Meet Kuda, Zimbabwe’s rising celebrity choreographer

The art of dance has taken Kuda the Choreographer, whose real name is Kudakwashe Makaza, to greater heights, serving as a link to great artistes in and out of Zimbabwe.

Growing up in Chitungwiza, he never imagined that he would become the most sought-after choreographer he is today.

Kuda is the choreographer for some of the best musicians in the country, such as Jah Prayzah and Nutty O. He also choreographed Koffi Olomide’s music video for the song Patati Patata featuring Roki, which was his big break.

Over the weekend, Kuda was in Bulawayo for the launch of Miss Teen of the Universe Zimbabwe where he was one of the guests. He had the pleasure of teaching guests in attendance some of his dance moves.

In an interview, Kuda shared that he is a self-taught artiste. He said dancing started as a hobby, and he tried his hand at different activities such as soccer and cricket, but his love for dance grew with each passing day.

“I grew up in Chitungwiza with my grandparents. I wasn’t academically gifted, but my grandmother always pushed me to go to school. Dancing was my hobby, which then grew to be my life. I earn a living through dancing, and my brand is doing well,” he said.

In his early days, Kuda shared that he would dance and get a suit as payment, and that is also how he adopted the idea of wearing suits.

“A childhood friend of mine by the name of Tapfumanei is the one who assisted me in professional dancing. He taught me choreography just once, and I grasped the concept and have never gone wrong since then.

“Tapfumanei armed me with the skill to do dancing professionally. I remember how I’d dance at a wedding just for a suit, but I’d be very happy, as I’d have a suit to wear to church,” he recounted.

“My grandmother always encouraged me to continue dancing, but at the same time, she would push me to supplement my O-level subjects,” he said.

Travelling the world has now become the new normal for Kuda, as he has been to UAE, Rwanda, and China, where he has participated in weddings and dance classes.

“God has been so good to me. I’ve travelled the world and have been to Dubai just to choreograph a wedding. I thank God that I’ve been able to travel by air more than 20 times.

“I love my job because I get to work and tour at the same time. I’ve also worked with the best video director in Africa, Director Kenny from Tanzania, who does videos for Diamond Platnumz and others in Tanzania,” he stated.

In Harare, Kuda hosts Rhumba Night Dance classes alongside rising personality Tariro Gezi. These classes have become a hit in the capital city.

“People might think that Tariro and I started dancing recently, but it actually dates back, and it’s been years of practice. Perseverance and consistency in the industry are quite important,” he said.

Kuda admitted that he works on a tight schedule as he is always occupied, but despite this, he has managed to groom other people in dancing. He further highlights that he has dreams of opening his own studio.

“I have already started mentoring young people, and I feel I must train up-and-coming artistes in my field of interest. Using your feet can enable you to take care of your family as long as you can manage and maintain your brand.

“My vision is to have my own dance studio in Harare, Mutare, and Bulawayo. It hasn’t been easy as a choreographer to reach where I am today,” he said.

He went on to share plans to introduce regular Rhumba classes in Bulawayo.

“We’ll also have children’s classes, focusing more on mental health, as we fight drug and substance abuse in the country and build self-esteem in people,” he said.

Other than choreography, Kuda has also done fashion modelling for Jet Stores, Hatipfeki Junk, Germany Construction, and High Class Car Sales.