Mbazo’s 50 Dates at the Theatre ignites arts scene

Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub

WHEN it comes to artistic event curation in Bulawayo, creative art expert Saimon “Mbazo” Mambazo Phiri is a perfectionist. Full stop!

Those who attended the launch of his “50 Dates at the Theatre” last week Friday at the Bulawayo Theatre will attest to this.

Every detail was meticulously handled, from the seating arrangements to stage management and sound clarity. Nothing was left to chance.

The evening was more than just an opening, it was a cultural convergence. The theatre was filled with the city’s arts heavyweights and influencers, a true “who’s who” of the creative sector.

Among the distinguished attendees were royal figures like Chief Mbusi Dakamela, alongside musicians, thespians, poets, journalists, and comedians, all gathered to witness what promises to redefine the city’s artistic landscape.

The programme began with soulful performances from Gog’ Bekezela and Emma The Violinist, setting a high tone for the night.

The audience was then treated to Zenzo Nyathi’s one-man show, An Act of a Man – a powerful display of folklore storytelling that held the full house spellbound.

Nyathi’s act, now part of the 50 Dates line-up, reminded audiences of the enduring power of oral tradition.

What is 50 Dates at the Theatre? At its heart, the project is both a personal milestone and a communal celebration. It marks Mbazo’s 50th birthday, and he has chosen to honour it with 50 live showcases staged at the Bulawayo Theatre.

These will bring together music, theatre, dance, poetry, and visual art in a creative journey running August 19 to November 1.

“This is not just a tour, it’s a celebration of life. It’s about gathering, witnessing, remembering and dreaming,” Mbazo told Zimpapers Arts Hub.

The initiative is not limited to established names. It will also provide a vital platform for emerging artistes, giving them visibility and opportunities in a city where accusations of “gate-keeping” in the arts are often raised.

Over the course of the 50 nights, audiences can expect a dynamic mix of re-imagined classics, new premières, and experimental showcases.

Already on the roster are productions like Zambezi Express and collaborative works with Siyaya Arts, Sabela Music Projects, Umdumo Wesizwe, as well as pieces previously staged at world-renowned venues such as WOMAD and the Glastonbury Festival.

For Mbazo, this project is a culmination of decades of cultural work. His journey began in the early 1990s when he co-founded the globe-trotting group Siyaya, which went on to represent Zimbabwe on international stages. Since then, he has evolved into one of Bulawayo’s most influential cultural custodians, being part of the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) organising team, mentoring young creatives, and curating ground-breaking productions.

Now, with 50 Dates at the Theatre, Mbazo is not only celebrating his personal journey but also cementing his role as a visionary determined to preserve, grow, and globalise Bulawayo’s arts scene. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu