Bulawayo continues to cement its reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s cultural powerhouses, with theatre, music, literature, and community arts thriving across the city’s neighbourhoods.
By Trevor Mawaka
Bulawayo Weekly Arts & Showbiz Update : 4th Edition
Gospel singer Vuyo Brown is preparing to release her long-awaited second album in June 2026, eight years after her debut Grace Fulfilled. The Bulawayo-born artist, known for songs like Thula Wazi and Vuyani, says the upcoming project will reflect the many sides of her musical journey.
In community arts, Bambelela Arts Ensemble, working with VegHub Zimbabwe and the Centre for Talent Development, has launched the Theatre for Diet Change programme. The initiative uses short interactive plays to encourage healthier eating and plant-based diets, already reaching schools and communities in areas such as Mpopoma, Nkanyisweni Technical College, and Survivorship Academy.
Preparations are also underway for the Imiklomelo KaDakamela Culture Festival, set for 3–6 April 2026 in Nkayi District, celebrating culture, music, poetry, and storytelling under the theme “uBuntu yiSintu Sethu – Our Humanity Is Our Culture.” The festival will coincide with the launch of the biography Chief Dakamela: An Icon of Community Development by Arnold Mayibongwe Nkala.
In music collaborations, Baba Harare has teamed up with AmaqaQa Music on an Isicathamiya-inspired track titled Rese.
Bulawayo-born actor Daniel Lasker continues to gain international recognition for his role as Mr. 9 in Netflix’s One Piece live-action series.
Grassroots initiatives are also creating opportunities for young creatives. The Dabthreee Kasi To Kasi Talent Search is scouting singers, dancers, poets, and comedians in townships like Pumula, while 17-year-old Liora Music has debuted her single Ngathemba Wena.
Elsewhere, rapper M.U.S.E is representing Zimbabwe in the Live Wires Connect Rap Battle against South Africa’s Book of Life, and digital creator Langa Ndimande is offering to shoot a free music video for an emerging artist.
Other highlights include chef and filmmaker Prince Sivalo Mahlangu’s upcoming documentary on the spiritual significance of impepha, the Sound of Joy Concert scheduled for 23 May 2026 at the National Gallery in Bulawayo, and new music teasers from hip-hop duo Killemol and Afro-fusion artist Leslie Kampila featuring veteran rapper Maskiri.
Among the city’s rising stars is YungGlow Dzet, a multi-talented performer, producer, and DJ from Cowdray Park, whose growing accolades include the 2025 PRACA Award for Best Alternative Artist.
From township stages to global screens, Bulawayo’s arts scene continues to flourish, reinforcing the city’s legacy as a vibrant cradle of Zimbabwean creativity.
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