Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
JUST as Zimbabwe takes pride in its national sports teams — the Warriors, Sables, Chevrons, and The Gems — arts ensemble Iyasa director, Nkululeko “Nkue” Dube, believes it is time for the local arts and culture sector to follow suit with a national dance ensemble that embodies the country’s creative excellence.
For Dube, whose life revolves around dance, theatre, and music, this vision is not merely aspirational — it is a national imperative.
Drawing from his recent international experience as producer and director of the Zimbabwe Cultural Ensemble at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, Dube said in an interview that uniting creatives from across the country to tell a cohesive Zimbabwean story is both achievable and transformative.
“I’ve always advocated for a Zimbabwean national dance ensemble, just as we have various national sports teams. After this experience, my dream is more inspired than ever.
I hope more opportunities will arise for the world to witness the power of our cultural expertise as we tell our amazing Zimbabwean story — especially that of Great Zimbabwe,” said Dube.
Twelve local performers from diverse artistic disciplines and groups were selected to form the Zimbabwe Cultural Ensemble — a collective tasked with delivering a vibrant 40-minute musical showcase that celebrated and shared Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage with the world.
The Zimbabwe Cultural Ensemble featured twelve performers drawn from across the country, representing a diverse range of artistic disciplines and provinces.
These included Sinobuhle Dube from Bolamba Culture Birds in Matabeleland South, Willard Muchapondwa of Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble in Mashonaland East, Rudorwashe Sarari from Zvido Zveva in Mashonaland West, and Kasandu Asando of Mbada Ensemble in Midlands. Blessed Chakokoma represented Imvimbi Arts Ensemble from Matabeleland North, while Fidelis Tshuma and Nyasha Dziruni hailed from Umkhathi Theatre and Iyasa respectively, both based in Bulawayo.
Harare was represented by choreographer and fashion designer Sarah Dhliwayo, Alexis Makaza of Green Stars, and Stacey Dombodzvuku from Elysium Dance Ensemble.
Sarabinos Chimukwende joined from Guruve Marimba Stars in Mashonaland Central, and Takuwadza Matete represented Semvumba Arts Ensemble from Manicaland.
Dube said cultural diplomacy must be part of Zimbabwe’s broader national strategy, noting that engagements such as the Osaka Expo should not be isolated events.
“It’s my sincere hope that we continue to strengthen relations with Japan.
I know this wasn’t the beginning, but I hope it rekindles friendship on all fronts — culturally and economically. Zimbabwe is doing well at the Osaka Expo, and we should ride that wave together into the future.
It would be a pity if the production presented by our country ends there,” he said.
Dube explained that the selection of artistes was deliberately inclusive, ensuring representation from all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe. This inclusivity was spearheaded by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and Government stakeholders.
“Through the custodians of the presentation — NACZ and the Government — they ensured that the selection of artistes was representative of the entire country, with all 10 provinces included. We also ensured gender equality, with half of the cast being female.
“We had a diversity of age groups and skills. Essentially, we were looking for versatile artistes who could perform across music, dance, and theatre — with some even playing musical instruments to make the production a complete package,” he said.
With a 40-minute showcase of music, dance, poetry, and theatre, the production was more than a performance — it was a cultural statement, something Dube hopes to replicate with a national ensemble.
“Zimbabwe is diverse and a cultural hotpot. We set out to show the world how colourful our country is through music, dance, and theatre. We also wanted to promote the country’s potential and the welcoming nature of our people.
“The production aimed to showcase Zimbabwe’s culture, opportunities, natural heritage, history, and diversity — and I can safely say we achieved that through rigorous teamwork.”
He acknowledged that although the group had only two weeks of physical rehearsals, months of planning and co-ordination took place behind the scenes.
“It’s true that groups and ensembles are built over time. In this instance, we had two weeks on the ground, but a lot of work was done behind the scenes well before rehearsals began.
It took great teamwork from NACZ, the Government, scriptwriter Mr Josh Nyapimbi, choreographer Mr Gibson Sarari, and myself as producer and director to put together the show in very limited time. Even our costume designers, Imani Creations, did not disappoint.”
He said that the spirit among the artistes was unmatched and ultimately propelled the production to success.
“Teamwork was crucial, and the spirit the artistes had was amazing. It made our work easier. The key to the success of the project was hard work and collaboration.”
For Dube, the ensemble’s experience in Japan is a springboard for the artistes involved to elevate their craft.
“Sharing creativity with other artistes from every region of the country leaves them with vast experience in their craft.
The President and other distinguished guests who attended the performance, the audience that packed the venue to its brim, the applause, and the spotlight that shone on these performers in Japan — this is certainly an achievement and a great inspiration to each and every one of them.” —@mthabisi_mthire
Londile Moyo