Story by Patience Nyagato
Visual artist, Sabina Mutsvati and mbira musician Hope Masike have fused traditional brooms, music, fashion and photography into one unforgettable exhibition ‘Ndishonongoreiwo’ which has taken social media by storm.
It all began as a question – what do women across the world have in common?
For visual artist, Sabina Mutsvati, the answer was one household tool – the broom.
That idea sparked a viral collaboration dubbed ‘Ndishonongoreiwo’ after Sabina crafted avant-garde dresses made entirely from African traditional brooms and made wearable sculptures named ‘Varoora’ and ‘Vamwene’.
“I thought, and I thought, what links women in Africa, Asia, America, the UK? And I realised at some point; every woman has used a broom,” said Sabina.
For Sabina, the broom represents more than just a household utility, but symbolises history, healing, ritual and the silent strength of women across generations.
“Women sweep to pray, to think, to plan. In some cultures, sweeping is a ceremony. Brooms carry stories and I wanted to tell them through art,” she added.
In a statement, Mbira icon, Hope Masike, said the exhibition, which brought together various creative elements, is a movement celebrating African culture, femininity, and creativity.
“Following rave reviews at the opening night, we wanted to extend the life of these artworks in sound and image. These dresses are symbols of the power we carry as African women. We are bearers of great wisdom and strength,” she noted.
What started as an exhibition at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe made it from the halls to social media and is often mistaken as a costume for the just-ended Durban July Festival held in South Africa.
