Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ON 11 March 2025, our sister paper, Chronicle, published an article titled “Mapitsi Dreams Big”, introducing readers to Sinobuhle Dube, affectionately known as Mapitsi, a passionate dancer from the Bolamba Culture Birds ensemble who shared how she aspired to showcase African dances on international stages.
Fast forward four months later and that dream has become a reality. On 14 July, Mapitsi took to the stage at the Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, representing Zimbabwe with pride and passion.
From thousands of dancers across Zimbabwe, she was one of only 12 performers selected to form the Zimbabwe Cultural Ensemble, a group tasked with presenting a 40-minute musical showcase highlighting Zimbabwe’s cultural riches to the world.
The ensemble included Willard Muchapondwa (Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble – Mashonaland East), Rudorwashe Sarari (Zvido Zveva – Mashonaland West), Kasandu Asando (Mbada Ensemble – Midlands), Blessed Chakokoma (Imvimbi Arts Ensemble – Matabeleland North), Fidelis Tshuma (Umkhathi Theatre – Bulawayo), Nyasha Dziruni (Iyasa – Bulawayo), Sarah Dhliwayo (Choreographer & Fashion Designer – Harare), Alexis Makaza (Green Stars – Harare), Sarabinos Chimukwende (Guruve Marimba Stars – Mashonaland Central), Stacey Dombodzvuku (Elysium Dance Ensemble – Harare) and Takuwadza Matete (Semvumba Arts Ensemble – Manicaland).
Born and raised in Kafusi village, Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province, Mapitsi is a versatile dancer skilled in a range of traditional African dances including Setapa, Tsutsube, Jerusalema Mbende, Isitshikitsha, Mbakumba, Muchongoyo and Mhande.
For her, the experience was not just about performing. She had the once-in-a-lifetime honour of dancing in the presence of President Mnangagwa among other dignitaries, who attended the event in Japan.
For a girl accustomed to travelling between Gwanda and Bulawayo in a Green Horse bus, the 22-hour journey to Osaka was daunting, but worth every second.
“It was my first time on a plane. I keep waking up and touching my face, thinking I’m dreaming. Then I look at my phone wallpaper, a photo of me performing on stage in Japan and I know it’s real,” she said.
Despite her rural background and lack of formal accolades, Mapitsi’s selection surprised even her.
“I still wonder how I made it into such a prestigious group. It feels surreal. I can proudly call myself a celebrity now,” she said with a chuckle.
For Mapitsi, Japan was a revelation.
“On stage, everything was perfect. We gave it our all and seeing our videos trend on social media confirmed we had done something special. Offstage, I was fascinated by how orderly the Japanese people are, even the way they cross the road is in a straight line!”
Looking ahead, she is determined to build on this success.
“I’m home now, reflecting on everything, but I know this is just the beginning. I want to stay consistent and work harder, both locally and abroad.”
Her mentor, Mthabisi Dube, director of Bolamba Culture Birds, expressed immense pride in her achievement.
“My sister, my child, my dancer that I trained, groomed and mentored is now shining on the world stage. Mapitsi has mastered her craft and this is only the beginning,” he said.
Dube, who represented Matabeleland South and Zimbabwe at Expo Milano in Italy (2015), said her success feels like a continuation of a legacy.
“She is following in my footsteps. Being on an international stage isn’t for everyone, it’s in the DNA. It’s a Dube thing. #Focus #Bolamba #HigherWeFly,” Dube posted on Facebook.
Mapitsi’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and cultural pride, a reminder that even from the most remote corners of Zimbabwe, dreams can take flight and touch the world. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire.
