With a mix of researchers, artists, innovators, community leaders and award winners, MUD’s team curates African Arts and Culture with something to say. Our team’s goal is to document useful skills through high quality, in-depth edutainment. By using the peer-review system we ensure the quality and merit of our content. We share innovative and original ideas that foster new ways of exploring the African experience in popular culture and society. Our team adds insightful perspectives to contemporary attitudes and events reshaping African Arts and Culture.
Alex Gwaze
Founder of MUD, Creative, Curator, Writer & Senpai
Lex is a visionary polymath and Canon Collins scholar, who has made a significant impact across multiple creative and academic fields. As an educator, he has delivered thought-provoking lectures and talks at top universities, including the University of Cape Town and Rhodes University, as well as esteemed festivals like the Intwasa Arts and the European Film Festival Zimbabwe. A published scholar, his writing have appeared in academic journals, while his artworks graced the walls of prestigious galleries like the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. As a director, he brought his creative vision to DSTV and ZTV productions. With a varied skill set, Lex is an innovator who pushes the boundaries of art, journalism, and storytelling.
Interests: media production, research, films, photojournalism, conceptual art, education, dialogic journalism, curation, skill sharing, poetry and social media.
Instagram: @theworksofthe
Zaza Muchemwa
Writer, Director, Poet and 3 x National Art Merit Award (NAMA) winner
Zaza is a creative force to be reckoned with. Serving as Associate Artistic Director for Almasi Collaborative Arts and Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Centre of International Theatre Institute, her writing prowess has taken her to the esteemed International Writing Program Fall Residency at the University of Iowa, and her work has been featured in a range of publications, including Pen International Website, Index on Censorship Magazine, Povo Magazine, Poetry Xchange’s ‘All Protocols Observed’, and Cyphers Poetry Anthology Volume 87. But that’s not all – Zaza’s theatre productions have earned her an impressive three NAMA wins, the highest accolade in Zimbabwe’s arts scene.
Interests: theatre, human rights, gender issues, youth programs, journalism, acting, community, society, African culture, and strategic communications.
Facebook: @ZaMuchemwa
Terry-Jo Thorne
Writer, Researcher & Creative Collaborator
Terry-Jo is a captivating storyteller with roots in social and community history. With a passion for sharing stories that matter, she has collaborated with activist organizations, museums, and film and art projects in South Africa, amplifying voices and preserving histories. Since relocating to Norway, she has continued to drive social impact through theatre, documentary filmmaking and sustainable development initiatives. Terry-Jo is also dedicated to empowering African creatives in Europe, working with talented individuals on various projects that showcase the richness and diversity of African cultures. With an insatiable curiosity and enthusiasm, she embraces diverse projects that spark her interest.
Interests: community development, African arts, documentaries, innovations, spatial inequality, events, African music, psychology, history, society, travel, relationships, blogging,
Instagram: @terryjothorne
Joanne Peters
Image Coach, Actress & Philanthropist
Joanne is a dynamic force in both community service and the Creative Arts. As a dedicated Rotaractor and Rotarian, she has led the charge as President and New Generations Director, driving positive change and inspiring others. But it’s in the Creative Arts where Joanne truly shines, bringing her expertise to life as an image consultant, model coach, actress, spearheading operations at Open Eye modelling studios with flair and finesse. With a Diploma in International Travel and Tourism from IATA and a recent graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), Joanne is a true creative powerhouse, using her talents to make a lasting impact in her community and beyond.
Interests: fashion, modelling, community work, films, tourism, architecture, spatial inequality, events, education, charity.
Instagram: @blackheartjoe
Our team do not create all the content on our own – we have guest contributions from academics, artists, innovators, upstarts, and practitioners who have something to say about African Arts and culture and want to use our platform. Our diverse group of contributors shine a light on emerging issues, profile some of the industry’s key figures, and provide sustainable tips and solutions. MUD’s goal is to re-present Africa to Africans by selecting and organizing meaningful African stories and characters who have something to say about our past, present, future, trending, and beyond – #AfricansTalk2Africa.
MUD Journal 