Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Reporter
Iyasa, one of Zimbabwe’s biggest arts exports who have for the past two years been gravely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as they were grounded, will soon resume international tours following the relaxation of travel and lockdown restrictions in most countries.
In the past, they have showcased their art in countries that include Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Slovakia, Japan, Taiwan, Liechtenstein, Serbia and Poland.
Iyasa director Nkululeko Dube said they are finalising the list of countries they will visit and will release the final tour guide in the coming weeks.
“We’re working on various projects that include an international tour, the first after Covid-19 disruptions.
Our first tour will be in August and we’re looking forward to it as the break has given us time to refresh and work on our productions.
“Our tour will be for two months and we’re now just finalising the countries,” said Dube adding that they are raring to go.
He said they will gradually release new projects during the course of the year.
“We’re hard at work training a good number of new young artistes that joined us during our lockdown enrolment callout.
We’re also working on a school film project through our schools’ programme Isiphiwo Sami Talent Search where we partnered Afri-Art and CTD.”
Dube urged fans of the multi-award-winning group to set reminders for June 3 as they are set to release a single that will be accompanied by picturesque visuals.
“We’re looking forward to the release of our latest video and song titled Babizeni Bonke.
The song was written by myself, performed, and sung by Iyasa.
It was produced by Oskid while the video was done by Keaitse Films.
“The video has very interesting scenery from Bulawayo’s oldest suburb Makokoba and a part of Mzilikazi.
“This is a song that we hope will do well as it chronicles memories of our city and Africa in general through a vintage flashback of our lifestyles,” Dube said.
He went on to express gratitude for the bookings they have been receiving locally which have seen them working with the country’s First Family.
“We’ve been going around the country with the First Lady Dr Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa courtesy of the National Aids Council in support of her Male Engagement programme campaign against GBV,” said Dube. — @mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter