Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN the vibrant city of Bulawayo, a true definition of an all-rounder shines brightly in the name of Lindelani Calisto Mafu.
Many in the local arts scene know him as a passionate dancer, actor, choreographer, cinematographer and a devoted arts advocate.
Mafu embodies the spirit of creative exploration, dedicating his life to the performing and visual arts.
His journey is filled with passion, determination and a vision to inspire the next generation.
For Mafu, whose artistic journey started at Northlea High School, where he did his secondary and advanced learning, creativity is not just a hobby — it is a calling that stems from a deep-seated need to discover and learn about the boundless possibilities within the local arts sector.
“I fell in love with performing while I was a student at Northlea. I was part of the drama club and I believe everything about craft was instilled in my mind at that time.
“As part of the school’s drama club, we were very competitive and I remember us competing with other local schools like Eveline and Gifford — high schools that have produced top-notch actors, who are now professionals,” said Mafu.
He said while at school, he learnt to utilise every opportunity that comes his way for it usually comes once.
“While at Northlea, I was taught to grab each opportunity as it comes and never let it go. This is a skill that I am still using to treat every performance and every role I take on, as a new opportunity to express a story, a feeling, an experience,” said Mafu.
His recent project as a thespian was acting alongside South Africa-based, Luthuli Dlamini, in a concept teaser project.
Mafu’s artistry does not end only on stage and in front of the camera. He is equally adept behind the camera, showcasing his talents as a cinematographer and editor.
His passion for visual storytelling has prompted him to work on short films and performing videos, capturing the essence of his narratives through powerful imagery.
While he was being groomed at the Geraldine Roche Arts Academy project, Mafu demonstrated his prowess in narrative and technical storytelling, as he directed a short film titled, Ithunzi Lokufa.
Yet, Mafu’s journey has proven not only to be of personal gains, it has extended to uplifting the community and accommodating youths, as he plays a massive role in grooming youngsters.
His belief in nurturing young talents led him to establish Creative Culxure, a platform aimed at empowering the youth in Bulawayo through art.
This initiative focuses on children and youth from under-served communities, offering them access to free creative workshops, mentorship and community-based showcases.
“As Creative Culxure, we are on a mission to nurture talent, inspire innovation and celebrate cultural diversity through the arts.
“The vision is to cultivate a generation of artists from Zimbabwe and beyond, merging performance, storytelling and visual media to share powerful African narratives. The arts have the power to transform lives and through them, we can strengthen communities,” said Mafu.
Mafu’s career so far has seen him perform on various platforms, from community stages to renowned national showcases.
Part of his achievements was securing a golden medal at the Geraldine Roche Drama Competition and representing Zimbabwe at the African Union Sports Council 25th Anniversary in 2024.
He has performed as an opening act at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grand opening ceremony. He has also featured at the Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF) and at the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) as a nominee and a performer.
Bongani Ndlovu