Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
THE cultural heartbeat of Gwanda district is set to come alive this August as a new community initiative seeks to revive traditions, reconnect generations and celebrate identity. The Inqama Arts Festival, a grassroots event driven by the people of Enqameni, promises not only entertainment but also a renewed sense of pride in local culture.
Scheduled for August 28–29, the two-day festival will bring together communities from Wards 6, 7 and 8 under the patronage of Chief Mathema. It marks the first time such a focused effort has been made to showcase and preserve the area’s rich heritage on a shared platform.
Organised under the theme “Reclaiming Our Roots – Shaping Our Future,” the festival is designed to remind people of who they are and where they come from, while also giving young people space to imagine where they want to go.
At its heart is a simple but powerful idea: culture is not just something to remember, but something to live.
For organiser and Thobela Arts Foundation director Oscar Siziba, the festival is about much more than music or performance. It is an intentional effort to reconnect people with values and practices that have long defined their way of life.
“It is a deliberate act of cultural restoration aimed at reviving music, dance, language, traditional dress, indigenous cuisine and the guiding principles of Ubuntu Bethu / Hunhu Wedu among younger generations. This is our time to stand proud as Nqamenians, Zimbabweans and Africans. We are bringing back our identity, strengthening our culture and showing the world who we are,” said Siziba.
His words reflect a concern felt by many communities across the country — that modern life, urbanisation and global influences are slowly eroding traditional knowledge and customs. The Inqama Arts Festival is, therefore, an attempt to protect that heritage before it fades.
The first day of the festival will centre on what organisers are calling “Living Heritage on Display.” This will focus on the visible and practical aspects of Enqameni culture — the things people can see, touch, taste and learn from directly.
Siziba said that the day will highlight the community’s cultural wealth through hands-on experiences and demonstrations. Visitors can expect a wide range of activities designed to reflect everyday life, both past and present.
Siziba added that they will focus on tangible expressions of Enqameni’s cultural wealth.
The programme will include culinary stalls offering traditional dishes from Nqameni, giving both young people and visitors the chance to taste food that has been part of the community for generations. There will also be exhibitions of local craftsmanship, including beadwork, pottery, sculptures and moulded artefacts — each telling its own story about the people who created it.
Fashion will also form an important part of the day, with displays of traditional attire and ceremonial dress. These garments are not just clothing, but symbols of identity, status and cultural meaning, often passed down over time.
Workshops led by elders and skilled artisans will provide a deeper level of engagement. Here, younger participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from those who have spent years mastering these traditions. Whether it is crafting, storytelling or understanding customs, these sessions are expected to play a key role in bridging the gap between generations.
“The interactive format is intended to facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer, with elders guiding youth in skills and customs that have sustained the community for decades,” said Siziba.
Traditional dance performances will also feature prominently, with groups representing the diversity of the wards. These performances are expected to bring energy and colour to the event, while also serving as a reminder that dance has always been an important form of expression and storytelling in African societies.
While the first day will focus on heritage in its physical and practical form, the second day will shift attention to something equally powerful — music and memory.
Siziba said the closing day is all about appreciating local music, reminiscing memories and what they mean for the future.
“On that day, we will shift focus to music and memory and also feature performances by musicians from across Nqameni and beyond, alongside a dedicated session reflecting on the history and significance of the Inqama community,” said Siziba.
Music, in this context, is not just about entertainment. It is a way of remembering, healing and connecting. Songs often carry stories of struggle, joy, love and resilience, making them an important part of the community’s identity.
The reflective session planned for the second day is expected to be a moment of looking back while also thinking ahead. By revisiting the history of the Inqama community, organisers hope people will better understand their roots and feel inspired to preserve them.
The name of the festival itself carries deep meaning. According to Siziba, it is drawn from Inqama, the Ndebele word for a ram — an animal known for its strength, resilience and fighting spirit.
“The festival’s name draws from Inqama, the Ndebele word for ram, an animal revered in Ndebele military tradition for its resilience, stubbornness, and fighting spirit when provoked. This reflects the vision for the festival which is to channel that strength into the arts and declare that our creativity and culture are strong, unbreakable and worth defending.”
This symbolism captures the spirit behind the event. Just as the ram stands its ground, the people of Enqameni are being encouraged to stand firm in their identity and heritage. It is about refusing to let culture be lost and instead turning it into a source of strength.
Beyond the performances and exhibitions, the Inqama Arts Festival is also expected to strengthen community ties. By bringing people together in one space, it creates an opportunity for shared experiences, dialogue and a renewed sense of belonging.
For young people in particular, the festival could be life-changing. Many have grown up in a world where traditional knowledge is not always prioritised, and where cultural practices can sometimes feel distant. By making heritage accessible and engaging, the festival offers them a chance to rediscover their roots in a way that feels relevant and empowering.
At the same time, for elders, it is an opportunity to pass on knowledge that might otherwise be lost. Their role in guiding workshops and storytelling sessions highlights their importance as custodians of culture.
In many ways, the success of the festival will not only be measured by attendance numbers, but by its long-term impact — whether it inspires more cultural initiatives, strengthens identity and encourages pride in heritage.
