Today we’d like to introduce you to Quentine Nyoni

Hi Quentine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I have always been a student of the creative industry, eager to absorb all knowledge and explore my curiosity. I have worked in various roles, from designing nightclub posters to directing low-budget music videos, and I have been recognized with local awards for my work. I also had the opportunity to be a creative director for the National Art Merit Awards brand in Zimbabwe, specifically the creative studio department. However, my journey is far from over.

I left my hometown of Gwanda at the age of 20 and moved to the capital city, Harare. The beginning was tough as I struggled to navigate the new environment. In just one year, I had a breakthrough when my artwork was displayed at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in front of all 55 presidents of Africa.

Upon returning to Harare, I was sought after for interviews by TV and radio stations, and the creative industry provided a platform for me to express myself and be heard. Now, I am a well-recognized Creative Director in my country and beyond. I express myself through various mediums and platforms, including visual arts, podcast hosting, TV presenting, and part-time acting.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It can be challenging for individuals from non-academic backgrounds to establish themselves in Zimbabwe’s creative industry, particularly in the visual arts. This field is heavily influenced by technology and expensive equipment such as high-end cameras and graphic design tablets. To navigate this, I took a non-traditional path by learning through trial and error and by apprenticing under established Zimbabwean artists and directors like Kalai Barlow, Chaz Maviyane Davies, and Nontsi Mutiti. This unorthodox approach to my creative work has allowed me to experiment with various mediums without constraints. It gets smoother as we go.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

UrbanMilitant is my creative brand, and it combines podcasting, content creation, and acting. My work has been well-received, earning recognition, collaborations, and awards in Ethiopia (African Union), South Africa (Fakugesi Festival), and Zimbabwe (National Arts Merit Awards). After launching my While We Wait Podcast, I made my acting debut in a film called See Me, which shares real-life stories of young people living with HIV/AIDS and how they were affected by Covid-19 lockdowns using film, poetry, music, photography, visuals, and dance.

I also directed season 8 and 9 of Dreamstar Zimbabwe – the biggest search competition in Zimbabwe. I’ve also collaborated with initiatives like Skeyi & Strobo Fabrik Party and curated the Natural Hair Festival. Right now, I’m learning cinematography under the mentorship of the award-winning director Richard Watson of Obscura Films. This journey proves that passion cannot be contained, and I believe this is my destined path.

What matters most to you?

What matters to me the most is love and the ability to express oneself with peace of mind. I believe that world peace could be achieved if people expressed more love and compassion towards each other, and if they were provided with enough platforms to express their stories, beliefs, and values, and to be heard without judgment, especially in extreme circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @urbanmilitant
• Facebook: Quentine Nyoni
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhileWeWaitPodcast
• Other: https://fakugesi.co.za/contributors/quentine-nyoni/

Image Credits

@zutograph
@donnel_mango