Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AFTER enchanting audiences across France, Spain, and other international stages, the multi-award-winning Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble is preparing for its next big adventure — India.
This exciting revelation came from the group’s founding member and director, Phibion Ncube, following a memorable collaboration with India’s Sanskruti Dance Group during Lok Kala Sandhya, a folk dance evening organised by the Indian Embassy in partnership with the Bulawayo Hindu Society. The event, held in Bulawayo, showcased vibrant Gujarati folk dances performed by Sanskruti members, with sponsorship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
The evening drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries, including Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry Raj Modi, Principal Secretary Paul Nyoni, and Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, alongside around 300 members of the Indian community and Friends of India.
Reflecting on the experience, Ncube said, “We enjoyed representing Zimbabwean traditional dances while seeing them showcase their own. The collaboration, where they danced to our music and we danced to theirs, was magical. It’s important to share cultures, especially with the Indian community in Zimbabwe, who have long supported and promoted our heritage.”
He added, “We are now planning a tour to India next year. Our performance left them amazed, and we hope to bring Zimbabwean culture to a wider audience. We also encourage Bulawayo businesspeople to support cultural tourism, just as Deputy Minister Raj Modi has been doing.”
For nearly 20 years, Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble has proudly represented Zimbabwe on the global stage. Renowned for their mastery of African and contemporary dance, the group has become one of the country’s most well-travelled artistic ambassadors, leaving audiences mesmerised wherever they perform.— @MbuleloMpofu
