Online Reporter
Trust Khosa, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Renowned theatre producer and director Nkululeko Dube captivated arts regulatory leaders at the private première of a 40-minute cultural performance, set to be showcased on July 16 at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan.
The première took place recently at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare.
Co-produced with seasoned traditional dance instructor Gibson Sarari, a 12-member ensemble selected countrywide will show a musical titled The Great Zimbabwe, highlighting the richness of Zimbabwean culture.
Their performance coincides with Zimbabwe’s National Day celebrations, ensuring that all eyes are on the country during the global exposition.
Dube and Sarari, who have worked diligently to scout talent in a short timeframe, are proud of their dancers, who are ready to represent Zimbabwe with honour.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Dube firmly believes that due diligence was done to ensure Zimbabwe leaves a mark in Japan.
“Usually, it takes a month or so to create a musical of this magnitude, but we only took about two weeks to assemble this group of 12 talented dancers and actors.
“It’s a production where we combined theatre, music, and spoken word to create a piece that depicts the true story of Zimbabwe.
“I am glad that we have managed to capture all the country’s popular dances, including mhande, amabhiza, Jerusarema, isithikitsha, mochongoyo, and mbakumba, among other indigenous dances,” he stressed.
“The purpose of this event (private première) was to give our stakeholders a glimpse of what to expect in this musical, as well as to make suggestions for improvements.
“We are taking all the comments and recommendations made here during this event very seriously.”
He also commended the cast for their dedication, as well as the production team.
“A lot of effort was put together here, and we are grateful to be at this point.
“I hope we will do our best with all the recommendations made here,” he added.
Dube’s counterpart, Sarari, who has been in the industry for years, was blown away by the group’s talent ahead of Expo 2025 Osaka, which has garnered global attention.
“I thoroughly enjoy such initiatives, and I am confident we are going to leave a lasting impression in Japan.
“This is what we have been longing for, and I am glad that the cast is in high spirits.
“Creating a 40-minute musical is not easy, as some expos usually require performances of 10-20 minutes or less,” asserted Sarari.
“With only a few days left, we are going to polish up areas that need correction.
“We were pleased by the general comments we received here, and it shows that we are on the right path.”
Sarari urged the cast to remain focused ahead of the expo, which has attracted global attention.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) chief executive Napoleon Nyanhi, who has been overseeing the musical’s production process, expressed confidence in its ability to reflect Zimbabwe’s collective identity—past, present, and future.
“This production is a musical and theatrical journey through Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
“It is a celebration of our people’s spirit, told through vibrant dance, music, movement, and theatrical storytelling.
“Each scene is steeped in symbolism, drawing from the heart of our history and the diverse voices of our provinces, showcasing our Mbira music woven together with amabhiza, mhande, Jerusarema, isithikitsha, mochongoyo, and mbakumba indigenous dances.
“The ensemble is not a singular group, but a national mosaic — a composite of talented artists from all ten provinces of Zimbabwe,” he shared.
“This is a deliberate and proud reflection of the Government’s devolution agenda, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind. From Matabeleland to Mashonaland, from Midlands to Masvingo and Manicaland, this production is the voice and vision of the entire nation. We chose the title The Great Zimbabwe because it is more than a monument; it is a message.
“In the 11th century, Great Zimbabwe was not just a royal city; it was a centre of industry, commerce, architecture, and diplomacy.
“It serves as a clear reminder that Zimbabwe has always been a nation of builders, artisans, and traders, connected to the global economy long before the modern era. The stone walls of Great Zimbabwe were not cemented by mortar but by craftsmanship and collective strength. It is this same spirit of building Zimbabwe — stone by stone, brick by brick —that this performance celebrates. Every dance step, every drumbeat, every costume tells that story: Beyond the Limits.”
Nyanhi expressed confidence in the musical’s ability to make an impression in Japan.
“As we look to the Osaka World Expo 2025, this performance will be our artistic handshake with the world. It will showcase Zimbabwe’s creativity, cultural depth, and historical pride to a global audience.
“But more than that, it is a platform for cultural diplomacy, an opportunity to position Zimbabwe as a culturally confident, economically ambitious, and globally connected nation.
“The performance you will witness today is not just entertainment; it is a strategic act of storytelling, showing the world that Zimbabwe is not a country of yesterday’s greatness, but a people of enduring innovation and strength,” he explained.
He further stressed that the cultural performance would go a long way in telling the true story of Zimbabwe.
“It is a cultural declaration, a call to memory, a national tribute to who we are and where we are going,” said Nyanhi.
Bongani Ndlovu