By Tatiana Mhararira
In a powerful and positive initiative to tackle the rising drug abuse problem among youths in Masvingo province, two local artists recentlyfounded the Wezhira Dance Ensemble, which aims to inspire youths through the power of dance.
The group is established on the belief that providing a creative outlet, a sense of community, and a structured purpose is an effective way to steer young people away from the dangers of substance abuse.
The ensemble, established by talented dancers and choreographers Thulani Zvinowanda and Clemency Madyangove, is gaining momentum as it encourages the formation of various dance collectives while also recruiting all existing dance groups and interested individuals into the Wezhira Dance Ensemble as the home for all.
Wezhira Dance Ensemble is the pioneer group which is open to both males and females aged 12-24 and which not only showcases traditional Zimbabwean dance but also includes contemporary styles to attract a diverse audience.
In an interview with TellZim News, Wezhira Dance Ensemble founder Thulani Zvinowanda shared what motivated him to come up with one dance group with different dance groups inside it.
“From 2016-2020 I was a dancer at Elysium Magna dance group in Harare. Elysium Dance group had about 150 dancers and we would contact Econet and Netone flash mobs. I once worked as a teacher at Chipawo School and I was in charge of the school dance performances but the Covid 19 lockdown disturbed the flow of everything,” said Zvinowanda.
Zvinowanda said the lockdown influenced him to come up with the idea of bringing different dance groups into one.
“When I returned home during the lockdown there were only street dance groups and I wanted to bring art into these existing groups. I formed Muzenda Dance theatre which participated at Ndaz Dance Competition and secured the third position but could not proceed to the national competition. We did not go to the nationals because of financial constraints and that also demotivated the players as they could no longer come to the rehearsals because there was no production from the group and they also lacked community support. So I decided to come up with Wezhira Dance Ensemble which to incorporate all dance groups,” said Zvinowanda.
Wezhira Dance Ensemble Managing Director Clemency Madyangove said the Wezhira Dance Ensemble was the first in Masvingo and they wanted to go far in combating drug abuse through dance.
“Our major objective is to keep the youths away from the streets, fighting drug and substance abuse through dance. We also want to empower young people through diversified dance creative platforms which are good brands and income generating groups and also to preserve our culture and heritage through dance.
“We are planning to engage organizations like My Age Zimbabwe who focus on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, mental health, domestic violence and drug abuse to impart knowledge into these young adults,” said Madyangove.
He also said they were facing challenges as a group and appealed for financial assistance from interested organizations and individuals.
“Currently we are facing financial challenges to register with the National Arts Council and Zimbabwe Youth Council. We are also appealing to the corporate world to partner with us since our main goal is to have a trust which focuses on dance,” said Madyangove.
In an interview with TellZim News, one dancer Emerina Mudarikwa appreciated the Wezhira Dance Ensemble and described it as a unique dance group.
“Being part of the Wezhira Dance Ensemble has been life-changing for us as young people. It’s more than just a dance group; it’s where we grow, learn and express ourselves through traditional and modern dance. One of the biggest benefits is how it keeps us focused and off the streets. With so many young people facing challenges like drug abuse and peer pressure, Wezhira Dance Ensemble gives us something positive to look forward to.
“It keeps our minds and bodies busy, helping us stay away from destructive habits. What makes Wezhira Dance Ensemble unique from other groups before is how it blends cultural preservation with youth empowerment. We don’t just perform, we also learn about our heritage, our identity, and how to carry it with pride. The group also gives us opportunities to perform on different platforms, which boosts our confidence and builds discipline. It’s not just about dance it’s about growth, unity, and purpose,” said Mudarikwa.
Wezhira Dance Ensemble recognized the need for community engagement as drug abuse continues to plague the youth in the city and beyond. As the dance ensemble takes the lead it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in addressing some of the society’s most pressing challenges.
