Advisory Board
Advisory board 2025
Yvonne C Mtengwa is an award-winning PR and Communications Strategist with 18+ years of experience in corporate and consumer PR, brand activations, and events. She is the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Travel Essence Magazine, a Dubai-based digital publication promoting African and UAE tourism, and leads Narratives PR LLC FZ, a consultancy specializing in PR strategy and brand storytelling. Recognized among the Global 100 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) (2020), she has won multiple awards, including PR & Communications Professional of the Year (2022). Her PR leadership spans Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Louvre Abu Dhabi. She serves on the boards of the Zimbabwe Business Council (Dubai Chamber of Commerce) and Zimbabwe Fashion Week.
Valerie Kabov is an educator, art historian, and entrepreneur dedicated to contemporary African art, decoloniality, and economic equity in the arts. She co-founded First Floor Gallery Harare, Zimbabwe’s leading contemporary art space, and helped establish the African Art Galleries Association (2016) and the Emerging Painting Invitational (2019), a pan-African painting prize. She serves on the advisory boards of the East African Museum of Art Nairobi (EAMAN) and the Multarity Project, contributing to global discourse on art and culture. Holding an MA in Art History & Theory from the University of Sydney and law and commerce degrees from the University of Melbourne, Valerie has been based in Harare since 2010, championing African art on the global stage.
Plot Mhako is a Zimbabwean creative director and social entrepreneur shaping the country’s creative landscape. He is the founder of Jibilika Dance Trust, EARGROUND MEDIA, and co-founder of initiatives like Amplifaya Creative Business Conference, Mafuwe International Festival of Dance, and Zim Hip Hop Summit. His projects empower creatives, foster industry growth, and connect Zimbabwean talent to global markets. Through Step Up 2 HIV, he uses hip-hop to educate and uplift youth, while the Jibilika Creative Academy in Chitungwiza equips at-risk youth with skills in music production, DJing, digital marketing, and more. As the driving force behind EARGROUND MEDIA, he amplifies emerging artists and strengthens Zimbabwe’s creative economy. A fellow of IVLP (2012), Mandela Washington Fellowship (2015), and ISPA (2016 & 2020), Plot continues to champion opportunities that help creatives monetize their craft, build sustainable careers, and reach international audiences.
Nico Abote is a seasoned media professional with over 20 years in TV and film, currently leading Abote Media Consultancy. A creative strategist, he has shaped media landscapes across Africa, the U.S., and Canada, producing high-quality content for TV networks, social media, and podcasts. He serves on the boards of Chengeto Africa and the Black Star International Film Festival, mentors with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and is a member of CSIF and IATSE Local 212 (Alberta). Previously, he led major projects at Zimpapers TV Network (ZTN) and co-founded Play Afrika TV and My Afrika Magazine, amplifying African creatives. Currently directing Dance Matchmaker, a reality TV series in pre-production for Canadian TV, Nico has also produced Daughters of Legends and worked on the acclaimed film Jasmine Road (2019). His work blends storytelling, innovation, and social impact, championing African narratives on the global stage.