Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
From the ruins to the rising sun!
Seasoned arts administrator Josh Nyapimbi, is walking tall after successfully directing, The Great Zimbabwe, a powerful musical and dance production that lit up the Zimbabwe Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
As President Mnangagwa led the nation’s National Day celebrations on July 14, Nyapimbi and his star-studded cast delivered a cultural masterpiece that left global audiences spellbound and even got the President grooving to the beat!
The production traced Zimbabwe’s journey from ancient civilisation, through colonisation, to the triumph of independence, showcasing traditional dances like Dinhe, Isitshikitsha and Mbakumba in a stunning fusion of rhythm and history.
Nyapimbi said being entrusted to lead the delegation on such a prestigious global stage was a once-in-a-lifetime honour.
“When I sent the script, I said the President would be on his feet and we did just that,” said a beaming Nyapimbi.
He heaped praise on the ensemble led by legendary choreographer Gibson Sarari and producer Innocent Nkulukeko Dube, saying their authenticity and talent raised the Zimbabwean flag high in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Josh Nyapimbi says he will forever be grateful to the nation as he was trusted to lead a group of local artistes who participated at this year’s World Expo 2025 held in Japan.
The World Expo is a grand international event that opened on April 13 and will run until October 13, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
The Expo is a vibrant platform where over 160 countries, regions and organisations present their visions for the future under the theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
President Mnangagwa headlined Zimbabwe’s National Day at the Expo on 14 July, as the nation showcased Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and vast investment opportunities to a global audience.
Among delegates, who attended the Expo were a host of creatives, who presented The Great Zimbabwe musical and dance production.
The Great Zimbabwe production is a compelling journey through the country’s history, tracing its foundation, the struggle through colonisation, and the triumph of independence.
What made the show special is its grounding in the authentic traditional dance forms from across the country’s 10 provinces, with powerful performances of dances including the Dinhe, Isitshikitsha, and Mbakumba.
Josh Nyapimbi, who directed the production, said to lead the artistes on such a high-profile adventure was a great honour. He said the trip reflected remarkable talent, vision and the growing global recognition of Zimbabwe’s creative and cultural excellence.
He said to be trusted with such a duty was overwhelming as he also gave thanks to the team for delivering a great display that represents Zimbabwe’s rich heritage and artistic brilliance.
“My deep appreciation goes to the team efforts of the immensely talented dancers, singers, drummers under the direction of the legendary choreographer Gibson Sarari and the versatile producer, Innocent Nkulukeko Dube. We really enjoy showing the world our culture and heritage,” said Nyapimbi.
Nyapimbi saluted the commitment of the performers, who did justice to the production as they carried the spirit of Zimbabwe to a global platform with authenticity and flair.
