Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens is reaffirming its place as the cultural heartbeat of Zimbabwe. This comes after Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo, Judith Ncube, declared that the province remains steadfast in its mission to uphold its reputation as the nation’s cultural capital. She made the remarks during the vibrant Bulawayo Culture Month celebrations held at Lobengula Hall earlier in the week.
In her keynote address, Minister Ncube said hosting the celebrations in the townships reflected the city’s commitment to making culture accessible to all.
“This event, held here in Lobengula, is a testament to the enduring spirit of our nation and the unity that binds us as Zimbabweans. Bulawayo Province holds a special place in Zimbabwean culture due to its rich historical, archaeological, and cultural heritage,” she said.
“Culture is the soul of a nation. It is the foundation upon which our identity, values, and traditions are built. As we celebrate this month, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and promoting our diverse cultural heritage.”
Minister Ncube proudly acknowledged Zimbabwe’s 16 officially recognised languages and the ethnic richness found across regions, from the Shona, Ndebele, and Tonga, to the Kalanga, Venda, Nambya, Shangani, Sotho, Chewa, and more.
“This diversity is our strength. Each group brings something special to the table, unique dances, dialects, rituals, and stories that make Zimbabwe culturally rich and resilient.”
The celebrations were a colourful showcase of cultural pride and artistic excellence, beginning with an ixhiba (initiation) session for girls and boys, followed by a guided exhibition tour led by Minister Ncube.
In true Bulawayo fashion, performances brought the stage to life. Reigning Jikinya competition champions Rangemore Primary School kicked off the show with an electrifying performance that reaffirmed their growing reputation. Their youthful energy set the tone for the day.
Stepping into the spotlight with the rich harmonies of traditional imbube, Ihawu Lesizwe wowed the audience before paving the way for crowd favourites, Khaya Arts. The group lived up to their title of Outstanding Dance Group, with their director Future Dube, who was also recently crowned Outstanding Choreographer, receiving roaring applause.
Veteran performers Umkhathi Theatre Works proved once again why they are cultural icons, delivering a show-stealing act that blended precision, storytelling, and theatrical mastery. Their performance reflected a deep understanding of stagecraft honed through years of international exposure.
New-generation talent also made its mark. St Bernards High School brought a youthful, high-energy Amapiano performance that had the crowd on its feet, while Mthwakazi KaNdaba, Woza Africa, and Bambanani Dance Ensemble impressed with their raw, passionate presentations.
To close the show, Hwabaraty presented a soulful, culturally rich interpretation of Jeremani, a production that captivated the audience and sealed the event’s success with a creative flourish.
