ADAD Interview

Hotfoot Editor Jeannette Brooks meets the new ADAD Programme Development Manager Pamela Zigomo

Pamela Zigomo is a young woman with a mission, a serious and focused mind and a crucial role in the future vision of ADAD. She joined the organisation after the departure of 'Funmi Adewole in September 2004 and has been full - time in the post since March of this year.

• So Pamela, can you introduce yourself to the ADAD membership.

Well I'm a born and bred Zimbabwean - and proud of it. I'm a real townie; I lived in Harare where I also went to school.

After my studies I started working as an accountant - trying to do the right thing for all the wrong reasons. I worked for Coopers & Lybrand and then Ernst & Young. But I ended up living for the weekends and evenings. I started a second existence.

Slowly I became more and more involved in the performing arts. I was part of a young people's choir which had a dance group attached to it, and a drama group with kids from my church. At that time in Zimbabwe, community arts were very active. There was a raft of high profile artists such as Stephen Chifunyise to work with, who mentored us and shared their skills and experience. I started writing, plays for the most part.

A major turning point for me was being exposed to Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA). I wasn't a part of the festival, nevertheless I saw so many people, different ages, different cultures and countries all involved in some way with the arts. We could talk together; there was a connection even when the spoken language was not the same. Everyone was so motivated. I was so excited and moved by the experience that I decided life was too short to not follow your heart. I knew accounting was not for me and a different path lay ahead. And it felt natural assisting others and I spent less time on the stage and more time getting others to perform or engage in the arts.

All through this discourse you can sense Pamela's passion for what she now does as her career.

• What eventually brought you to the UK?

My second degree. I studied at Leeds Metropolitan University for an MSc in Events Management. I had a choice between here and Australia and because I had family here already, England seemed the more logical place to come.

• And how are you finding the UK and working at ADAD?

It's more relaxed at home. People are happier and friendlier. Its sink or swim here, so I get on with things.

For me now at ADAD, the transition is complete, the career has changed to arts management and I have a well balanced life. I have stability, emotionally and spiritually. This is what I do - this feels right and I enjoy it.

I will eventually go back home and work with my people in the arts. There is still plenty in Zimbabwe to do.

• What three things would you most like to see happen for ADAD while you are the manager?

First of all I want the organisation to have a solid and secure foundation in place. That would be a genuine legacy larger than me.

Practically speaking, I want there to be a stronger web presence for ADAD that serves as a point of reference, and is lively and flexible, just like the dance forms.

I want to strengthen the networks and infrastructure between the different genres and techniques. There must be a firm base for training and education work. ADAD should have a high profile too amongst the other more established dance organisations and amongst all dance artists.

Thank you.

I would just like to add, I am here and I am able and willing to meet and talk with any of the members at any time.