Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Bulawayo Theatre has surely revived its presence and claimed its dominance in the local arts scene as it managed to scoop two accolades at the seventh edition of the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA), courtesy of its re-imagination of the classic musical Ipi Ntombi.
The glamorous awards took place on December 20 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC).
Bulawayo Theatre scooped the Qhube Outstanding Theatre Production, a category which was renamed in honour of the late seasoned playwright and director Sihlangu Dlodlo. The theatre company were nominated alongside Umthombo Arts (Grand Taimaz) and Bambelela Arts Ensemble for their production titled Without a State.
The production’s strength was further highlighted as cast member Praise Ncube was crowned the Outstanding Theatre Actress for her lead role on Ipi Ntombi. She was competing against Memory Zikhali (Grand Taimaz) and Nomvelo Behane (Without a State).
Production secretary Thandolwenkosi Ndlovu said the team was humbled by the wins at the BAAs, describing their triumph as a validation for their hard work throughout 2025.
“It’s a great honour for us that Ipi Ntombi managed to scoop two awards at one of the country’s glamorous awards ceremonies. We scooped an award in honour of the late arts doyen Sihlangu ‘Qhube’ Dlodlo, and being associated with his legacy is a blessing.
“We ticked all the boxes with this production from sold-out shows in both Bulawayo and Harare to an overwhelmingly positive reception. Winning this accolade was a perfect way to cap off our year,” said Ndlovu.
Praise Ncube said winning a BAA will motivate her to do more in the arts industry, as the award will go a long way in motivating her to work harder.
“To be honest, I was almost giving up on performing, but being part of the Ipi Ntombi cast allowed me to rediscover myself and today I am a proud winner of a BAA. This gong will push me to work hard and realise more dreams,” she said.
Ipi Ntombi was originally composed and produced in 1974 by South African writers Bertha Egnos Godfrey and her daughter Gail Lakier.
It was adapted by Bulawayo Theatre for local audiences under the direction of seasoned playwright Sandy Bradnick. Vusi Ndebele handled music direction, while Khaya Arts’ Future Dube choreographed the vibrant movement pieces.
Set construction and props, done by Candy and Amy Murrell, helped in bringing an authentic feel to the production.
In 2025, the play enjoyed an impressive run, staged at the Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF), Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo and at Reps Theatre in Harare in August, among other notable festivals.
The storyline of Ipi Ntombi follows a young black man who leaves his rural home and wife to work in the Johannesburg mines, a journey many southern Africans experienced during apartheid.
The production blends South African musical styles like imbube, maskandi and jazz, with lively traditional dance.
Choreographer of the play Future Dube, whose Khaya Arts dancers were integral to the production, said the wins at the BAAs were well-deserved.
“Bringing this production to life was not easy. We had to improvise and adapt to different cast strengths and limited access to original props. But with a committed team, from costume designers to welders and make-up artists, we created a contemporary, yet authentic version of the story.
“Winning these awards is a sign of dedication and teamwork. I hope this will go a long way in motivating everyone involved in the future,” said Dube.
