Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S creative landscape is steadily expanding beyond traditional artistic disciplines, with anime, manga and cosplay rapidly building a dedicated following among young people eager to engage with global pop culture while nurturing local creative talent.
Once regarded as a niche interest, Japanese-inspired animation and comics are now drawing growing audiences across the country, inspiring artists, digital illustrators, animators and performers to build communities centred on imagination, storytelling and artistic expression.
The emergence of internationally recognised Zimbabwean creatives has further demonstrated that local talent can compete on the global stage. Among those leading the movement is award-winning artist and writer Bill Masuku, whose work has earned acclaim well beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Masuku has established himself as one of Zimbabwe’s foremost creative exports, working across comic books, animation and gaming. His portfolio includes work on Disney Hyperion’s Runeless as well as acclaimed self-published titles such as Captain South Africa and Tokoloshe Hunters, helping position Zimbabwe as an emerging contributor to the international comics industry.
His success has inspired a new generation of illustrators and storytellers to pursue careers that fuse African narratives with contemporary visual storytelling.
The country’s growing appetite for anime and manga has also found an energetic champion in animator, digital artist and webcomic creator Lizzie Cherish Waldman, popularly known online as CherHyuga. Through anime-centred initiatives, workshops and community-building activities, CherHyuga has been instrumental in creating spaces where enthusiasts can celebrate their shared passion while showcasing their artistic talents.
Her latest initiative, The Big Three Tournament, represents one of Zimbabwe’s most ambitious anime-focused gatherings to date. Set for August 7 and 8 at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music, the inaugural two-day festival promises to transform the venue into a vibrant celebration of Japanese popular culture.
The event will feature anime karaoke, cosplay competitions, live scene recreations inspired by iconic anime moments, as well as exhibition spaces for artists, vendors and community organisations.
Speaking about the tournament, CherHyuga said the concept evolved from the success of previous Anime Day celebrations.
“Anime Day has celebrated anime through community, creativity and shared passion. Now, we’re expanding that experience with The Big Three Tournament, our first-ever two-day anime competition festival in Bulawayo,” she said.
The inaugural edition pays tribute to what anime fans affectionately refer to as “The Big Three” – Naruto, One Piece and Bleach – three influential series that dominated the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine and played a pivotal role in popularising shonen anime worldwide.
“Our first edition will be themed around the original Big Three anime: Naruto, One Piece and Bleach, celebrating the iconic Weekly Shonen Jump trio that inspired generations of fans and helped shape modern shonen culture,” CherHyuga said.
Beyond entertainment, organisers see the tournament as a platform for artistic development, networking and community building.
“The tournament creates a stage for anime fans to perform, compete, create and share what they love, while also bringing together anime merchandise, artists, exhibitors, community stalls, activities and more across the two days,” she added.
Participants will compete for prize money, while champions will have their names engraved on official Big Three Tournament trophies, establishing what organisers hope will become an annual tradition.
Beyond the competition, the festival is expected to inspire young Zimbabweans to explore careers in illustration, animation, costume design, digital art and game development – creative industries that continue to experience strong global growth.
