Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN a timely boost for young creatives in Zimbabwe, the popular children’s edutainment channel “Tida naTipa” has partnered with the gospel ensemble
Anointing Connectors (AC) to power Season 5 of the show.
This new season has been commended for showcasing a fresh slate of Shona nursery rhymes, language lessons and cultural stories for families in Zimbabwe and the diaspora.
AC’s 20-plus vocalists provide rich choir harmonies throughout the season, while “Tida naTipa Studios” leads production using motion capture, animation, and AI-assisted tools – guided by teachers and traditional elders – to keep lessons lively, accurate, and culturally respectful.
“Season 5 will also introduce Ndebele songs for broader inclusion.
“In the digital age, global media often eclipses local identity – especially for Zimbabwean children in the diaspora who learn and socialise in non-Shona environments.
“Even at home, busy work schedules mean fewer hours to pass down language, stories, and traditions,” said Cosmas Chinouya, in a statement.
Founded in 2020, “Tida naTipa” exists to put roots in the same screens that shape our children—short songs, ngano (folktales), and micro-lessons that make Shona (and now Ndebele) simple and joyful to learn, with more cultural sound carried by the choir.
“Anointing Connectors (launched in 2015) brings a decade of ministry-grade vocals from Mabvuku/Tafara, turning each lesson into a memorable, singable moment.
“Identity must be taught where attention lives,” said Cosmas Chinouya in a statement.
Director of AC, Blessing Wyson, added:
“By partnering with AC, let us wrap language and culture in unforgettable music – built for YouTube, made for Zimbabwean kids everywhere.
“We’re honoured to lend our voices to a project that keeps children rooted.”
Season 5, whose premiere has been set for YouTube, is meant to promote anti-drug abuse.
“The partnership will also echo AC’s community work, aligning select episodes with the choir’s United Against Abuse anti-drug awareness campaign in Mabvuku/Tafara.”
Drug and substance abuse is a pressing issue that stakeholders have been fighting against for years in an effort to win the war.
The same issues are being tackled in Season 5, which aims to change many lives, especially the plight of children who are not spared from this web.
Founded in five year ago, “Tida naTipa” teaches Shona language and culture through songs, stories (ngano), and short lessons.
The studio blends motion capture, animation, and AI with guidance from teachers and traditional elders to keep content accurate, joyful, and effective.
The feedback from their channel has been overwhelming, with many viewers embracing
this partnership that will certainly yield positive results.
With over 20 members, it performs at church weddings and community events and
is launching the United Against Abuse anti-drug campaign serving Mabvuku,
Tafara, Eastview, Ruwa, Damafalls, and Chizhanje.
These areas are regarded as some of the hotspots for drug and substance abuse and the aim is to ensure that they remove the bad apples. There have been repeated calls to set up rehabilitation centre in such communities, a move that has been embraced by many in this campaign.
