Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Fashion designer Zana Kay, born Nomakhosazana Ncube and founder of A Tribe Called Zimbabwe, has voiced her concerns regarding the National Dress segment of the recently held Miss Universe Zimbabwe pageant.
In an emotionally-charged social media post, she emphasised the need for a more strategic approach to this critical aspect of the competition.
“Last night (Saturday) broke my heart. While other segments like swimwear and evening wear are well thought out, the national dress feels abandoned. It’s as if the contestants are left to fend for themselves,” she lamented.
She noted that the National Dress should be a wearable piece that tells a compelling story about cultural heritage, showcasing the queen-to-be’s connection to her roots.
Zana Kay criticised the superficial treatment of cultural attire.
“This year, I turned down some ladies who wanted to buy Tribe stuff for a pageant competition. This is why the
National Dress Costume must be a wearable piece that tells a compelling story about one’s culture and heritage. It’s a segment that should convincingly demonstrate that our queen-to-be is in touch with her roots, that she is passionate about a certain aspect of culture and heritage (because culture and heritage is so broad) and can convincingly sell or showcase that aspect of culture to other Zimbabweans and hopefully the rest of the world.
“Culture isn’t just something you buy or hire for an hour. One doesn’t walk into a shop and buy Retso fabric, some beads, some cowhide, throw it on, and call that cultural pride. We have become so used to consuming other cultures blindly without understanding the meaning that we think when you just buy Iro-buba and a gele headwrap from Nigeria or South African and Kenyan beads, that is culture.
“We think cultural pride is just buying something off the shelf and wearing it, without understanding what it means and why it means that.”
She urged that cultural pride should not be reduced to simply purchasing garments without comprehension.
“A queen’s dress must tell a story; she is a unifier and celebrator of culture,” she added.
With Africa Day on the horizon, Zana Kay warned that many will wear outfits without understanding their significance, calling for deeper engagement with cultural narratives.
“This is going to be the attitude of a lot of people this Africa Day. People are busy running around buying something/anything that their kids or they can wear on Africa Day, and I promise, very few can write a 50-word description of what they will wear, what it means, how it connects to their heritage and culture, and why now?”
Concluding her message, Zana Kay stressed the importance of a strategic overhaul for the National Dress segment.
“This isn’t a joke anymore. We need to honour our culture through thoughtful design that reflects who we are and where we come from.”
Zana Kay’s footprint was felt on the pageant’s adjudicating panel with award-winning fashion vlogger/blogger, Paloma “Lolo” Mlunjwana donning her signature cowhide drip. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
