scotch (Wired2LoveANDThrive) 

Videography: DT Productions 

Motion Graphics : Pedro Designs

Last week we discussed Rape and Rape Culture and this week we round up the discussion on the importance of changing laws and policies that affect victims of rape and sexual assault. What are your thoughts?  

If you are a victim or survivor or rape or assault please feel free to get in touch with Adult Rape Clinic. Do not suffer alone!  [email protected] +263 242 793572 +263 775 672 770 +263 733 406 292  

For any donations to Her Hour email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613  

Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Music: Photoshoot perfect by Mr Rebel  

Venue:  Secret location in Harare (Harare,Zimbabwe) 

Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guest: Tinatswe Mhaka (Feminist Voices Zimbabwe), Floridah Mapeto (Adult Rape Clinic) 

Videography: DT Productions 

Motion Graphics : Pedro Designs

We are back!!! After a long hiatus we bring you Season 2 with a new format, topics, new intro song and vibe! Today we are talking about rape culture and rape... What are your thoughts?  “But what was she wearing when it happened” “what did she do to make him think she wanted it” These are some examples of how victims have been blamed for the crimes perpetrated onto them. We live in a society where rapists get the benefit of the doubt more easily and are safer in this society than victims are. According to UNWomen Rape culture is the social environment that allows sexual violence to be normalized and justified, fuelled by the persistent gender inequalities and attitudes about gender and sexuality. People of all genders and sexualities contribute to and help to perpetuate rape culture. According to studies done by UNWomen, it is estimated that 35% of women worldwide have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non partner at some point in their lives. It seems as though we are in a time where it is much easier for us to have discussions around rape, rape culture and sexual assault because of things like the “Me too” movement, seeing prominent figures like R Kelly and Bill Cosby being put in jail for their rape allegations. A lot of people fear that people will use rape allegations as a way to target people they have ill intentions towards as something similar has been done in our history as humans with the Salem witch trails where people would accuse people of being witches in order to see them being prosecuted and even killed at the hands of the state. Are these concerns valid or should all allegations be treated as guilty until proven innocent. 

 If you are a victim or survivor or rape or assault please feel free to get in touch with Adult Rape Clinic. Do not suffer alone!  [email protected] +263 242 793572 +263 775 672 770 +263 733 406 292  

For any donations to Her Hour email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613  

Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Music: Photoshoot perfect by Mr Rebel 

Venue:  Secret location in Harare (Harare,Zimbabwe) 

Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guest: Tinatswe Mhaka (Feminist Voices Zimbabwe), Floridah Mapeto (Adult Rape Clinic) 

Videography: DT Productions 

Motion Graphics : Pedro Designs

This week we speaking about classism in Zimbabwe. Our lovely guest was so amazing an managed to do the episode even though she was 7 months pregnant!  In Zimbabwe we have a long road called Samora Machel, this busy road has played the role of determining which side of the financial track you are on. Has classism evolved into another version of racism? With the ongoing debates about the contribution of the top 1% in America does it mean that those born with a silver spoon need to contribute to the 98% that are struggling to make ends meet? Is it possible for the upper class and lower class to meet and socialize and perhaps get married? Or have we kept the gap so wide that there is no bridging it?

For any donations email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613

Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Music: Amazing by Mr Rebel  

Venue:  Alliance Francaise (Harare,Zimbabwe) 

Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guest: Gamuchirai Chinamasa 

Videography: DT Productions 

Produced by the Feed ZW

We had the amazing opportunity to sit down with this fantastic lady Tafadzwa founder of SALT Africa. After having suffered from a traumatic car accident and still dealing with her PTSD, Tafadzwa was inspired to start an organisation that allows people to deal with mental health issues using creativity.  Mental health is the most underrated problem being faced in Zimbabwe. With the fast decline in the economy, many people are struggling to face the music and opt for suicide or substance abuse. In a country where admitting to not being 'ok' mentally, results in being ostracized and ridiculed, we are creating a hostile environment for people who need help and want help.  How to deal with stress, how to introspect and know that you are not ok, we debunk the issues around mental health and the many smaller organisations that are working towards helping people deal with stress better.

Don't judge me for not being ok! 

Special thank you to Tafadzwa from SALT Africa for coming through and On the Roof Travel Plaza for the space!

For any donations email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613 

 Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Music: Amazing by Mr Rebel 

 Venue:  (On the Roof Travel Plaza, Harare,Zimbabwe) 

Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guest: Tafadzwa  

Videography: DT Productions Produced by the Feed ZW

Kanye West talked about new slaves, today we talk about whether we are still victims of slavery and colonisation. 40 years post independence and racism is still an issue. Now we are dealing with tribalism, is this the new form of racism? Are we so far from our culture of ubuntu that we regard our tribes with more importance than the idea of us all being one people. Have years of oppression gotten us to the point where we want to return the favour of the cruelty of apartheid and racism to the next best minority?

Special thank you to Trevor Molife and Eppy for coming through and Chez Zandi for the space  

For any donations email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613  

Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Music: Amazing by Mr Rebel  Venue:  (Chez Zandi, Harare,Zimbabwe) 

Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guest: Trevor Molife, Eppy 

Videography: DT Productions 

Produced by the Feed ZW

Dime, coke bottle, but her face, butters, cute face tight waist and a big behind; these are some of the names women have been called and described as over the years. What categorizes a woman as a woman? Do curves in all the right places, thigh gap, lips, smooth skin etc or your self identity make you a women? Women have been stripped in the streets of Harare, harassed in airports all because they do not ‘pass’ as female. With Transexual and transgender, bisexual, pansexual, tomboys, butch lesbians, lipstick lesbians, slay queens and natural hair queens, the definition of what it means to be a woman is changing but is it changing fast enough? This episode we speak to a diverse group of women about their experiences with passing or not passing.  

Special thank you to Retarded Cupid and Kazz Douie for coming through and On the Roof Travel Plaza for the space!  

For any donations email: [email protected] or call: +263772844613  

Make donations via ecocash to : 0772844613 Maria Chisvo  

Music: Amazing by Mr Rebel  Venue:  (On the Roof Travel Plaza, Harare,Zimbabwe) 

Hosts: Vera Chisvo, Jordan Chanetsa  

Guests: Retarded Cupid, Kazz Douie 

Videography: DT Productions 

Produced by the Feed ZW