Raising the dust with the pace-setting Bolamba Performing Arts

This is a Kafusi traditional dance group under Chief Mate’s area in Matabeleland South province, located along the border of Zimbabwe and Botswana. The group was established in 2019, it showcases, maintains and sustains various cultural and traditional practices through dance.

They specialise in the Zimbabwean, Tswana and Sotho dances while at the same time educating youths about their tradition and cultural practices through dance. The dances include the Setapa, Tsutsube iHosana, Jerusalem and iBhiza. The founder also mentions that they share their experiences with relatives in Botswana.

The Bolamba performing arts is made up of 12 members who consist of dancers and the administrative staff. Africa Mate ,Uteng Slaigwana Nare ,and Halifeli Ngulube.

The group won the 2017 Inter District Chibuku neShamwari competition that was sponsored by Delta Beverages, a position that qualified them to the final competition at the national level where they scooped the third position. The Bolamba performing arts came first in the 2022 inter district Chibuku neShamwari competition and they are currently preparing for the finals that will be held in Harare this year.

Transport challenges hinder them from executing all the tasks they are expected to do as a group that wishes to reach out to every part of the country, exhibiting their culturally and traditionally rich art to the general populace of Zimbabwe.

The group has performed in various gatherings that include state functions, Schools, Weddings, and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). The group is currently working on raising funds to record their album.