Napoleon Nyanhi Leads Zimbabwe’s Cultural Showcase at Expo 2025 Osaka
Napoleon Nyanhi, the Director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), led a high-powered delegation to Japan on Saturday to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage through a powerful theatrical performance titled The Great Zimbabwe Dance Theatrical. The delegation, which included top NACZ officials and 15 outstanding artists from across the country, will present the play on Zimbabwe Pavilion National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka on Wednesday, July 16.
Written by acclaimed playwright Josh Nyapimbi, choreographed by Gibson Sarari, and produced by Nkulukeko Dube, the performance takes audiences on an immersive journey through Zimbabwe’s historical milestones. From its origins and colonisation to the triumph of independence and modern-day transformation, the play captures Zimbabwe’s story through expressive dance, fashion, music, and literature.
According to Oliver Chauke, NACZ’s marketing and communications manager, the production highlights the evolving spirit of Zimbabwe, showing how cultural expression and artistic innovation continue to shape national identity and development. “The play explores and showcases dances rooted in the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe, like mhande, Dinhe, Isitshikitsha, gule, muchongoyo, mbakumba, and contemporary dances like amapiano and break dance,” said Chauke.
Beyond performance, The Great Zimbabwe Dance Theatrical also visually transports audiences to the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, the Great Zimbabwe ruins, Chinhoyi Caves, the lush Eastern Highlands, Nyanga, Mtarazi Falls, and the mystical Chimanimani Mountains.
The artists representing Zimbabwe were carefully selected from respected arts groups through extensive consultations by NACZ’s provincial arts managers. They include Sinobuhle Dube (Bolamba Culture Birds, Matabeleland South), Willard Muchapondwa (Nyaungwe, Mashonaland East), Rudorwashe Sarari (Zvido Zvevanhu, Mashonaland West), Kasandu Asando (Mbada Ensemble, Midlands), Blessed Chakomoka (Imvimbi, Matabeleland), Fidelis Tshuma (Umkhathi, Matabeleland North), Nyasha Dziruni (Iyasa, Bulawayo), Sarah Dhliwayo (Afaz, Bulawayo), Alexis Makaza (Greene Stars, Harare), Sarabinos Chimukwende (Guruve Marimba Ensemble, Mashonaland Central), Stacey Tadiwanashe Dombodzvuku (Elysium Magna, Harare), and Takudzwa Matete (Semvumba Dance Group, Manicaland).
Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, themed Designing Future Society for Our Lives, is a global event that encourages innovation, sustainability, and cultural understanding. With more than 150 countries participating, it offers Zimbabwe a vital platform to showcase its artistic talent and cultural richness on the world stage.
Zimbabwe’s participation through vibrant storytelling and performance art is more than entertainment—it is a declaration of pride, resilience, and a vision for the future. The Zimbabwe Pavilion National Day presentation is expected to ignite international interest in tourism, trade, and investment opportunities, while fostering deeper cultural exchange between Zimbabwe and the global community.
