Bolamba Culture Birds to showcase SeSotho, SeTswana cultures at Gala

GWANDA’S vibrant rhythms and living heritage are preparing to take centre stage as the music and dance ensemble Bolamba Culture Birds gear up for a prestigious double appearance at this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Matabeleland South. Rooted in the soil of a rural community yet carrying a sound bold enough for national platforms, the group is set to perform during both the main daytime commemorations and the evening Independence Gala, marking a moment of pride not only for the ensemble but for the communities they represent.
Bolamba Culture Birds will first step onto the stage under the afternoon sun, before returning later to headline the Independence Gala, scheduled to run from 6pm until late at the Minda High School grounds in Matobo District. The double billing places the group at the heart of the celebrations, allowing them to carry the spirit of Independence from daylight into nightfall through movement, song and shared memory.

This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme, “Zim@46: Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030,” a message that resonates deeply with the ensemble’s artistic mission. Their performances promise to mirror that theme, weaving together traditional expression and contemporary performance to tell a story of belonging, continuity and aspiration.

At the evening gala, Bolamba Culture Birds will share the stage with a star studded line up that reads like a who’s who of Zimbabwean musical excellence. The night’s programme includes performances by Godolude, Jeys Marabini, Clement Magwaza, Mavusani and The Chimurenga Vocalists, Black Diva, Dereck Mpofu, Andy Muridzo, LMG Choir, Mbare Chimurenga Choir, Zinjaziyamluma, Black Umfolosi, Ndolwane Super Sounds and Chief Hwenje, setting the tone for a rich and diverse musical showcase.

The rhythm continues with additional performances from Khonangale, Indosakusa The Morning Star, Iyasa, Ma9Nine, Bhadilah, Chase Skuza, Jah Master, Sasha, Ndux Malax Jnr, Sulumani Chimbetu, Ufasimba Home of Arts, DT Bio Mudimba and Dubai Masters, creating a night that promises to pulse with energy, memory and celebration. Guiding audiences through the festivities will be hosts Thulani Munyadi, Leonard Ncube, Nqobile Malinga and Phil Moyo, ensuring the evening flows as seamlessly as the music itself.

For Bolamba Culture Birds, the invitation holds deep meaning. In an interview, the group’s director, Mthabisi “Mtee” Dube, described the opportunity as a defining milestone for an ensemble that traces its origins to rural Gwanda.
“We have performed at previous Independence galas, and it is always an honour to be selected again. Such platforms represent national recognition, not just from Government but from the country as a whole,” he said.

With anticipation building, Mtee offered a glimpse of what audiences can expect from the group’s performances.
“Our fans should expect an elevated performance, with well choreographed dance routines and powerful thematic songs during the daytime celebrations. For the gala, we will deliver an electrifying live band performance,” he said, promising a transition from ceremonial elegance to night time fire.

Beyond the spectacle, Bolamba Culture Birds continue to position themselves as custodians of cultural memory. Mtee said the ensemble remains committed to celebrating and preserving SeTswana and SeSotho traditions through art that speaks to both heritage and the present moment.

“Through our performances, we showcase SeTswana and SeSotho cultures, and the response from communities has been overwhelming. This motivates us to keep going and to ensure that these cultural expressions are preserved for future generations in an engaging and educational way,” he said.

Even as they prepare for their Independence appearances, the group’s creative journey presses forward. Mtee revealed that Bolamba Culture Birds are currently immersed in new work, including collaborations and the production of a forthcoming album.

“We are currently working on our fourth album, which is set for release in September. Audiences can expect a strong and refined production,” he said.

As the drums prepare to sound and feet ready themselves to dance, Bolamba Culture Birds stand poised to transform Independence celebrations into a living, moving archive of culture and unity. From rural beginnings to national recognition, their presence at both the daytime commemorations and the evening gala is more than performance — it is a statement of identity carried proudly into the future.