The NACZ July/August 2025 Newsletter Issue 11
Point Black is pleased to present the July/August 2025 edition of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe newsletter. The amazing team at the NACZ prepared this newsletter, which Point Black edited and designed.
Read and download the new edition below:
CEO’s Remarks
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Mr Napoleon Nyanhi
To our valued stakeholders, partners, and the entire NACZ family,
I welcome you to this July - August publication where we share the vibrant activity and strategic strides we are making in fulfilling our mandate to develop and regulate the arts sector.
We have worked on sector capacitation with information, as well as fine tuning our usual programs so that they add more value to our stakeholders. NACZ programs belong to the creatives, hence the continuous consultations of how we can make them something we are all proud of. The insights gathered are not just for discussion, they are actively integrated into our activities. Our commitment is to ensure that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe is not just a regulator, but a true partner in the growth of every artist and arts practitioner.
Looking ahead, we are energizing our efforts for the final quarter of the year. None of our achievements would be possible without the unwavering hard work of the NACZ team and the vibrant creativity of the artistic community we dearly serve. Let us continue to work together to build a more resilient, prosperous, and celebrated cultural industry for Zimbabwe.
ZIMBABWE DELEGATION'S PARTICIPATION AT THE DURBAN FILM MART 2025
Zimbabwe’s Delegation to Durban Film Mart 2025 and Group Photo with the Mozambique Delegation
In a strategic move to bolster its burgeoning film industry, a Zimbabwean delegation led by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe actively participated in the 16th Durban Film Mart (DFM) from July 16-18, 2025. This marked a significant shift in priority for Zimbabwean policymakers, signaling a conscious effort to integrate into the global film ecosystem, especially following the government's declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Film" and the launch of the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030. The delegation comprised seasoned film practitioners Sizakhele Mukwedini, Charlene Mangweni-Furusa, Josephine Mlanda Zvikaramba, and Knox Chatiza, accompanied by NACZ Provincial Arts Manager William Ndinde.
FIRST WORLD MUSIC AND TOURISM FESTIVAL, KINSHASA (JULY 16-18, 2025)
Sulu Chimbetu and His Band Performing On Stage in Kinshasa
The inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival took place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo from July 16-18, 2025. This three-day event celebrated diverse cultures and musical sounds, showcasing a wide array of artistic talents from across the African continent. Held across four venues, the festival attracted an estimated audience of +/-10,000 people. The festival featured a stellar lineup of renowned artists from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and the host country, DRC, who captivated audiences with their energetic performances. Sulumani Chimbetu and Orchestra Dendera Kings, representing Zimbabwe, performed on July 17th during the festival's gala dinner.
CHIBUKU NESHAMWARI TRADITIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL NATIONAL FINAL COMPETITION HELD IN MUTARE ON 19 JULY 2025
The Top Winning Group Holding Their Cheque
The vibrant city of Mutare played host to the grand finale of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival on Saturday July 19, 2025. The Mutare Showgrounds buzzed with energy as ten provincial champions from across Zimbabwe converged to showcase the nation's rich and diverse cultural heritage through captivating traditional dance performances. After a day of fierce and colorful competition, the Green Stars Dance Troupe, representing Harare Province, emerged as the undisputed national champions. Their energetic and compelling performance of the Chinyambera dance captivated the judges and audience, earning them the coveted top prize. The competition saw other outstanding performances with the following groups securing the runner-up positions:
Second Place: Goromonzi Arts Club from Mashonaland East, who impressed with their powerful rendition of the Mbende Jerusarema dance.
Third Place: Host province Manicaland celebrated a podium finish with Semvumba Arts for their dynamic Dinhe performance.
TRAGIC ACCIDENT STRIKES HOW MINE ISITSHIKITSHA SEKUSILE DANCE GROUP
Mr N Nyanhi NACZ CEO sharing his remorseful remarks
In a tragic turn of events, How Mine’s Isitshikitsha Sekusile traditional dance group were involved in a road accident along the Gwanda-Beitbridge highway, approximately 15 kilometers from Bulawayo, on the evening of July 20, 2025 and lost 3 members.
The accident, which happened around 8:00 PM adjacent to Kensington Business Center, claimed the lives of group leader Simelinkosi Mpofu, dancer Irene T. Mike and Limited Mazara, a Human Resources officer from How Mine. Mpofu and Mazara died at the scene, while Irene T. Mike succumbed to injuries at United Bulawayo Hospitals due to severe bleeding from the nose and ears. Irene T. Mike was laid to rest on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Simelinkosi Mpofu was buried at Esihlengeni Communal Lands, while Limited Mazara was buried at Esigodini Communal Lands in Matabeleland South.
NACZ CEO, Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi, Mr. Chitando, NACZ Bulawayo staff, and Mr P. Vela from Matabeleland South attended the funerals. Witness Nkunziwalela attended on behalf of Neshamwari sponsor, Delta Beverages, and a four-member management team from How Mine was also present to offer their support.
KUSUMA MAMBO MANGWENDE – ZEZURU VILLAGE PROJECT
MOSRAC and NACZ staff with Chief Mangwende
On Tuesday July 22, 2025, representatives from the Mashonaland East Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (MoSRAC) and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) visited Chief Mangwende's homestead. The purpose of the visit was to formally seek traditional approval (Kusuma Mambo) for the construction of the Zezuru Village at Murewa Culture Centre. This project is part of MoSRAC Permanent Secretary Mr. N. Moyo's 100-day initiative. Chief Mangwende officially approved the construction of the Zezuru Village. Ms. C. Erengwi of NACZ informed the Chief about the next steps of the much-awaited project.
OSAKA EXPO-ZIMBABWE NATIONAL DAY
Deputy Chief Secretary, Office of the President and Cabinet – Rev. Damasane
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe assembled a star-studded national dance troupe to represent Zimbabwe at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The group performed a piece titled The Great Zimbabwe, a woven story of the various dance patterns practiced nationwide. The Great Zimbabwe performance was scripted by veteran writer Josh Nyapimbi, choreographed by Gibson Sarari and produced by Nkululeko Dube. During the final rehearsal event at 7 Arts Theatre, Deputy Chief Secretary, Office of the President and Cabinet Rev. Damasane emphasized to the group that they should market Zimbabwe through culture and attract cultural tourists as well as business investors.
Team Members:
Team Members
H.E President E.D Mnangagwa Giving his Keynote Address at the Zimbabwe National Day in Osaka, Japan
The Closing Dance with President E.D Mnangagwa
The Traditional Dance Troupe with Producer, Nkululeko Dube & NACZ CEO, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi
The group went on to deliver a stellar and captivating performance during the Business Forum and the National Day Celebrations held on 15 and 16 July respectively. Attendees, including Japanese government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Zimbabwe, were treated to a vibrant showcase of the nation's rich cultural heritage. The Guest of Honor, His Excellency, President E.D Mnangagwa joined the team for the closing dance as the crowd erupted into cheers.
HOUSE OF ARTS ASSOCIATION FESTIVAL: DEVINE SUCCESS ACADEMY, HATCLIFF
House of Arts Festival Exhibitions
In a bid to support and upscale NACZ’s visibility within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) especially in areas where arts organisations registered with NACZ operate, the NACZ in Harare partnered with House of Arts Association in hosting its annual festival. The House of Arts Festival, running under the theme “Facelift the Ghetto”, was held on 25 July in Hatcliff from 10:00hrs-16:30hrs at Devine Success Academy. The annual festival serves as a crucial platform for young people and artists to showcase their talents, exhibit their businesses and display their artworks. Beyond artistic expression, the festival uniquely facilitates direct interaction and dialogue between government officials and the community, particularly the youth, bridging important communication gaps. The guest of honor for the event was Honorable Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya.
MUSINA CULTURAL EXCHANGE FESTIVAL
Musina Cultural Exchange Festival in Pictures
The NACZ Masvingo and NACZ Matabeleland South Provincial Managers, H. Mudefi and P. Vela were invited to attend and participate in the hosting of the Musina Festival, which ran under the theme: “Promoting Intercultural Understanding, Tolerance and Social Cohesion”. The two NACZ officials accompanied Zimbabwean Cultural groups to Musina Cultural Festival between the 17th and 20th of July 2025. The NACZ partnered with American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace and Messina Legal Advice Office in this project which aims to contribute towards learnings around intercultural exchange, social inclusion, and tolerance. This significant event primarily targeted people on the move in the Limpopo corridor, including refugees and asylum seekers, providing a vital platform for dialogue and cultural exchange.
NACZ HOSTS AWARD-WINNING HOLLYWOOD FILM PRODUCER.
Photo showing proceedings during the engagement with Film practitioners
Group photo after the engagement at NACZ
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe convened a high-level Film Industry Round Table at its headquarters in Harare on the 8th of July 2025, bringing together Zimbabwean filmmakers, producers, directors and screenwriters. The collaborative dialogue was aimed at accelerating the development of the local film sector in alignment with the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030. The roundtable featured a delegation from the US Embassy in Harare, including Public Engagement Coordinator Butho Nyathi, acclaimed Hollywood producer Alix Madigan and Dorin Amina Abubakar, who leads the Africa Creative TV project. The US Envoy visited as part of a broader US-Zimbabwe cultural exchange and capacity-building programme. The discussion aimed to explore opportunities, address challenges and develop strategic plans for expanding Zimbabwe’s film industry.
THEATRE IN EDUCATION TRAINING INITIATIVE
Theatre Training in Pictures
NACZ Harare Province partnered with Vhuka Afrika Performing Arts Trust in rolling out a capacity building program hinged on the Theatre in Education Initiative whose overall goal is to complement the Heritage Based Learning (5.0) trajectory that Zimbabwe is pursuing. Based on the recital of the literature novel (set book) Tambaoga Mwanangu this initiative is two-pronged in approach via imparting acting (theatre) skills to in-school theatre practitioners as well as enhancing understanding of the literary aspects of the set book. Being pioneered in Harare Province, the Theatre in Education Training Program is set to spread to other provinces. The program is hinged on the following pillars; Storytelling, Interactive Elements (encompassing call-and-response), Role Playing and Discussion.
MUDZI CULTURE DAY LAUNCH
Guest of Honour Chief Goronga posed for a picture with teachers
Culture and heritage modelling
The Mashonaland East Province proudly hosted a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage with the Mudzi Culture Day Launch on Friday July 4, 2025. The event, held at the LC Nechombo Culture Village in Makaha Mudzi District, was a resounding success which brought together community members, schools and cultural enthusiasts. The launch drew an impressive crowd of 400 attendees, demonstrating strong community engagement, with 170 males and 230 females participating. Chief Goronga graced the event as the Guest of Honor, underscoring the significance of cultural preservation in the region. Chief Goronga's presence highlighted the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer and community leadership in promoting heritage.
African Union Sports Council CULTURE NIGHT
Dance team in pictures
Dance team in pictures
The NACZ played a pivotal role in the coordination of the Culture Night event that was recently held at AUSC Region 5 Games in Namibia. The event was held on 9 July at University of Namibia, Gym Hall from 19:00hrs to 21:30hrs. Zimbabwe competed amongst southern region countries and performed on the 9th ballot. NACZ officer, Eric Mutanga was given the role of curating the dance performance which showcased Zimbabwe's cultural diversity. 24 athletes from the volleyball sporting code - coming from different schools and backgrounds without any knowledge of traditional dance - were mobilized and choreographed to come up with the traditional performance showcased on the regional stage. The performance was a fusion of Mhande, Mbakumba and Mbende traditional dances. The dances, musical and embodying of diverse cultures represented Zimbabwean national unity and UBUNTU. Present at the event was Dr Dube, Permanent Secretary in Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi’s Office, Dr Chidhakwa Director of Sports in the Parent Ministry, Ambassador to Namibia Her Excellency Mrs M. Chaurura and SRC Board chairperson Dr Madzivanyika.
AUGUST
NAMA Hosts National Stakeholder’s Workshop
Events Evolution CEO, Dr Talent Banda & Scarlet Studios Managing Director, Mr Reginald Matinanga following the proceedings
The workshop panel of presenters
NAMA Event managers, Scarlet Studios & Events Evolution, successfully hosted a NAMA workshop on 27 August 2025 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). The workshop brought together artists from across the country and covered vital topics such as Branding by Paul Banda, Digital Marketing by Phil Chard, NAMA processes by Mrs. Barbara Gotore, and NACZ registration by Tafara Vuta. Artists were greatly inspired by Mr. Banda’s insights on branding and intellectual property rights, while Mr. Chard emphasized the continued relevance of traditional media alongside digital platforms. Discussions also centered on new award categories for the 24th edition of NAMA, including Fashion Awards and Digital Arts Awards.
Chibuku Road to Fame 2025
Matabeleland North Winners
Mashonaland West Winners
The 25th edition of the Chibuku Road to Fame provincial competitions began on 23 August 2025 at Speedway Bar in Kadoma. Midlands’ Afro-fusion group Core Vibes and Mashonaland West’s All In One emerged victorious and secured their places in the national finals. Core Vibes impressed the judges with a polished performance, edging out Ambassadors and Ecossa Rhythms. In Mashonaland West, All In One also gave a captivating performance, with Boom Jazz and Nhapi Tapi taking second and third place respectively. Matabeleland North also hosted their competitions on Saturday 30 August and the winners were as follows:
1. Simuniziva - Afro-fusion
2. Abelifa the inheritors - Traditional Jazz
3. Zambezi Fusion - Aquastic Fusion
Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Visits NACZ
NACZ Management with Hon Minister’s Delegation
On 27 August 2025, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Rtd Lieutenant General A.N Sanyatwe, paid a strategic visit to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe headquarters in Harare. The visit was aimed at reviewing NACZ operations, strengthening policy frameworks and identifying ways to ensure the growth and sustainability of Zimbabwe’s creative sector. The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister Hon. E Jesaya, Permanent Secretary Mr. N Moyo, and Chief Director Dr. E Chidhakwa, reflecting strong government commitment to the arts sector.
NACZ pays visit to Sungura Legend
NACZ Director Arts Promotion & Development left, NACZ Harare PAM lower middle, Madzibaba Zacharia standing in the middle and NACZ Deputy Director for Communication & Marketing on the right
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe paid a moral support visit to Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria at his home in Chitungwiza on the 20th of August 2025. The team led by Director Arts Promotion and Development, Mrs Barbara Gotore, strengthened the Senior Lecturer by assuring him that the arts fraternity will always be behind him because of the work he has done on and off the stage. They also handed over a grocery hamper which the family well appreciated. The Sungura Maestro, who is among the 40 creatives honored as NAMA legends, was in very high spirits regardless of his battle with diabetes. Nicholas Zacharia recently suffered a mild stroke which affected his legs. By the time of the visit, he had just been discharged from hospital.
MISTER TEEN UNIVERSE – ZIMBABWE SHINES
Mr Teen Universe- Ngoni Mpofu
Zimbabwe continues to shine with Ngoni Sanchez Mpofu who was crowned third runner up at Mister Teen Universe, becoming one of the male models from Zimbabwe to qualify for the Top 5 of an international pageant. Mpofu is leaving a mark as the first ever model from Zimbabwe to contest Mister Universe. The competitions were held in India from 11 to 17 August 2025.
DIGITAL ARTS ONLINE CONSULTATIVE MEETING
On 8 August 2025, The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe conducted an online meeting with Digital Arts creatives to discuss the inclusion of a Digital Arts Category in the 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA). The creatives who attended included Lucky Aaroni from Bustop TV, Mai Tt, Yahya Goodvibes and Code Red Studios. NACZ CEO, Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi, chaired the meeting and gave a brief history of the NAMA, and also some takeaways from the consultative meeting held in Bulawayo in March 2025.
Some of the suggested awards were:
Outstanding Skits,
Outstanding Podcast
Outstanding Influencer.
FASHION ONLINE CONSULTATIVE MEETING
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe held a fashion consultative Zoom meeting on August 7, 2025, chaired by the NACZ CEO, Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi. The meeting focused on which awards to add to the fashion category for the upcoming 24th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards. In attendance were top fashion gurus that include Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Gilmore T, Joyce Chimanye and Zargue’sia.
The meeting was a follow-up to the consultative meetings held in Harare in November 2024 and in Bulawayo in March 2025. During those meetings, the NACZ announced three final awards in Fashion: Outstanding Fashion Designer, Outstanding Emerging Fashion Designer and Outstanding Fashion House. This online meeting served as the final opportunity to gather feedback from the fashion sector.
NACZ experiences an upsurge in Registrations
NACZ CEO, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi hands Mai TT her registration Certificate.
Sipho Mazibuko & NACZ CEO, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi
NACZ is pleased by the increased compliance in registrations by our established creatives. Popular comedian, actress and entrepreneur Felistas Murata is among those who registered in August. This comes amidst her efforts to further professionalize her already successful creative career as she prepares to launch the “Lost in Ashes” film. The development also falls in line with the Zimbabwe Film Strategy 2025-2030, which calls for international collaborations in film. Mental Voices Trust came on board with their registration renewal. They are the custodians of Mr & Miss Rural Zimbabwe, a beauty pageant founded by Sipho Mazibuko.
A VISION FOR THE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND MODERNIZATION OF ZIMBABWE'S ARTS AND CULTURE SECTOR
MoSRAC Permanent Secretary, Mr N. Moyo Leading the Dialogue
DR Samwanda (MoSRAC Director Arts and Culture) giving opening remarks
Arts and Culture Practitioners and Stakeholders following the proceedings.
On the 7th of August 2025, a pivotal stakeholder engagement meeting convened by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (MOSRAC), Mr Nicholas Moyo, was held to address the future of the nation’s arts and culture industry. National Arts Council of Zimbabwe was among the key participants. The meeting served as a crucial platform for dialogue on the sector's industrialization and modernization. The key discussion points included industrialization of the arts, digital transformation and community Infrastructure.
MANICALAND ICH WORKSHOP
A UNESCO workshop held in Chipinge District, Manicaland Province, from July 28 to August 1 2025, focused on safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in line with the 2003 UNESCO Convention. The workshop's objectives included identifying, documenting and protecting ICH elements in Chief Musikavanhu's area, while promoting local traditions, facilitating knowledge transmission to younger generations and contributing to the national ICH inventory.
A crucial part of the workshop involved fieldwork at Chief Musikavanhu’s farm to add specific ICH elements to the inventory. This included documenting the preparation of dried pumpkin leaves (Kubikwa kweMufushwa weBangarara), rituals for returning a deceased person's spirit (Kudzoswa kweMweya weMufi Afira Mumusha Usiri Wake), traditional marriage rites (Maitirwo eMutimba), preparation of traditional porridge (Kubikwa kweMuputuyo), and the traditional dances of Muchongoyo and Mphongo. Ethical procedures, including consent forms, were followed during documentation.
CHARITY DLODLO up for Viola International Festival
Charity Dlodlo
Charity Dlodlo is a Zimbabwean actress popularly known for her role as Mai Madziva on the popular television soap, Studio 263. On the 6th of August she had an amazing showcase at the British Council. Demonstrating her vast experience in theatre, her play was selected for the Voila International Festival in the United Kingdom where she is scheduled to perform.
"Once an Actress," her solo play explores themes of identity and the challenges faced by female artists. Its selection for the Voila International Festival is a major milestone, as the festival is known for showcasing innovative and diverse theatre from around the world.
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