By Thabisani Dube
Zimbabwe, a land where the rhythmic sounds of the Mbira (a traditional musical instrument) mingles with the towering stone walls of ancient ruins, finds itself at a crossroads.
The country needs to navigate the challenges of modernisation while striving to preserve its rich cultural heritage. From the majestic Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the vibrant traditional ceremonies that dot the landscape, Zimbabwe’s heritage is a testament to its storied past and diverse cultural tapestry.
Gone are the days when traditions were passed from one generation to the next around the fire (padare). Even the revered mbira instrument-though very much in use-is no longer the primary source of entertainment having been taken over by electric instruments. This instrument was usually played at biras where ancestors were being consulted and to this day it remains pure Zimbabwean and difficult to master.
There are several compositions from the mbira with people changing lyrics but the original sound remaining either Nhemamusasa, Chamutengure, Nyamaropa and Dande just to name a few. But today in Zimbabwe we have Sungura, Urban Grooves, Hip Hop and Zimdancehall that has taken the youths by storm.
Yet, as urbanisation and globalisation continue to reshape the nation, preserving these cultural treasures has become an urgent and complex endeavour.
“There is a constant tug-of-war between preserving our traditions and embracing the new,” reflects Chiedza Zimunya, a Master of Arts (MA) student in multimedia production design and systems at the University of Zimbabwe. “We want to move forward, but not at the expense of losing our identity.”
Zimunya believes that digital tools and platforms can strengthen the connection to cultural heritage. “My generation is eager to find innovative ways to document, archive, and share Zimbabwe’s rich traditions in engaging accessible formats,” she explains.
Makaza Hombasha, an elder from Borrowdale suburb, speaks to the nuances and complexities within Zimbabwean cultural beliefs and practices.
“At the heart of our way of life is a deep reverence for the land, our ancestors, and the spiritual forces that guide us. Our ceremonies, dances, and oral histories are not just performances – they are a sacred means of connecting to our heritage and our community.”
Hombasha recognises the challenges posed by modernisation and globalisation. “The lure of modern life and outside influences puts immense pressure on our youth population to abandon the traditions that have sustained us for generations. We see our ceremonies and rituals slowly fading from memory, replaced by the trappings of the ‘developed’ world.”
He emphasises the need to pass down this cultural knowledge to the next generation.
“Honour your roots, cherish the wisdom of your elders, and be the stewards of our heritage. Only then can we ensure that our traditions continue to thrive, even as the world around us changes.”
However, Hombasha acknowledges that not all cultural beliefs and practices are beneficial. Traditions like “kuripa ngozi,” where a family is compelled to provide a wife to the family of a murdered, violate human dignity and autonomy. “May the light of the Lord reign in our nation and minds to effect a positive change to some of our archaic beliefs,” he states.
The deep significance of traditional ceremonies and dances in Zimbabwe lie in their profound connection to the rhythms of nature and the spiritual beliefs that have sustained communities for generations. Chief Bornface Musara from Ward 32 in Masvingo district explains: “Traditional ceremonies usually reflect the transitional seasonal activities, like the transition from winter to autumn and the rain season. This includes rain-making ceremonies (mikwerere) and the “maguta’’ ceremonies that follow the harvest.”
These cultural practices are not merely performances, but Chief Musara describes them as saacred means of connecting to one’s heritage and community. They embody the wisdom and values passed down through the generations, bridging the past, present, and future.
Chief Musara acknowledges that the intangible aspects of this cultural knowledge are now being threatened by the effects of climate change and the relentless march of globalisation.
“Because of technology, our intangible traditional values are slowly being eroded,” he notes.
To ensure the preservation of these vital traditions, communities across Zimbabwe are engaged in concerted efforts to pass down cultural knowledge and practices to younger generations.
The Great Zimbabwe Monuments stand as a symbol of the country’s architectural and engineering prowess, their intricate stone structures a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Zimbabweans. Towering above the surrounding landscape, these 11th-century structures were once the heart of a thriving civilisation.
According to Kundishora Tungamirai Chipunza, Chief archaeologist at the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ): “The conservation and preservation of the Great Zimbabwe Monument is guided by the site’s management plan which goes through a five-year plan as stipulated by the UNESCO protocol.”
Chipunza identifies the most challenging threats to the site, including the inevitable aging of the structures and a lack of financial resources and specialised personnel.
Adding to the efforts in preserving Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has been actively promoting and supporting traditional cultural practices. One key initiative is Culture Month, celebrated every May to promote cultural diversity and preserve intangible cultural heritage.
This year, Culture Month coincided with the Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba programme, spearheaded by the First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, which aims to reconnect young people with Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and traditional foods.
“As NACZ, we exist to promote and develop Zimbabwe’s arts and culture. We run programmes that align with this mandate, such as Culture Month and the Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba programme,” says Napoleon Nyanhi, chief executive officer of the NACZ adding: “Our goal is to reconnect young people with the country’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and traditional foods.”
The NACZ collaborates with various government agencies, arts associations, the corporate sector, civil society, and traditional leaders to ensure a coordinated approach to cultural heritage preservation. As Zimbabwe progresses, it must balance modernisation with preserving its rich cultural heritage. By embracing both tradition and innovation, the country can ensure its cultural legacy continues to thrive, bridging past and future. This balanced approach will allow Zimbabwe to honour its past while embracing the future, strengthening its cultural identity for generations.
