derick.khumalo
Mthokozisi Ncube
BULAWAYO dance outfit No Name Dance Crew is setting sights on the international stage after securing invitations to perform in Zambia and South Africa.
The five-member crew, which has been active for almost three years, is set to participate in the Global Dance Supreme in South Africa on October 3 and 4, following an invitation to House of Dance in Zambia.
The opportunities come after the crew bounced back from an early exit in DreamStar Season Nine to finish third in Season 10.
Crew member Melani Mkhize said the setback in Season Nine forced them to rethink their approach.
“We went for Dream Star Season 9 and got kicked out in the first round of the final, so we went back, re-strategised and came back for Season 10, taking third place,” said Mkhize.
No Name Dance Crew was officially formed on January 12, 2024, in Bulawayo by Prince Chibansha, popularly known as Unofficial Prince, Carlton Mpofu, known as Umnuko we Thrift, and Methembe Walter Ndlovu, known as Blinko.
The crew’s name came about almost by accident after an MC introduced them as “No Name Dance Crew” during one of their early performances.
The name stuck and eventually became the identity of the group.
Uncle Stunna later joined the crew, while Mkhize became the latest member.
The crew has since built an impressive performance record, including finishing third in DreamStar Season 10 and winning the 2025 Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) Outstanding Dance Ensemble award.
They have also performed on major platforms including the South African Music Awards, National Arts Merit Awards and Bulawayo Arts Awards, while sharing stages with established artists such as Jah Prayzah, Sandra Ndebele and Holy Ten.
One of their notable performances came during the 2025 National Youth Day commemorations at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, where they performed at an event attended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Their performance incorporated movement inspired by Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces and included a tribute to the military through a dance to the liberation anthem “Ndzira Dzemasoja.”
Beyond competitions and awards, the crew is now looking to establish itself as a professional dance brand from Bulawayo.
“Our vision is to create a space where young people can grow through dance, develop professionally and find opportunities within the creative industry,” said Mkhize.
“We want to help change the perception of dance from something people simply do for entertainment into a legitimate form of art, expression, employment and personal development.”
The crew also wants to expand its work beyond Zimbabwe, collaborate with creatives across Africa and develop training and mentorship opportunities for young dancers.
Mkhize said they also hope to produce original work that tells Zimbabwean stories through movement while experimenting with different dance styles.
“Our goal now is to move from simply being known as a dance crew to becoming a recognised creative movement and professional dance brand from Bulawayo,” she said.
Online Reporter