Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Bulawayo is preparing for an even grander Ubuntu Culture Night, promising a celebration of the city’s artistic diversity on December 20 at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music.
The inaugural event, held last year at the Bulawayo Theatre, showcased local talents from across Matabeleland, highlighting music, fashion, dance, and poetry. This year, organisers aim to build on that foundation with a larger scale and an even more diverse line-up.
Patriarch Joel Welcome Manyabi, widely known as Bhila and the driving force behind the event, said preparations are well underway.
“We are about 50% ready. We’re still calling for partners to come on board as we aim to make this the biggest cultural night Bulawayo has ever seen. We’ve brought amazing acts such as Nobuntu and the controversial and talented Black Diva to keep the audience engaged,” said Bhila.
The confirmed line-up underscores this ambition, featuring internationally acclaimed a cappella group Nobuntu, dynamic performer Leslie “Black Diva” Muleya, cultural custodian Gog’ Bekezela, Maluka, Bhila, energetic Mahlaba, and the traditional ensemble Ihawu lesizwe.
The 2025 event builds on the success of last year’s debut, which brought together some of Bulawayo’s finest talents, including Vuyo Brown, Thandy Dhlana-Jele, dance companies Khaya Arts and Ihawu Lesizwe, wordsmiths Thaluso Da Poet, Dr Gasolo, Matojeni Melo-Maniacs, Bhila, acappella group Amaqaqa, and the captivating Dziba Lemvula. The programme was skillfully guided by spoken word specialists Sithokozile “Um’Africakazi” Dube and Obert “The African Poet” Dube.
With anticipation building, organisers are optimistic that the 2025 Ubuntu Culture Night will be a landmark event, showcasing the richness of Matabeleland’s arts and culture to a wider audience than ever before. – Follow on X: @MbuleloMpofu
