Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO’S celebrated cultural ensemble, Khaya Arts, is set to take the heartbeat of Matabeleland to the national Culture Month celebrations taking place tomorrow, at Rusununguko Clinic Open Grounds in Chiredzi, Masvingo Province.
The high-profile event, which will be officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will run under the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Voices” and aims to promote Zimbabwe’s diverse traditional languages, attire, cuisine and arts as vital pillars of identity and social cohesion.
As the reigning National Arts Merit Awards Outstanding Dance Group, Khaya Arts has earned a reputation for authentic storytelling through music and movement. At this year’s celebrations, they will proudly fly the Matabeleland flag with a curated performance rich in indigenous flair, paying homage to the region’s multi-ethnic heritage.
“We’ll be representing Matabeleland at the celebrations and have crafted a special performance that fuses traditional dances such as Isitshikitsha, Amabhiza and Ingquzu. These will be intertwined with songs in Ndebele, Kalanga and Sotho, offering a well-rounded reflection of the cultural diversity found in our region,” said Future Dube, director of Khaya Arts.
Dube emphasised that performances like these go beyond entertainment — they are powerful expressions of heritage.
“Culture is what defines us as people. It’s a living thing that must be nurtured and as a group, we are proud to use our art to educate, preserve and celebrate it. Being invited to perform on a national platform is a vote of confidence in our mission, to keep the cultural flame alive,” he said.
The Culture Month celebrations will culminate in a gala featuring performances from other luminaries, including Sungura star Mark Ngwazi, Freeman, Sandra Ndebele, ZCC Mbungo, Elysium Dance Group and Sasha Madhuve.
Additional entertainment will be provided by Joseph Chauke and Amarula Band, Chebvute Jukwa Dance Group, Timothy Gokova and Mabhanan’ana Express, DJ Mnisi and Sisters, Blessed Music Generation, Tecla Mamoyo, Elizabeth Bernard and Masvingo Teachers’ College.
Attendees can look forward to a vibrant programme of traditional and contemporary arts, fashion parades, craft exhibitions, herbal medicine displays and music and dance showcases.
In a previous interview, Dr Biggie Samwanda, Director of Arts and Culture in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, confirmed that preparations for the Culture Month launch were well underway.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo Province will launch its Culture Month celebrations on June 3 at Lobengula Hall, with performances by Umkhathi Theatre Works, Hwabaraty, Bambanani Arts Ensemble, Umthwakazi Kandaba and Woza Africa.
Matabeleland South will follow with its provincial launch on May 30 at the Nilukawu Culture Centre, under the jurisdiction of Chief Hikwa.
Bongani Ndlovu