Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
THE Zimbabwe Cultural Ensemble, comprising 12 talented dancers, choreographers and actors, will present a 40-minute musical that highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan today.
Assembled in just two weeks by theatre director Nkululeko Dube and renowned choreographer Gibson Sarari, the group arrived in Japan over the weekend to acclimatise and prepare for the expo.
The ensemble also features a diverse cast of singers, poets, mbira players and drummers.
These include Sinobuhle Dube, a dancer/singer from Bolamba Culture Birds in Matabeleland South; Willard Muchapondwa of the Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble (Mashonaland East); Zvido Zveva dancer Rudorwashe Sarari (Mashonaland West); actor Kasandu Asando of Mbada Ensemble (Midlands); Blessed Chakokoma, a drummer from the Imvimbi Arts Ensemble (Matabeleland North); Fidelis Tshuma, an Umkhathi Theatre dancer from Bulawayo; Nyasha Dziruni, a member of Iyasa from Bulawayo; Sarah Dhliwayo, a choreographer and fashion designer from Harare; Alexis Makaza, the Green Stars choreographer from Harare; Sarabinos Chimukwende of the Guruve Marimba Stars in Mashonaland Central; Stacey Dombodzvuku of the Elysium Dance Ensemble in Harare; and Takuwadza Matete of the Semvumba Arts Ensemble in Manicaland.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Napoleon Nyanhi, the chief executive of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), expressed enthusiasm about the 12-member outfit.
“The team is in high spirits as they carry the immense honour of representing Zimbabwe on a global stage. They are acutely aware that they represent not only themselves but also their communities and the entire nation. Their level of preparedness has created a focused and charged atmosphere.
“We are ready to go. We are now waiting for the big day. We have also toured the venue for the National Day to familiarise ourselves, and we are pleased that the space aligns well with our plans,” Nyanhi emphasised.
The arts administrator highlighted the significance of the National Day, stating, “The full performance will take place at the Zimbabwe National Day Celebrations at the Expo on Wednesday, July 16 (today). The National Day is more than just a ceremonial event. It serves as a strategic, multifaceted platform, allowing us to acknowledge our nation’s sovereignty and unique identity among over 190 participants.
“It is a platform for authentic storytelling. Beyond stereotypes, as the host nation, we control the narrative by showcasing Zimbabwe’s creative and industrial diversity.”
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Nyanhi stated, “The cultural performance at a global event like Osaka 2025 is one of Zimbabwe’s most potent tools for rebranding the nation, attracting opportunities, and driving economic growth. Art tells a story, capturing the audience’s full attention. It markets Zimbabwe as a destination for cultural tourism and highlights the myriad experiences visitors can enjoy. Additionally, it fosters an environment conducive to dialogue, leading to valuable networking relationships.”
According to the storyline written by Josh Nyapimbi, the cultural musical, presented in four sets, aims to provide international visitors with a detailed insight into Zimbabwe’s rich traditions depicted through dance.
In the first act, the scene opens with background music depicting heavy rain, followed by the blowing of a horn.
The Mhande dance, deeply rooted in Karanga culture, is also featured in the opening stages. Another popular dance, Muchongoyo, which is prevalent in the Chipinge, Chimanimani, Chiredzi and Buhera districts, will also be showcased.
Additionally, the Mbende Jerusarema dance, which has maintained its prominence in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe, will be performed.
A poetry performance will follow, accompanied by a Mbira instrumental piece that portrays the significance of the Zambezi River, which sustains Zimbabweans and neighbouring countries.
To further showcase Zimbabwe’s rich cultural identity through dance, the second act will open with the Ndebele traditional folk song “Ndandwe.”
According to Nyapimbi, this song serves as a plea for help and a call to action toward land preservation. Following this, they will transition to Dinhe and Mbakumba, two dances that hold special meaning in the lives of the Zimbabwean people.
Dinhe was primarily used to celebrate harvests, honour ancestors and seek their guidance, while Mbakumba also celebrates bountiful harvests and marks the end of the harvest season.
Nowadays, it is performed at weddings, parties and other social gatherings, as noted by Nyapimbi.
The third act takes on a more religious tone, while the final acts celebrate Zimbabwe as a hospitality hub open to business.
In this concluding segment, the Amabhiza dance from Matabeleland South will be showcased alongside Isitshikitsha, a traditional Ndebele ceremonial dance historically performed for the King’s pleasure.
All these dances, poetry performances, and songs will be performed within 40 minutes, marking yet another milestone for Zimbabwe on this international stage.
Their performance, coinciding with Zimbabwe’s National Day celebrations, has already been endorsed as refreshing during the private premiere, where recommendations were made to ensure they leave a lasting impression in Japan.
