Zimpapers Logo

Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

EZIMNYAMA Dance Ensemble, a traditional dance group from Bulawayo, is set to showcase their talent at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, in Scotland this August.

The group, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, will be sponsored by Exclusive Performers Management Ltd, a talent agency that aims to promote Zimbabwean arts and culture on a global scale.

The agency will cover all the expenses for the group’s trip, which will last from July 31 to August 25, as part of a five-year partnership deal.

Exclusive Management Administrator, Thulani “Javas” Sibanda

Exclusive Management Administrator, Thulani “Javas” Sibanda, said he was proud and excited to take Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble to the prestigious festival.

“We are incredibly proud to be taking Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble to Edinburgh Festival Fringe and we are excited about the potential for this partnership. This tour is just the beginning of our efforts to promote Zimbabwean arts and culture on a global scale.

“The all expenses paid trip will see them performing for consecutive days and we know that we have chosen the best in the city to represent us after a long time since Siyaya Arts performed over a decade ago and we seek to revamp the country’s performing arts sector,” he said.

Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble, which consists of 22 members, will perform The Jewel of Africa, a show that showcases the diversity and richness of African culture through dance and music.

The group’s director, Phibion Ncube, said he was grateful and thrilled by the opportunity.

“We are over the moon for this offer. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and we are grateful to Exclusive Performers Management Ltd for the trip. We’ve never been to Scotland and it’s exciting just to think about it.

“We know that our schedule will be very busy but we are up for the task. We are going to have to contend with the chilly weather as well but we are going to be fine. The idea is to make Bulawayo and the nation proud,” he said.

Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble was founded on February 9, 2009 by Phibion Ncube, Chelsea Nkoma, Josam Mwanza, and Juliet Dube. The group has travelled to various countries, including Botswana, France, Spain, and Switzerland, and has won several awards for their performances.

The group recently celebrated their crystal anniversary with an event held at Inyathi Youth Centre on Friday, where group members received certificates of service and accolades from fellow artistes, such as Bambelela Arts Ensemble’s Witness Tavarwisa, who was the guest of honour.

“Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble has come a long way and have been cultural ambassadors. It’s good to see them still thriving all these years. 15 years looks good on them,” said Tavarwisa.

The event also featured performances by Mandie Mae, Hwabaraty, Thandy Dhlana-Jele, Asante Mo, and Dr Gasolo, who recited a poem for the group.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is held annually in August, features thousands of shows across various genres, such as comedy, theatre, dance, and music. The festival attracts millions of visitors and performers from around the world. – @MbuleloMpofu