Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
Youth Interactive Writer
On any given afternoon, the Joina City footbridge transforms from a mere crossing point into a pulsating stage of beats, moves and raw energy. A group of young, vibrant dancers, who call themselves the “City Flow Crew”, has turned this busy spot in the heart of Harare into a cultural landmark of youth creativity.
Formed in early 2024, the City Flow Crew is made up of six passionate dancers between the ages of 17 and 24. Armed with a Bluetooth speaker and fuelled by ambition, they show up nearly every day to perform their high-energy routines for crowds of commuters and curious onlookers.
“We never planned to become this serious,” says Takudzwa Moyo (19), one of the original members. “It started with a few of us dancing after school just to relieve stress. But people started gathering and recording us. That’s when we realised we had something special.”
The crew blends modern styles like hip-hop, amapiano and dancehall with traditional Zimbabwean elements to create performances that feel both global and deeply local.
“I choreograph most of the routines,” says Tariro Gondo (22), the unofficial leader of the crew. “But what’s cool is everyone contributes ideas. We vibe together. Some moves we even create on the spot depending on the crowd’s energy.”
Though they’ve never trained professionally, the group’s chemistry and passion are undeniable. Their TikTok and Instagram pages have grown rapidly, with several of their dance videos going viral.
“Our first viral video was a game-changer,” recalls Brian “Flex” Chuma (20). “It was a dance challenge, and we posted it at night. By morning it had over 1 million views. We were shocked! Since then, we’ve been working even harder.”
For Melody Chihota (17), the youngest member, the experience has been life-changing. “I used to be very shy,” she says. “But dancing here gave me confidence. Now I feel like I can express myself freely.”
However, performing in a public space comes with its fair share of challenges.
“Sometimes we get kicked out by security,” says Tendai Mupfumi (21). “Other days it rains, and our speaker gets messed up. Some people even mock us. But we don’t give up this is our art, our hustle.”
Tendai’s journey with the group has also helped him overcome personal struggles. “Before this crew, I was heading down a bad path. Hanging with the wrong people, no goals. Dance pulled me back. Now I have purpose.”
What sets City Flow Crew apart is not just their talent, but their vision. They aren’t just dancing for fame they’re building a movement.
“We dream of opening a community dance studio one day,” says Tariro. “Somewhere kids from Mbare, Glen View, or any hood can come and learn for free. We want to create opportunities for others too.”
Their content is also carefully crafted to be family-friendly.
“We make sure it’s clean, no vulgar moves, no suggestive stuff,” adds Melody. “We want parents to watch with their kids and feel proud.”
Despite limited resources, their passion continues to drive them forward. They’ve begun getting invites to perform at small gigs and school events, but they say the footbridge remains home.
“That bridge gave us our start,” says Takudzwa.
“We’ve danced there in the sun, in the rain, when we were broke, when we were hungry. It’s part of our story now.”
Looking ahead, the City Flow Crew hopes for sponsorship, collaboration with local artists, and one day a stage beyond Zimbabwe.
“We want to represent Zimbabwe abroad,” says Brian. “We may be street dancers now, but we’ve got world-class dreams.”
From the Joina City footbridge to people stopping to just watch them, City Flow Crew is proof that when young people are given space to create even if it’s just a corner of the street they can inspire an entire nation.
