Hwange Colliery boosts Tsholotsho arts
by MELUSI MHLANGA
TSHOLOTSHO – HWANGE Colliery Company has earned praise for bringing a vibrant live-entertainment festival to Tsholotsho, giving local musicians a rare platform to showcase their talent and boosting the community’s cultural economy.
The district, long celebrated for its energetic, fast-paced dances, hosted a rich line-up of performers including Kwejani Band, Izingonyam, Insimbi ZeZhwane, Zinjaziyamluma, Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu, Godolude, Amathong’Amahle and The Friendly Brothers, among others.
Several rising Tsholotsho groups—among them Tsholotsho Arts Ensemble and Izinyoka ZeRhumba—also took part, describing the event as a “dream stage” that allowed them to perform alongside established regional stars.
The festival, fully financed by Hwange Colliery Company as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, drew hundreds of revellers from across Matabeleland North.
The company has been increasing its involvement in arts initiatives following recent shows in Hwange that featured sungura legend Alick Macheso and South African Amapiano sensation Nkosazana Daughter.
Hwange Colliery Managing Director Eng. William Gambiza said the success of the Tsholotsho event proved the cultural power of Zimbabwe Rhumba.
“The talent in this region is remarkable. Hosting this festival strengthens our Social Licence to Operate, and we are considering making it an annual ‘Zimbabwe Rhumba Day’ to build deeper community relationships,” he said.
Local artists expressed gratitude, saying the festival provided much-needed exposure.
“Most of us don’t get big stages. This platform helped us grow our fan base and earn income,” said a member of the Tsholotsho Arts Ensemble.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, *Richard Moyo, welcomed the initiative.
“Besides entertaining locals, our artists are earning a living, and this puts Tsholotsho on the cultural map,” he said.
Community members noted that the influx of visitors boosted local vendors, transport operators and small businesses, proving that arts events can meaningfully uplift rural economies.
With such momentum, Matabeleland North is rapidly shaping its own identity within Zimbabwe’s entertainment landscape.
