Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble has strengthened its position as one of Bulawayo’s leading dance outfits after securing a nomination in the Outstanding Dance Ensemble category at the 2027 Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAAs), with one of its dancers, Brilliant Ntando Sithole, also earning recognition in the Outstanding Male Dancer category.
The nominations place the dance group among the contenders in a competitive dance field, highlighting the growing visibility of dance practitioners and ensembles in the city’s creative industry.
Ezimnyama will compete for the Outstanding Dance Ensemble award against KN Entertainment, Jabulani Arts, Simunye Simunye Arts and Bolamba Culture Birds.
The group’s representation extends to the individual categories, where Sithole will be up against Jabulani Arts’ Sifiso Ndlovu, Hassan Munashe Muzorore and Elemento for the Outstanding Male Dancer accolade.
In the Outstanding Female Dancer category, the nominees are Lauratta Phiri of IYASA, Sinobuhle Dube, who represents Bolamba Culture Birds and Amabhubesi, freelancer Nelisiwe Mpofu and Paris Musa of Simunye Simunye.
The nominations reflect the diversity of dance talent emerging from Bulawayo, with established cultural ensembles and independent performers competing for recognition.
For Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble, the double representation is an important acknowledgement of its contribution to the city’s dance landscape, particularly its role in nurturing performers and promoting dance as an integral part of the creative arts sector.
The 2027 BAAs will once again provide a platform to celebrate outstanding achievements across Bulawayo’s arts and entertainment industries, recognising individuals and organisations whose work continues to shape the city’s cultural identity.
