Zimbabwe’s creative economy will take centre stage this June as two of its most dynamic cultural ambassadors, Kim Jayde and Usher Takudzwa Nyambi, are set to represent the nation at the inaugural MIC Conference in Johannesburg. Scheduled for 25 June 2025 at the stylish Radisson RED in Rosebank, the event marks a bold new chapter for the continent’s marketing, influence, and cultural sectors.
The MIC Conference, short for Marketing, Influence and Culture, is the brainchild of South African media entrepreneur Deshnie Govender. Built under the umbrella of her acclaimed podcast and digital platform, Hype and Happening, MIC is positioning itself not as a conventional industry gathering but as a vibrant forum for authentic, future-facing dialogue among Africa’s brand builders, creatives and marketing professionals.
At its core, MIC is guided by a powerful ethos: access, authenticity, and transformation. In a landscape often shaped by exclusivity and insider circles, Govender’s vision is refreshingly different.
“This is not another gate kept gathering,” she said in a statement. “MIC levels the playing field with a premium yet accessible model built around the belief that when everyone gets the playbook, everyone can win.”
Representing Zimbabwe with distinction, Kim Jayde and Usher Nyambi bring with them not only deep experience across media and culture but also a commitment to redefining the narratives surrounding African talent and innovation.
Kim Jayde is no stranger to the spotlight. Born in Zimbabwe and based in South Africa, she has carved out a formidable career as a television presenter, producer, brand strategist, and media entrepreneur. A Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honouree, Kim is the founder of KJ Productions, the force behind fashion and culture-led shows such as Kickin’ It With Kim Jayde. Known affectionately as South Africa’s “Sneaker Queen,” she has worked with global giants including Adidas, Hennessy, Reebok, and the NBA, fusing style with storytelling in a way that resonates widely with African youth.
Her presence at MIC is set to inspire, particularly for young women navigating the intersection of creative expression and commercial leadership. Kim has consistently used her platform to champion female empowerment, social justice, and cultural pride, making her a compelling voice for the conference’s message of inclusive growth.
Usher Takudzwa Nyambi, meanwhile, offers a distinctly editorial and strategic lens to the MIC discourse. A contributing editor at Rolling Stone Africa, Usher has written extensively on African music, fashion, identity, and youth culture. His bylines have appeared in respected outlets such as BBC 1Xtra, OkayAfrica, GQ, Trace, and Hypebeast, where his storytelling elevates African voices and perspectives to global audiences.
He is also the founder of Samora Central, a Harare-based creative agency that offers content strategy, cultural consultation, and storytelling services to brands seeking deeper engagement with the African market. With a passion for education, youth development and the arts, Usher brings both a thoughtful and provocative voice to conversations about how Africa’s stories are told, by whom, and for what purpose.
Their participation in MIC highlights Zimbabwe’s growing role in Africa’s wider creative and cultural renaissance. With a generation of Zimbabwean talent increasingly working across borders, influencing trends, and shaping industry standards, the presence of Kim and Usher is a timely reminder that Zimbabwe is not just watching from the sidelines but actively contributing to the continent’s creative leadership.
MIC itself promises to be a truly pan-African affair. The speaker lineup includes leading thinkers and doers from Spotify, Unilever, Nedbank, Dentsu, and other key industry players. Backed by creative sponsors such as Dentsu X and the Radisson Hotel Group, the conference is more than a networking event; it is a catalyst for professional growth, mentorship, and pan-African collaboration.
The Radisson RED in Rosebank, with its bold aesthetic and creative energy, offers an ideal setting for the gathering. The hotel has become known for its engagement with the artistic community, hosting events that fuse business with culture in a relaxed but stimulating environment.
With over 70 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 30, the creative economy is poised to become one of the continent’s most powerful engines for employment, innovation, and identity formation. MIC aims to support that transformation by giving young professionals the tools, connections, and confidence to lead.
From campaign storytelling to brand development, from digital culture to real-world impact, the conference seeks to address how African creators and marketers can show up more powerfully both at home and on the global stage.
The presence of Zimbabwean visionaries such as Kim Jayde and Usher Takudzwa Nyambi not only affirms Zimbabwe’s place in these conversations but enriches them with local insight, global awareness, and a deep understanding of how culture drives connection.
As the MIC Conference prepares to make its live debut, all eyes will be on Rosebank to witness what could be the beginning of a transformative new movement in African creativity and influence.
