Story by Buhlebenkosi Makwelo
BULAWAYO – RENOWNED Bulawayo-based performing arts group Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa) are leading the way in selling the African narrative through international tours.
What started as a school performing arts group at Mpopoma High School has become a dominant force across continents, telling the African story from an African narrative.
Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts has transcended boundaries becoming a powerful voice in the performance industry.
Founder and director of the dance group, Nkululeko Dube highlighted that their international tours have become a vehicle to sell and preserve the African culture.
“Iyasa has been all over the world and every year, we have an international tour that takes us to Europe, Asia and sometimes to America and i must say that this year is no different. Next month Iyasa will tour the Czech Republic and also regionally, we will be in Swaziland for the reed dance. It should not be one day that we celebrate who we are, but it should be every day. We remain proud ambassadors of Africa, of Zimbabwe and of our culture as Zimbabwe.”
In the wake of cultural imperialism as a result of globalisation and social media influence, Dube also commended the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for inculcating African values through the “catch them young” narrative
“I am happy to see that there is a change in the curriculum in the schools and the Ministry of Education is trying very hard to encourage schools to develop culture, to have heritage studies in our schools, because the world is shrinking. We now live in our gadgets and get exposed to other cultures and children are being attracted to other cultures. Therefore, it is up to us as Africans, in particular as Zimbabweans to ensure that our children do not lose it otherwise we will disappear.”
Iyasa are set to embark on a tour to celebrate the African culture in countries such as Tanzania and Japan at the ongoing Expo2025 Osaka.
