Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
South African-American artiste, entrepreneur and cultural ambassador Ronnie “Big Sbuda” Dunn is expected to arrive in Bulawayo on September 2 ahead of the King Mzilikazi commemorations set to be held at Mhlahlandlela in Matobo on September 4 and 5.
Dunn is visiting Zimbabwe as an international cultural guest and Global Ambassador for Africa, USA and UK Diaspora Alliance (AUUDA-Africa).
His visit is expected to bring a wider African diaspora dimension to the commemorations, while also opening opportunities for cultural, business and investment engagements between Zimbabwe and the diaspora.
The King Mzilikazi commemorations will bring together communities, cultural leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate the life and legacy of the founder of the Ndebele nation.
For Dunn, the visit has a personal significance as it forms part of his broader journey of reconnecting with his African roots. After DNA ancestry tracing linked him to his Southern African heritage, Dunn travelled to South Africa to reconnect with his ancestral history and family. The experience developed into a wider commitment to promoting African diaspora homecoming, heritage discovery and stronger relationships between Africa and people of African descent around the world.
His Zimbabwe programme will therefore go beyond the Mzilikazi commemorations, with meetings and engagements focusing on culture, trade, investment and entrepreneurship expected to take place in Bulawayo and Harare.
Through AUUDA-Africa, Dunn is involved in initiatives that promote cultural exchange, Ubuntu, diaspora reconnection and international partnerships.
His visit is part of the organisation’s Diaspora Investment and Cultural Reconnection Initiative, which seeks to use cultural connections as a starting point for longer-term economic and investment relationships.
Dunn is also the founder of CIGAR Music USA and has a career spanning music, entertainment and screen.
Known professionally as Big Sbuda, his music draws influence from both African-American and Southern African cultures, including his “Piano Deep” sound.
His international work also extends into civil society processes. Following participation in activities linked to the G20 South Africa Presidency in 2025, he is now participating through AUUDA-Africa in the 2026 Civil20 Working Group on Human Development and Rights for Peace.
