In Bulawayo, the air itself hums with creativity. Every street corner, every community hall, every open-air stage seems alive with music, movement, and stories waiting to be told. The city is a canvas, and its people from seasoned maestros to bright-eyed newcomers are the brushstrokes that paint a vibrant cultural masterpiece. In this 5th edition of The Arts and Showbiz Showcase, we celebrate the artists, the innovators, and the dreamers who make Bulawayo a beating heart of Zimbabwean creativity.
By Trevor Mawaka
A celebration to come
Later this month, the 46th Uhuru celebrations will unfold at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, a gathering that promises to honor Zimbabwe’s heritage while showcasing its artistic brilliance. At the forefront of this festival will be Afro-jazz luminary Jeys Marabini, Bulawayo’s legendary cultural ensemble IYASA, Sandra Ndebele, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo, and Black Umfolosi. Together, they will transform the stage into a rainbow of sound, movement, and cultural storytelling a vivid testament to the richness of Zimbabwean arts.
Jeys Marabini is a masterful storyteller through music. Born Majahawodwa “Jeys” Ndlovu in Filabusi, he fuses jazz, imbube harmonies, marabi rhythms, and township grooves into a sound that is at once deeply local and unmistakably universal. His seminal album, Emarabini, won Best Video at the Zimbabwe Music Awards, and his performances — whether at national galas or international festivals are celebrated for their warmth, energy, and emotional depth.
Meanwhile, IYASA (Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts) continues to enchant audiences around the globe. From its humble beginnings in Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb, the ensemble has grown into a cultural institution renowned for blending theatre, music, and dance in productions that are at once contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. Tracks like S’jaiva Sibancane have become cultural touchstones, and IYASA remains a nurturing ground for the next generation of Zimbabwean performers.
The queens and kings of the stage
No showcase of Zimbabwean arts is complete without Sandra Ndebele. The Bulawayo-born singer, dancer, and choreographer has captivated audiences for nearly two decades with her high-energy Afro-pop performances. Her career began touring with IYASA, but her solo debut album Tshaya Tshaya in 2003 established her as a powerhouse of talent, earning multiple Zimbabwe Music Awards nominations. Her latest track, “Thala,” featuring IYASA, promises to thrill audiences with its infectious rhythms and dynamic choreography.
Equally commanding is Black Umfolosi, Zimbabwe’s oldest imbube a cappella group. Founded in 1982, this ensemble is a living archive of rich harmonies, traditional dance, and heritage music. Their upcoming performances, alongside Toksiq Balaclava, Mandie Mae, and Luchi Shiki, will be a celebration of African musical diversity — from kwaito to reggae to hip-hop — framed by the timeless resonance of imbube acapella.
Innovation, youth, and new voices
Digital storytelling is gaining ground in Bulawayo’s creative landscape. Plumtree-born Kadelwa Joab Ndlovu, known as Sir Kadelwa Arts, recently presented “The Power of Animation in Preserving Indigenous Languages,” demonstrating how technology can amplify culture and safeguard local languages.
Meanwhile, Afro-soul singer Nkwali teased her third album, Iphupho (The Dream), and recently performed in Victoria, Canada, bridging African, Indigenous, and First Nations audiences through the unifying language of rhythm.
On the international stage, IYASA has announced its UK tour for Doek Fest UK this July, promising a festival of heritage, vibrant costumes, and storytelling that transcends borders. Back home, hip-hop star Asaph Afrika is preparing to electrify the audience at Teen Fest ZW in Harare with his hit “Mambo,” showcasing the raw energy and creativity that Bulawayo’s streets have produced.
Laughter, literature, and the performing arts
Bulawayo’s comedy scene thrives as Swiss duo Les Vincents recently charmed audiences during Francophonie Weeks, blending bilingual humor with local wit. Nkayi will host the Isintu Festival on April 4, featuring traditional music and dance from artists including Sisa Senkosi, Zinja Ziyamluma, Mazilankatha, Hwabaraty, and Platform One SA.
Afro-Tech trio Asante Mo has gone global, signing a worldwide distribution deal with Virgin Music. Their music fuses traditional iHossana and Indandanda beats with electronic rhythms, creating immersive experiences for audiences. Rising star Xantel also made waves with her video for “Usizo,” showcasing Afro-pop innovation combined with local flair, choreography by Simunye Simunye Arts, and cinematography by Reneiloe Mrimirwa.
Theatre, poetry, and storytelling
In literature, Angie Sibanda emphasized the importance of national collaboration during the 5th Poetry Red Carpet Awards in Harare, highlighting the collective power of Zimbabwean writers. On stage, Cowdray Park teen Thandolwenkosi Nyathi made her debut in CTD’s Umendo, exemplifying the global reach of storytelling through empathy and culture.
Bulawayo’s music scene thrives
Concertgoers enjoyed a Francophonie music showcase at Alliance Française de Bulawayo, featuring Erastus Nleya, Emmar The Violinist, and Arthur Bacon. Charles Mahlaba Banda is finalizing his album Impilo, blending Afro-jazz, Afro-pop, imbube, and traditional folk, while Don h, born Lindon Dube, continues to rise with his latest single “Ezakwam,” blending hip-hop, amapiano, and afrobeats with reflections on life and community.
Comedy fans can look forward to The Roast of Mayor David Coltart on April 11 at the Bulawayo Theatre, while drama enthusiasts can follow the mischievous antics of the Nkulumane-set sitcom KoSibanda streaming every Thursday on Visuals by Corey. Dance enthusiasts can participate in Phase 2 of the In-Flux Dance Workshop, led by award-winning crews, while gospel lovers can rejoice in Baba Wale’s live recording at Bulawayo City Tabernacle on April 11.
Finally, rising Afro-pop star Black Diva has dropped a new single featuring Culture Love ZW, continuing the tradition of collaboration, innovation, and excellence that defines Bulawayo’s music scene.
From music and theatre to literature, dance, comedy, and digital storytelling, Bulawayo’s arts pulse with life. The Arts and Showbiz Showcase celebrates these narratives, ensuring that the creativity, resilience, and cultural wealth of our city shine ever brighter.
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