Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Bulawayo arts scene was brought to life in the third quarter of the year as celebrated cultural doyen Saimon Mambazo Phiri launched 50 Dates at the Theatre, a bold initiative that marked his 50th birthday while simultaneously igniting a much-needed cultural revival in the City of Kings.
Born on 5 July 1975, Mambazo opted against a conventional birthday celebration, instead choosing to turn the milestone into a city-wide artistic movement. The 50 Dates at the Theatre ran from 19 August to 1 November, transforming Bulawayo into a hive of creative activity with music, dance, poetry and theatre taking centre stage.
While a number of shows were successfully staged, some productions that had been scheduled as part of the programme could not take place due to unforeseen circumstances.
Sharing how the initiative came about, Mambazo said: “Growing up, I never had a birthday party in my name. It’s just not in my culture. But when I turned 50, my friends and family decided it was time to honour my life with a bash and the stage became the ultimate venue.
“50 Dates at the Theatre was not just about me. Bulawayo has amazing creatives, and the festival was their stage too. I’m glad that this initiative brought people together to celebrate my life and the arts, at the same time creating lasting moments.”
The concept was carefully designed to cut across artistic disciplines, with dance, music, poetry and theatre all finding a home within the programme. One of the standout components was the Live in Bulawayo segment, a solid two-week run of performances that drew large crowds and reaffirmed the city’s hunger for live cultural experiences.
During this period, audiences were treated to powerful performances by Sunduza Dance Theatre as the legendary group marked its 40th anniversary. They shared the stage with Afro-pop musician Butholezwe and rising singer Macala. Bryce DJ Klasiq handled the musical curation, while Umuntu Omkhulu brought his trademark flair as the host of the shows.
A wide range of creatives also took part in the Live in Bulawayo events, including Bhila, uGagisa, Victory Siyanqoba, Lemoniq, Luchi Shiki, Sonkomose, Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble, The Apostle: Dumi Mhlanga, Rainbow Blaze Marimba, Kaykid Umfanomsotho, and Kwaito Boys Guluva 7 and Mawiza, among others.
Following the energetic music and dance showcases, the focus shifted to theatre nights, which further solidified the impact of 50 Dates at the Theatre. Central to this phase was the staging of Zwelethu, a theatre production originally written in 1996 by Mike Sabiko and re-imagined for contemporary audiences by Sabela Music Projects.
The production marked a significant moment in local theatre history, as it saw the late arts icon Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo return to the stage after a 15-year sabbatical. In Zwelethu, Moyoxide portrayed Prince Jahana, the son of King Sahoho, a role played by his long-time friend and collaborator Madlela Sikhobokhobo.
Tragically, just a week after the production’s première, Bulawayo was plunged into mourning following the passing of Moyoxide in a tragic road accident. On 10 October the vehicle he was travelling in from Harare to Bulawayo collided with an elephant near Shangani, cutting short the life of one of the city’s most influential arts figures.
According to Madlela, the Zwelethu production became an emotionally significant experience, bringing him closer to Moyoxide and offering them a rare opportunity to share a meaningful farewell.
To date, more than 25 shows have been staged under the 50 Dates at the Theatre banner, with audiences continuing to express interest in seeing more of the productions. However, several highly anticipated plays including Khokhoba Township, Zwelethu, Griiii Eshe and Zambezi Express, were not staged, leaving theatre lovers eager for their return.
In an interview, Mambazo confirmed that 50 Dates at the Theatre will be extended into next year. He explained that the programme was significantly affected by the deaths of two towering figures in Bulawayo’s arts community,
Babongile Sikhonjwa and Desire Moyo, both of whom played pivotal roles in supporting and shaping the movement.
“We really had a great time at the 50 Dates at the Theatre as we revived theatre in Bulawayo. People really came in numbers to support us, and they created lasting moments with their loved ones.
“However, the death of our two beloved friends Sikhonjwa and Moyoxide really affected the entire arts scene in Bulawayo, and we had to pause the 50 Dates at the Theatre in their honour. These two were in the heart of all this, and we couldn’t move on after their loss.
“But, we’ll continue the concept next year up until my birthday. So people must brace for excitement and fun. All the classics will be re-imagined as we were already doing rehearsals based on them,” said Mambazo.
Bongani Ndlovu