Online ReporterBorn and raised in Bulawayo, Benhilda Ngwenya, better known as “Punky,” has travelled the world through dance, establishing herself as a prominent ambassador of Zimbabwean arts and culture.
With over two decades in the industry, she has performed with circus show Mother Africa, and arts groups – Iyasa and Siyaya arts in countries such as Switzerland, Austria, UK and Italy, showcasing the richness of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage. Based in the United Kingdom, Benhilda’s artistic journey spans dance, music and theatre.
In this week’s spotlight, we delve into the life and work of this multi-talented artiste.
Q. Can you tell us about yourself and what influenced your love for art?
A. I am the firstborn in a family of three children, though we lost my younger brother last July. I learnt at Nkulumane Primary School and Mpopoma High School. It was at Mpopoma High that I met Nkululeko Innocent Dube, my Ndebele teacher and class teacher for Forms Three and Four, who was to become a key figure in my artistic development. It was also at Mpopoma High that I discovered the Mpopoma High School Drama Club, which laid the foundation for my interest in the arts.
Q. What do you think might have been your source of inspiration?A. My grandfather, a traditional herbalist, was a big influence. He used to host Imigido at home in Mpopoma, where I would wear traditional regalia and dance alongside him. This is where my passion for music and dance was born. While waiting for my Form Four results, I saw a performance by Hloseni Arts at the Vulindlela Youth Centre near my home. I asked to join, but my aunt disapproved of the arts, thinking they were unsuitable. Despite this, I snuck out to practice in our garage. Eventually, I joined a group that formed after a split in the Mpopoma High School drama club and over time, I learnt to overcome stage shyness while training in various forms of dance and vocal techniques.
Q. Can you share how you became a member of Iyasa, your experience training with Iyasa and how Nkululeko Dube’s guidance impacted your development as a performer?
A. In February 2002, I joined Iyasa, as many of my high school peers had already joined and Nkululeko Dube was leading the group. Iyasa was intense, providing both training and exposure, marking the beginning of my professional arts career. During my time there (2002-2006), Dube helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses, shaping me into a well-rounded artiste. I also travelled all over Zimbabwe as a dancer and vocalist while learning arts management, working as Dube’s secretary.
In 2002, Dube introduced me to Lwazi Tshabangu (jazz musician), who was looking for backing vocalists for his album Kumnyama. This led to my first professional experience working in Harare. In late 2006, I moved to South Africa but returned home in 2007. That’s when Dube introduced me to Winston Ruddle of Mother Africa Circus de Sinne. I auditioned as a musician and secured a role. I began touring internationally with Mother Africa, performing in Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria from December 2007 to April 2008. After the tour, I returned home briefly before resuming work with Iyasa.
Q. How did you move from Iyasa to Siyaya?
A. In late 2008, there was a planned tour to Spain with Mother Africa, but due to visa issues, it was cancelled. In January 2009, Dube introduced me and other Iyasa members to Siyaya Arts, where we auditioned for Zambezi Express. I secured a role and toured the UK and Europe with Siyaya from June to October 2009. In December 2009, I resigned from Iyasa and joined Siyaya full-time, focusing more on theatre and continuing my international tours.
Q. Which other projects have you worked on?
A. In 2013, I settled in the UK and have worked on numerous projects since. Some highlights include being a backing vocalist for, A Celebration of Paul Simon’s Graceland Live UK Tour (2019), recording a jingle for a Lionel Richie song with Lebo M under Sactuk and playing “Nomsa” in the Mandela Workshop at The Young Vic Theatre in 2021. I also worked on the 2024, Reuniting with Lebo M project, and recorded soundtrack music for Mufasa: The Lion King, in 2024. Through these experiences, I had the opportunity to work with renowned figures like Barry Jenkins and Lin-Manuel Miranda. I am also a member of AfroShikisha, an all-female arts group based in England and collaborate with artistes like Busi Mhlanga. Currently, I work full-time in the health sector in the UK.
Q. What would you consider to be your best moment in the industry?
A. One of my best moments was meeting Gerry Cottle (British circus owner) and being on an episode of the Paul O’Grady Show with Zambezi Express in 2009. Between 2009 and 2013, I had the privilede of performing at Womad in Malta and Spain, and I travelled extensively across the UK, making multiple appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Glastonbury Festival.
Q. What challenges have you encountered in the industry?
A. One major challenge is the stereotyping and gender imbalance in the arts. Women are often included in casts as mere “tokens” or “flowers” to create the illusion of balance in a male-dominated industry, which undermines their contributions. Another challenge is balancing work and family life. The arts industry often requires extensive travel and long rehearsal hours, making it difficult to maintain a stable home life.
Q. Can you share your overall view of the art scene in Zimbabwe and outside of Zimbabwe?
A. In Zimbabwe, the arts industry was often seen as a hobby rather than a serious profession, especially for women. Female artists were frequently treated as interchangeable, with limited creative input. However, outside Zimbabwe, there is more empowerment for women in the industry. We have greater control over our treatment and more opportunities to create our own spaces. These environments enable us to challenge misrepresentation and redefine the role of women in the arts.
