Like the first golden rays of sunrise spilling over the suburb of Killarney the eastern gateway to the City of Kings Bulawayo’s creative spirit rises week after week: restless, radiant, and refusing to be ignored. The arts here are not merely a pastime; they are the pulse of the city, like the rhythm of hustlers’ feet pounding the pavement down on Lobengula Street.
By Trevor Mawaka
From theatre stages that echo with a wooden rhythm when the pantsulas twist and turn, to home music studios in Pumula humming like beehives of melody, Bulawayo continues to prove that creativity is the lifeblood flowing through its cultural veins.
Welcome to the third instalment of Bulawayo’s Weekly Arts and Showbiz Showcase, a column that walks the winding corridors of the city’s creative house, opening doors to the voices, visions, and victories shaping our artistic landscape. Here we celebrate not just performances but perspectives, not just applause but the journeys that lead to it.
A Word from the Wise: Raisedon Baya on Finding Your Voice
In the ever-expanding digital marketplace of ideas where smartphones have turned many into performers and timelines into makeshift stages one voice recently cut through the noise like a bell ringing across a quiet valley.
Acclaimed playwright and novelist Raisedon Baya took to social media with a brief but piercing observation directed at the swelling ranks of online creators. His message was simple:
“Dear content creators: Not all of us are comedians. Find your niche.”
It was a sentence as sharp as a sculptor’s chisel, carving straight to the heart of a growing phenomenon.
In today’s social media carnival, comedy skits seem to sprout like mushrooms after rain. Yet Baya’s reminder was clear: creativity is not a one-size-fits-all costume. The creative world is not a narrow alley but a sprawling city.
Within its borders dwell poets polishing words like gemstones, musicians weaving harmonies like colourful fabrics, historians preserving memory like ancient archives, and visual artists painting emotions brighter than sunset skies.
In short, creativity flourishes when authenticity leads the dance.
Philani Nyoni’s Fiery Literary Reflections
Still within the realm of letters and literature, another literary heavyweight recently stirred conversation online.
Award-winning author Philani A. Nyoni shared a bold review of the book The Mad, the English translation of the novel Mapenzi. The book was originally written by Ignatius Mabasa and translated into English by J. Tsitsi Mutiti.
Nyoni, known for his fearless literary voice, opened his review with a startling metaphor that grabbed readers by the collar of curiosity.
“I received a copy of Ignatius Mabasa’s The Mad with the anticipation of a bottle-green fly washing its hands over a pile of human shit,” he wrote, before adding that Mabasa “usually writes good shit.”
Crude perhaps, but also unmistakably vivid.
Nyoni’s words tumble and twist like a river in flood—unapologetically expressive and unmistakably his own. His reflections on The Mad continue to ripple across literary circles, reminding readers that literature thrives not only on polite praise but also on passionate, sometimes provocative dialogue.
Cedrick Msongelwa’s Social Media Reflection
Meanwhile, in the world of theatre, an interesting conversation emerged from the digital stage.
Award-winning actor Cedrick Msongelwa, fresh from receiving the Outstanding Theatre Actor accolade at the National Arts Merit Awards, recently shared a candid message online.
“My followers are not growing even after winning a NAMA award for Outstanding Theatre Actor. Are you following or sending a friend request? The right thing is to follow the page Cedrick Khekhe Msongelwa. Ngiyabonga, totenda. Thank you.”
His words reveal an intriguing truth about the modern creative economy: recognition and visibility do not always walk hand in hand.
Awards shine like polished trophies under bright lights, but audiences especially in the age of algorithms must still be courted, cultivated, and convinced. The applause of judges is powerful, yes, but the clicks of followers have become another currency altogether.
Creative Economy Week Lights Up Amakhosi
Last week, the creative community gathered under one banner as Zimbabwe celebrated Creative Economy Week, spearheaded by the British Council.
In Bulawayo, one of the standout events unfolded at the legendary Amakhosi Theatre a venue that has long stood as a cathedral of performance in the city’s artistic skyline.
The showcase blended theatre, poetry, and music into a cultural cocktail as vibrant as a summer festival.
Among those who graced the stage was the commanding performer Lady Tshawe, whose theatrical presence crackled with intensity. Also performing were the internationally acclaimed vocal quartet Nobuntu, whose harmonies flowed through the theatre like warm honey rich, resonant, and unmistakably African.
Visual artist Mongi Moyo, known as MongiArt, described the event with contagious enthusiasm. He noted how veteran artist Chief Dakamela emphasised the importance of packaging one’s art for the global stage while remaining rooted in cultural identity.
In the competitive jungle of the global creative industry, he suggested, artists must refine their craft like warriors sharpening spears before battle.
Xantel’s Soulful Arrival
If Bulawayo’s music scene were a garden, then a new blossom has just begun to unfurl.
Afro-soul singer Xantel recently launched her debut EP Usizo at the Bulawayo Theatre Club.
The young vocalist born Chantel Gugulethu Sibanda delivered a performance that burned bright with passion. Sharing the stage were artists such as Bhila and Butholezwe Ntini.
The four-track project explores themes of resilience, healing, and emotional freedom, with songs that speak softly yet carry the weight of lived experience. Produced by Certifyd Audio, the EP signals the arrival of a young artist determined to carve her own musical path.
Young Talent Takes the Stage in Umendo
Theatre lovers have another reason to mark their calendars.
The Centre for Talent Development is preparing to premiere the play Umendo on World Theatre Day.
At the heart of the production is 19-year-old newcomer Thandolwenkosi Nyathi, who will make her stage debut in the role of Gugu.
Guided by director Thabani Hilary Moyo, the production promises a heartfelt exploration of love, culture, and tradition.
Like a young bird taking its first flight into the open sky, Nyathi’s debut represents the courage of emerging talent stepping into the bright glare of the spotlight.
Loud Records Finds a New Home
Behind every great song lies a studio where melodies are moulded like clay in a potter’s hands.
Recording studio Loud Records, founded by musician and producer Erastus Nleya, has now relocated to the Zimbabwe Academy of Music at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds.
Nleya an accomplished percussionist, pianist, and producer has worked with artists including Vusa Mkhaya, Willis Wataffi, and Sandra Ndebele.
His studio’s relocation places professional recording facilities at the doorstep of a music institution, a move that could nurture the next generation of musicians like seedlings planted in fertile soil.
Zimbabwean Film Shines Globally
Beyond the stage and studio, Zimbabwean storytelling is also lighting up the global film circuit.
The short film Rise, produced by Joe Njagu and directed by Jessica J. Rowlands, tells the moving true story of boxing coach Tobias Mupfuti.
The film stars Tongayi Chirisa alongside young Victoria Falls actor Sikhanyiso Ngwenya.
Like a phoenix lifting from ashes, the story explores resilience and hope. The film has already collected 19 international awards, earning praise from Hollywood star Viola Davis.
Celebrating Mzoe 7
Finally, birthday cheers go out to Bulawayo’s flamboyant musical showman Mzoe 7.
Born Mzobanzi Mlauzi, the multi-talented performer blends Afrobeat, hip-hop, and dancehall into a sound he calls Something Afro. Known equally for his fashion flair and energetic stagecraft, he has earned the nickname “Fashion Maradona.”
From music and television to community activism through his Majita Let’s Talk initiative, Mzoe 7 continues to prove that creativity can wear many hats—and wear them stylishly.
Bulawayo’s arts scene is like the big band that backs Jeys Marabini each artist a different instrument, each performance a new movement in the city’s cultural symphony.
And as long as the drums beat, the pens scribble, and the stages glow beneath theatre lights, the story of Bulawayo’s creativity will continue to unfold like a never-ending play.
Until next week, the curtain never truly falls.
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