Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma and Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected], [email protected]
CULTURE Month continues to be fully embraced in the City of Kings and Queens with Umgido Wesintu being one of the festivities that will take place on Friday night till the wee hours of Saturday morning in the Mahatshula North suburb.
Following the official launch of the 2026 Culture Month celebrations on May 21 at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, where thousands gathered for a vibrant showcase of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and diversity, cultural creative industries players across the country are hosting their own commemorations.
President Mnangagwa officiated at the national launch, which brought together citizens, artistes, traditional leaders and creatives from across the country under the theme: “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030.”
Renowned traditional healer and spiritual leader Gogo Chihoro will lead the Bulawayo cultural dance gathering with traditional music duo of Evias Bhebhe and Gogo Mankosi affectionally known as Dzibalemvula set to entertain fans throughout the event.
The event is expected to attract hundreds of attendees, including traditional healers and cultural enthusiasts from Bulawayo and surrounding areas.
Organisers have also arranged free transport for attendees from Bulawayo City Hall to the venue and back, as well as complimentary food throughout the night.
Gogo Chihoro said she hopes the night will bring about cultural guidance that will improve their livelihoods.
“My hope is that people will find help, healing, and guidance during this gathering. I ask people facing different challenges in their lives to utilise this opportunity to come for spiritual guidance and uplifting of burdens impacting progress in their lives,” said Gogo Chihoro.
The ceremony is also intended to provide a space for spiritual reflection, cultural unity, and community support.
Gogo Chihoro has in recent months become a familiar figure in Bulawayo through regular Saturday spiritual sessions that attract people from across Matabeleland and beyond seeking spiritual guidance and counselling.
Traditional music dou Dzibalemvula who have revived traditional songs which were sung during traditional ceremonies said they will make the night a special spiritual journey for worshippers.
“We promise umsebenzi omkhulu today. It is important for us to never forget our traditional ways as a people. Our ancestors gave us different gifts to practice our way of life and we must use those instead of hiding them,” he said.
Bhebhe said forsaking the traditions and cultural heritage spells doom for people.
He hailed Gogo Chihoro for birthing the idea which comes at a time the nation is celebrating the Culture Month.
“We are celebrating Culture Month and Africa Day, two important events which speak to who we are as Africans. We have our own worship systems as Africans which we must not allow to be extinct because we would have lost part of us,” said Bhebhe.
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