Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWEAN traditional dance outfit Jeketera ReNyaningwe Traditional Dance Group has left for India to attend a landmark cultural exchange visit that celebrates heritage, diplomacy and artistic excellence.
The group will represent Zimbabwe through traditional dance, showcasing its rich cultural identity while strengthening relations between Zimbabwe and India.
Addressing the dancers ahead of their departure, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Bramha Kumar emphasised the significance of the journey.
He said the group was not only travelling as performers but also as cultural ambassadors for the entire nation.
“As the Jeketera Dance Group, you are going to India to represent the whole of Zimbabwe,” said Mr Kumar. “I promise you that you will be welcomed warmly, and you will truly be treated with the love you are treating us in your country.”
He noted that the visit would contribute to the growing cultural and diplomatic relationship between the two countries. “You going to India is also for strengthening the relationship between Zimbabwe and India,” he added.
The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe, urged the dancers to uphold the nation’s values as they perform abroad.
“As you go to India, know that you are carrying the whole of us, the flag of Zimbabwe, our culture and dignity,” said the minister. “We will always be behind you to support you and wish you the best. Go and shine with our culture.”
“All in all, we wish you a safe journey to and from India as the whole nation,” said the minister.
Jeketera Dance Group leader Prince Mutsauki expressed excitement and pride, describing the opportunity as a dream come true for the group.
“This is the best feeling, going to India with our culture, going to represent the whole of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mutsauki added that the recognition showed the value of traditional arts on the global stage.
“We are very excited as a group to know that our culture is still recognised to the extent of going overseas just to share our tradition and culture with other people,” he said. “We promise to represent Zimbabwe very well and show them the Zimbabwean culture.”
Another group member, Barbra Mutsauki, highlighted the deep cultural importance of traditional dance, explaining that it connects present generations with ancestral practices.
“Traditional dance is very important in our culture,” she said. “The dances bring out the way our ancestors lived before. For example, bira is a dance that was performed to make the rain fall.”
She also noted that traditional dance has become a source of empowerment for artists and their families.
“With traditional dance we are very much happy because with the little we get we can provide for our families,” Mutsaukisaid.
“We’re now invited to different events, graduations, weddings and even family gatherings. Now because of traditional dance we got the chance to go all the way to India,” she added.
The trip marks a major milestone for Jeketera Dance Group and highlights the growing global appreciation of Zimbabwean cultural heritage.
