Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Senior Lifestyle Writer
INKULULEKO Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa) indeed holds a special place in the international creative community.
It offers a variety of programmes that not only nurture artistic talent but also foster cultural expression and community engagement.
Formed in Bulawayo around 2001, this school of arts has propelled Zimbabwe to acclaim and its success story is written in bold and gold.
As they celebrate a quarter of a century in style, there is no denying them their stars.
Like any other milestone, Iyasa’s dominance began as a dream, evolved into a blueprint and finally transformed into a reputable institution churning out stars.
Iyasa, which means freedom for young people in the arts, has continued to uphold its principles.
With its stability, consistency and impact over the years, there is one person behind this success — Nkululeko Innocent Dube.
An easy-going creative, mentor and father-figure to the creative community, Dube, who turns 51 in October, remains a prominent figure on the local arts scene.
Through Iyasa, he has produced a galaxy of stars, including Sandra Ndebele, Tsungai Tsikirai, Asante Mo, Nkwali, MAMOZI, Prelude Sibindi, Futurelove Sibanda, Nqobile Malinga and DJ Prince Esikhosini, among many others.
In the international scene, he has travelled to the United States, the Czech Republic, Japan, South Africa, Mexico, Spain, Germany, France and several other countries.
Fresh from winning the Outstanding Arts Personality award at the 24th National Arts Merit Awards, he has certainly earned the admiration of his followers.
On this note, we celebrate Dube’s achievements alongside Iyasa’s 25 years of existence and honour.
IYASA in their retro dressing.
Their journey has not only enriched the arts in Zimbabwe but has also inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams.
Reflecting on his 25-year journey with Iyasa, the former Mpopoma High School English and Ndebele teacher told The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle that their silver jubilee celebration will go according to plan.
“This year is a bit special since we are celebrating 25 years in the game from the time we assembled the group,” he shared.
“The group was initially formed as a dance and theatre initiative at Mpopoma High School, where I taught for five years.
“We made an impact as a group and toured the United States in 2000, then decided to operate as an organisation responsible for nurturing young talent, giving birth to Iyasa. Our quest was to ensure that the talent we had did not go to waste, as we were committed to making an impression on the arts sector. Back then, there were other popular groups in Bulawayo, like Siyaya, but we managed to make a huge impression.”
Dube, who quickly made Iyasa a force to reckon with as they specialised in acting, poetry, music, singing and dance, shared how they instantly captured the hearts of many by honouring the late Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo with a play.
“In time, we produced the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo musical with the group that graduated from Mpopoma High School, becoming popular not only in Bulawayo but overseas. I can safely say our biggest breakthrough came when we did the ‘Banolila’ musical, which is still popular with fans.
“Around 2003, the video gained popularity on ZBC, and people would wait for Iyasa, especially during the national music galas that were popular then,” Dube stated.
Dube believes that authenticity and originality made the group popular nationwide and even beyond.
“By donning retro costumes, we wanted to capture ghetto life in the 1960s, and the concept worked well until today. The concept really resonated and won us a trip to the United States, where we performed in Seattle and later in Austria,” he recalled.
He also acknowledged veteran dub poet Albert Nyathi for his role in nurturing Iyasa.
“I was blessed to have the chance to work with the likes of Albert Nyathi, who served as a tutor and mentor to many of our alumni. We also collaborated with the late Bob Nyabinde on some projects, and the results came out well.
“You will also be surprised to hear that when Jonah Moyo tried to revive his career, he hired us for his DVD production that featured the hit song ‘Solo naMutsai,’ which remains powerful to this day.”
Dube recounted how they helped transform Sandra Ndebele from a dancer and actress into a singer. “Sandra was and still remains part of us from the time we helped produce her early hits like ‘Mama’ and ‘Malaika,’ which made her the household name she has become.
“In no time, some of our members, like Futurelove Sibanda, Ngwali and Silethemba, became household names as they toured Europe with their production ‘Mother Africa,’ which won the hearts of many.” The multiple award-winning creative genius noted that it was Iyasa that gave birth to several dance groups that emerged after the new millennium.
IYASA girls
“Although Iyasa is not a dance group but a school of arts, it inspired several groups that made a significant impact on the entertainment scene. Some of these groups included Amavhitikhazi, Mambokadzi, and many others.
“As a young man, I was inspired to do all this grooming thanks to Mbongeni Ngema, who happened to be my mentor while I was studying in South Africa. He was the one who shaped me into what I am today, and I am glad that I am imparting the same knowledge at home, where we are nurturing talent.
“In fact, we don’t have permanent members, but we want to continue grooming new talent with each passing year.”
With expectations high, he assured Iyasa lovers both locally and abroad that mega shows have been lined up both locally and internationally.
“Our plan is to have one big show here and one in Harare towards October. We have also lined up some shows for the United Kingdom and Germany as part of our Silver Jubilee celebrations. At the moment, we are only looking for corporate partners to come on board and make our anniversary worthwhile.”
He also acknowledged the City of Bulawayo for providing them with free arts space to conduct their business.
“We are operating from Entumbane Hall with the blessing of the Bulawayo City Council. This is a huge endorsement because we are ensuring that young people are not lying idle, and we don’t want them to indulge in drugs if they are doing nothing.
“I also run this project with my wife, Mercy Kayunga, which has made our bond even stronger. She has been part of the setup since 2009.”
Academically, the Mangwe-born Dube attended Senga Primary School in Gweru from 1982 to 1985 and Matshayisikova Primary School in Bulawayo from 1986 to 1988. Afterwards, he attended Mzingwane High School from 1989 to 1994.
After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Hillside Teachers College from 1996 to 1997 and proceeded to the University of Zimbabwe from 1997 to 2000.
He graduated with an Advanced Level Diploma in Education, a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication Studies, and subsequently a Media Studies degree.
Throughout his career, Dube has consistently demonstrated his expertise and mentorship abilities, benefiting Zimbabwean youth and artists. He has spearheaded the establishment of numerous arts groups and clubs within educational institutions, providing invaluable guidance to aspiring artists.
He has amassed several awards, while Iyasa’s trophy-laden cabinet shows that the group is in safe hands.
As we look to the future, may Dube and Iyasa’s legacy continue to shine brightly.
