Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
THE performing arts fraternity in Bulawayo is mourning the death of Hebson Chigodora “Chigiza” Ncube, a gifted dancer, choreographer and performer whose passion for the arts left an enduring mark on colleagues, fellow artistes and audiences.
The former Umkhathi Theatre Works member died on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The circumstances surrounding his death had not been disclosed by the time of publication.
As news of his passing spread, colleagues, friends and fellow artistes reflected on a life devoted to dance and theatre, remembering a humble, vibrant and dedicated performer who grew from a young recruit into one of the group’s dependable creative forces.
Umkhathi Theatre Works confirmed his death, describing him as an important part of the organisation’s history and artistic journey.
Chigiza joined the organisation’s feeder group, Cloud ‘00, at the turn of the millennium before progressing to the senior team, where he established himself as a gifted performer and choreographer.
Umkhathi director Matesu Dube, who witnessed his growth from his early days, said Chigiza showed exceptional promise when he joined the organisation in 2000 under the leadership of John Phiri, who was responsible for training young performers.
Dube said the young artiste quickly distinguished himself through his ability to grasp dance formations, choreography and musical concepts.
“He was a vibrant young man full of passion. Chigiza made it into the main group alongside Bruce Ncube and Fidelis Ray Tshuma, among others, because he could quickly catch choreography formations and other concepts. He would listen attentively and then deliver accordingly,” he said.
For Dube, however, Chigiza’s story went beyond his talent as a dancer, reflecting the journey of a young performer who matured into a leader trusted to guide others.
“It was a fantastic journey with a youngster I groomed. He grew to become a leader during rehearsals and did much of our choreography until he left Umkhathi in 2023.
“He also took leading roles in productions we performed at festivals in countries including China, Botswana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, India and Taiwan,” said Dube.
Umkhathi manager Joseph Ngubo also remembered Chigiza as a humble and sociable young man whose progression from the junior ranks to the senior team reflected his talent and dedication.
Ngubo said that beyond the dance floor, Chigiza was an accomplished footballer who played for Brotherhood, a social football club based in Njube.
“He was a humble soul. Apart from working with us at Umkhathi, he represented Zimbabwe in China, with Heather Dube representing Bulawayo Province.
“He was part of the play Warrior by Christopher Mlalazi and Ihloka, written by Thabani Hillary Moyo. Through his contribution, he helped ensure that Umkhathi won many dance production awards. He was humble, sociable and always smiling. He was also a very good footballer who traded his boots for the arts,” said Ngubo.
For former Umkhathi member Mehluli “Gomez” Dube, the loss is deeply personal, having regarded Chigiza as more than a colleague.
He recalled how Chigiza recognised his potential during his early performing days at Rays of Hope, when the late artiste was still a member of Cloud ‘00.
Chigiza encouraged him to join Umkhathi, a decision that would shape his own artistic journey.
“Chigiza liked me as a performer from the early stages of my career during my days at Rays of Hope, while he was still at Cloud ‘00 with the likes of Bruce Ncube and Fidelis Ray Tshuma.
“He encouraged me to join Umkhathi during that time and, as you all know, the rest is history. There are so many good things I can remember about Chigiza because we were very close.
“He was one of the most dedicated and passionate dancers I have ever come across. His love for dance and the arts was unmatched. That guy was something else. May his soul rest in peace,” said Gomez.
Chigiza’s contribution to the arts did not end with his departure from Umkhathi in 2023. He continued sharing his knowledge and experience with other performers, particularly through his association with Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (IYASA).
The group’s director, Nkululeko Innocent Dube, said Chigiza regularly visited to assist with choreography, sharing his creative skills and experience while helping younger performers develop their craft.
Dube said his willingness to continue contributing to the arts community demonstrated his generosity and commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
“Following his departure from Umkhathi in 2023, Chigiza continued to share his talent with us at IYASA. He would often pop by to assist with choreography, offering his knowledge, experience and creative skills to our work.
“We will remember him not only for his contribution to the performing arts but also for his generosity, passion and the time he continued to give to the next generation of artistes.
“Chigiza’s contribution will live on through the art and the people he inspired. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire Umkhathi Theatre Works family. Rest easy, Malume wama 2K,” said Dube.
Chigiza is survived by his two children.
Mourners are gathered at 30186/8 Entumbane, near Entumbane Hall, as the arts community comes to terms with the loss.
