Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
MORE than 120 creatives from across the Matabeleland region have come together to produce a 30-minute cultural showcase set to headline the national Culture Month celebrations at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo tomorrow.
The event, which is expected to be officiated by President Mnangagwa, will celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and diversity under the theme, “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030”.
The large-scale production brings together some of Matabeleland’s most respected creatives alongside emerging talents in a collaborative performance that fuses dance, theatre, music and storytelling.
The creative team is led by producer and director Saimon “Mambazo” Phiri, choreographer Mehluli “Gomez” Dube and assistant choreographer Richard Ndlovu, while Umkhathi Theatre Works’ Joseph Ngubo serves as stage manager.
Dube said the production reflects the strength of collaboration between seasoned performers and rising artistes drawn from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
“It’s a privilege to work with a diverse team of creatives from across Matabeleland. Young artistes are being mentored by experienced leaders in the dance and performing arts sector who possess the expertise required to deliver an event of this magnitude.
“This team features some of Bulawayo’s finest talents, including Umkhathi Theatre Works, Thandy Dhlana, Ramsey K, Sam Siwela, Gog’Bekezela and Mthabisi Moyo, among others. We deliberately selected creatives who understand the importance of teamwork, discipline and excellence because this production carries the pride and identity of Bulawayo,” said Dube.
Veteran arts practitioner Phiri said the production seeks to reinforce Bulawayo’s long-standing reputation as Zimbabwe’s cultural capital.
“Bulawayo has always been regarded as the country’s cultural hub, and local artistes understand the responsibility of preserving that legacy for future generations. This celebration is also significant for the city as President Mnangagwa returns to Bulawayo to officiate at a major cultural event. His presence reflects the importance of arts and culture in national development and the continued recognition of Bulawayo’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape,” said Phiri.
Ngubo said preparations for the showcase were progressing smoothly, with rehearsals already yielding encouraging results.
“We’ve been working intensively with more than 120 artistes, mainly from the Matabeleland region, bringing together dancers, musicians, traditional performers and creatives from different cultural backgrounds. The rehearsals have been productive and exciting because everyone understands the significance of this national occasion. As a team, we’re focused on delivering a world-class production that truly celebrates Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity and identity,” said Ngubo.
He said audiences should expect a vibrant fusion of traditional dance, live percussion, music and theatrical storytelling.
“The production will highlight a variety of traditional dances, predominantly from Matabeleland, including Hosanna, Ingquzu, Amabhiza, Isitshikitsha and Umdadada, alongside other artistic expressions from across Zimbabwe. We’ll also present a modern and creative interpretation of how culture contributes to national unity, identity and the attainment of Vision 2030.”
