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, Amakhosi Cultural Centre director Cont Mhlanga said yesterday.
Mhlanga said this ahead of a one-day cultural exchange dance workshop with an Indian dance group, Punjabi Academy, to be held at Amakhosi Cultural Centre on Tuesday. The Punjabi Academy dance group is in Zimbabwe for the first time attending the ongoing Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa).
They will extend their stay by performing in Bulawayo.
Mhlanga said groups that were performing at this year’s Hifa should spread their cultural experiences to places outside Harare.
“It is important that groups that come to Hifa reach other parts of the country. I would like to commend the Indian High Commission on their decision to bring the cultural group to the city,” said Mhlanga.
The Indian academy will work with Amakhosi Arts Academy students to present a performance alongside their Zimbabwean counterparts.
Mhlanga said it was sad to note that an Indian dance group had to come into the country to share their culture with locals when there were Indians living in the country.
“It is sad that we have to get exposure to Indian culture from outside the country while we have Indians here.
“They shut themselves out because they are reluctant to share their experiences with fellow citizens,” said Mhlanga.
He said it was important for Zimbabweans from the different ethnic backgrounds to share cultural experiences.
“When you have a diverse culture, business comes to that particular place because people want to have a wide variety,” said Mhlanga.
He urged dance groups in the city to come for the workshop and learn so as to diversify their acts.
Punjabi Academy is in the country courtesy of the Indian High Commission Cultural Affairs Department but their cultural exchange visit to Amakhosi Cultural Centre is fully funded by Amakhosi.
The workshop session will start at 9am and end at 1pm. In the evening a performance will be held at the Cultural Centre’s Ndema Ngwenya Gardens. The show is free.
Online Reporter