Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN the heart of Bulawayo’s creative scene, one name stands tall: Saimon “Mbazo” Mambazo Phiri. To many, he is more than an arts practitioner, he is a visionary, a connector and a relentless force shaping the city’s cultural DNA.
Now, as he marks his 50th birthday, his towering influence is being celebrated in true theatrical style through the ambitious project, “50 Dates at the Theatre.”
This cultural marathon, which runs from August 19 to November 1, is transforming the Bulawayo Theatre into a hive of creativity. Fifty live showcases brought together music, theatre, dance, poetry, and visual art, a living testament to Mbazo’s mantra: “This is not just a tour; it’s a celebration of life. It’s about gathering, witnessing, remembering and dreaming.”
Yet beyond the stage lights and applause lies a deeper story, the journey of a man who has been a game-changer for Bulawayo’s arts ecosystem. Those who know him best paint a vivid portrait of a perfectionist, a dreamer and above all, a leader whose impact continues to ripple across generations.
For many, the story begins in Nguboyenja, where a young Mbazo stood out for his leadership within NASA (a group that was a stepping stone for artistes such as Raisedon Baya, William Nyandoro, Ramsey Kasawaya and Aleck Zulu).
Veteran arts personality Styx Mhlanga recalls: “Although we grew up in the same neighbourhood (Nguboyenja), our houses were so close you could see his family gate from ours. I first really knew him during his NASA days under the late Mike Sobikwa. Even then, he was a leading light in administration.
“Later at Siyaya Arts, he became a superb producer, pulling talent and resources together. But his real magic? Marketing. Give Mbazo a good production and you were guaranteed a full house.
“He made art a business and helped countless artists during tough times.”
Matesu Dube, founder of Umkhathi Theatre Works, adds his memory: “I met Mambazo in the early 90s when I was with Young Warriors Theatre Company. He was with NASA and passionate about growing the arts. Back then, we’d travel as groups by train to Harare or Hwange for meetings and festivals. Our first big show was at the Ibumba Festival, which he directed.
“It’s been great working with him in the arts; our sector needs more people like him to reach greater heights. Happy 50th, Mbazo, keep reaching greater heights!”
Mbazo’s business savvy would later fuel ground-breaking collaborations. Jomo Mhone, founder of Providence Films and Sound, recalls their first big project.
“We met in the late 90s while he ran Siyaya and I worked with the late Cont Mhlanga. Our first partnership was the 1999 NetOne launch in Matobo. They came for technical services, but we ended up creating a full concept. I called in Mbazo and Ian Ndiweni and from that, we formed Events Africa, one of Zimbabwe’s biggest eventing companies.”
Their partnership produced iconic moments — Hillsong Africa Tour, 2010 World Cup Fan Parks, 100-year Barclays celebration, Highlanders Football Club promotions and Oliver Mtukudzi’s 60th Birthday at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre (2012).
“Mbazo curated that Tuku celebration, from the cake to the surprise dance act. That was his creativity at work. Over the years, Mbazo has always been aggressive, ambitious and unafraid to challenge frontiers. For him, accepting the status quo has never been enough. That’s how our relationship developed, I challenged him, he challenged me and as a result, we’ve collaborated on countless projects.”
Mhone shared how Mbazo’s resilience inspired him.
“Working with him has been an incredible experience. He has faced countless obstacles but always found a way to overcome them and for me, that’s the most remarkable thing about him. Even during my darkest moments, when I battled depression after losing my daughter, his attitude toward life and resilience in the face of challenges have inspired me deeply.”
Those who have worked under Mbazo’s leadership speak of his demanding standards and limitless imagination.
Said actor Memory Kumbota: “Recently, we worked closely on Nhimbe Trust’s musical Tellers. Before that, I always saw him as an exceptionally innovative and out-of-the-box creative. His energy is boundless and it shows in every project he takes on or creates.”
Young poet Sonkomose, part of “50 Dates,” echoes this: “If you’re in his project, come prepared. He expects confidence and commitment. But he also brings out your hidden creativity.”
Behind the scenes, colleagues describe Mbazo as a unifier, a mentor, and a friend who shows up when it matters most.
Poet Albert Nyathi, who fondly calls him “UMbaz’omnyama,” shared: “He’s humble, hardworking, and supportive. When my father passed, he and his wife came to comfort me. That meant everything. He’s creative, driven, and I’m glad he’s hit 50, because life begins at 40!”
Richard Ndlovu, an artiste, adds, “Mbazo respects art and has given so much to its development. Fifty must be celebrated forever for the great works he has done.”
For Cleopatra Dube, NACZ’s Bulawayo provincial arts manager, Mbazo is the definition of artistic excellence.
“He’s a luminary, producer, director, writer, and entrepreneur. His work has elevated Zimbabwean arts globally. From Siyaya Arts to Sabela Music, he has created platforms, set standards, and inspired countless young artistes. He breathes the arts.”
From the grassroots of NASA, to the international tours with Siyaya, to the mega-productions of Events Africa, Mbazo has played every role: administrator, marketer, visionary, mentor and friend.
“50 Dates at the Theatre” is more than a birthday celebration; it is a mirror reflecting the life of a man who turned dreams into institutions and ideas into impact.
Bulawayo’s creative soul beats stronger because of Mbazo. And as his colleagues remind us, his story is still being written.
Happy 50th, Mbazo. Here’s to the next chapter.
Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Bongani Ndlovu