
PUMULA Royal Arts and Community Awards (Praca) founder and executive director, Happy Mpofu, is on cloud nine after receiving his inaugural award at the The Promised Land Awards ceremony held on Friday last week.
Mpofu took home the award in the arts and culture category, which recognised his exceptional contributions in promoting arts and culture within the community.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, Mpofu said he was humbled that other people appreciated his work.
“When I heard my name being called out, I was overwhelmed with emotion — it's a surreal feeling knowing that my work has been recognised and appreciated by others,” he said.
Mpofu advised individuals who want to pursue a career in the arts to stay true to their passion and vision.
“I would say that it's essential to stay true to your passion and vision. The arts can be a challenging field, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Don't be afraid to take risks, experiment and push boundaries. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you, and always keep learning and growing,” Mpofu said.
“To anyone who wants to make a career out of the arts, I'd say go for it! It's not always easy, but it's worth it. Believe in yourself, your talent and your vision. And most importantly, never give up on your dreams.”
Mpofu has received various nominations for different awards for his outstanding work with Praca.
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In 2023, he was nominated in the Afrluencer Awards under the category of Excellence in Community Service and was also nominated for best creative hub in the Ignite Youth Awards. The Promised Land award celebrated outstanding contributions made by Bulawayo's youth in various fields, including arts and culture, humanitarian, faith, fraternity, business innovation, education and sport.
The arts and culture category specifically sought to spotlight young individuals who have leveraged on arts and culture to drive social change, improving the quality of life for Bulawayo residents. The award was given based on impact, premised on scale and magnitude.