Sunduza Dance Theatre gets first Zima nod 37 years later

Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S celebrated theatre troupe, Sunduza Dance Theatre has finally been recognised for the immense contribution it has been giving out to the arts sector after they landed their first Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) nomination this year.

Formed in 1985, the group is one of the most travelled in the country and their consistency arises from the outfit being run by children of the founding members.

Sunduza Dance Theatre is nominated in the Best Traditional (Ezomdabu/Imbube) category and as they prepare to go to Harare on Friday for the ceremony, they have their hopes high to clinch the gong.

The group is nominated alongside Mamozi, Skhosana Buhlungu and Amaqaqa.

The outfit’s director Charles Mahlaba said despite the group being around for years, the nomination is the beginning of more great things to come.

“After 37 years of operating, this is the first time that we’ve been nominated for the Zima awards.

This alone is a great achievement for us and the beginning of greater things as the nomination has motivated us to keep pushing and working hard.

“As Sunduza Dance Theatre, we’ve been mesmerising people with our scintillating harmonies and fancy footwork.

We believe we’re the pioneers of imbube and I’m glad that the group has been revived by the sons and daughters of the founding members,” said Mahlaba.

He said they are set to launch a new theatre production titled The other Cecil and host a music concert to celebrate their 37 years of existence soon.

“We’re working on the dates.

The show will likely be held at Bulawayo Theatre as it’s our preferred venue.

Both events are set to be out of this world as we’re preparing thoroughly for them.

With financial assistance from individuals and the corporate world, we might pull out something great,” said Mahlaba.

Sunduza Dance Theatre started as an all-male imbube acapella group.

Later on, they started working with promoter Philip Weiss and toured overseas in 1990.

Afterwards, they adapted the group to become a full-time music and dance theatre with women.

– @mthabisi_mthire