Ethno Zimbabwe 2025 Celebrates Global Music, Unity and Cultural Exchange

Prince Edward School’s Music and Computer Centre came alive as Ethno Zimbabwe 2025 concluded with a spectacular display of rhythm, melody, and cultural unity. The event brought together 16 passionate artists, including facilitators Mary Anibal and Tatenda Chioniso Rushwaya, for performances that celebrated tradition while fostering innovation.

The festival showcased a range of Zimbabwean and international musical forms. Audiences experienced haunting mbirimo folk melodies, the communal rhythms of muchongoyo and mhande, and energetic dance medleys including muyemeso, chinyambera, and hosana. Songs like “Hodi,” performed in the Marrabenta style, and Simangaliso Mutize’s “Shingayi,” drawn from the mbirimo tradition, highlighted the rich diversity of African musical heritage. Folk pieces such as Tondobayana and Nyawolami engaged audiences with stories of resilience, community, and celebration.

Ethno Zimbabwe is more than a showcase. It functions as an immersive workshop where artists teach, learn, and collaborate. Participants exchanged knowledge in drumming, mbira, songwriting, and dance, creating a shared musical heartbeat. Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, director of Music Crossroads Academy, remarked, “They came with their own beats, but left with a shared heartbeat.”

Organiser Colleen Tom emphasised the inclusive nature of Ethno Zimbabwe, noting that the programme welcomes participants regardless of race, gender, religion, political views, sexual orientation, or skill level. Tom added that the next edition will expand cultural representation and continue to build a platform for global solidarity through music.

The 2025 participants included Mary Anibal, Simangaliso Mutize, Blessmore Vanissa Tombe, Tafadzwa Nekati, Evelyn Singizi, Nyashadzashe Gurira, Polite Mwanangeni, Anesu Ndoro, Steve Munyairi, Tatenda Chioniso Rushwaya, Mirriam PG, Chris Bahizi, Ted Wengoma, Nokutenda Kutirai, Josué Doce from Mozambique, and Malvin Mukege.

Ethno Zimbabwe 2025 highlighted how music can transcend borders, preserve cultural heritage, and promote community spirit. Through performances, workshops, and collaborative creation, the festival reinforced Zimbabwe’s role as a hub for cultural exchange and global musical dialogue.