Mazweli Dube Crowned Inaugural Champion of Haya Sizwe National Poetry Slam

Bulawayo’s Gugulethu Matshazi “Mazweli” Dube has been named the first-ever champion of the Haya Sizwe National Poetry Slam, held at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music in Bulawayo. The event showcased the country’s spoken word talent, with performances exploring themes of identity, governance, and Africa’s future.

The competition highlighted female voices, with women making up 70 percent of participants. Silethemba “Letty” Dube from Bulawayo and Harare’s Nakai Tadana completed the podium, demonstrating the dominance of women in the slam.

Organised by Accountability Lab Zimbabwe and led by Sondlane Dube, known as Sox the Poet, the slam required participants to select and perform one of three prepared pieces under time-limited conditions. Mazweli’s winning poem addressed governance, memory, language, identity, and visions for Africa’s future. Her performance marked her return to competitive slamming after a two-year break and drew strong applause, including from her mother, uMaNcube, who witnessed her perform competitively for the first time.

“Winning the national poetry slam feels like recognition for the silent work I’ve put in over the past two years. Performing in front of my mother closed a long emotional loop — being witnessed and understood in a way no applause could replace,” Mazweli said. She dedicated her victory to the community that has supported her journey since 2023, adding, “This win is not just for me but for every mentor and supporter who has helped me grow.” She also praised the organisers for creating a platform that amplifies Zimbabwean voices and sparks critical conversations.

Mazweli described 2025 as a year of alignment, with a focus on mentoring emerging artists through initiatives such as the ACE Project and Evoke, which integrate artistic development with entrepreneurship and digital skills. Both Mazweli and Letty are members of WeCre8te Afrika, a Bulawayo-based talent hub, reflecting the city’s growing creative ecosystem.

The Haya Sizwe National Poetry Slam has quickly become a landmark event in Zimbabwe’s cultural calendar, celebrating talent and resilience while highlighting the vital role of women in shaping the nation’s artistic narrative. The event reinforces the power of perseverance, passion, and storytelling in connecting communities and driving meaningful dialogue.