BY WINSTONE ANTONIO/SILISIWE MABALEKA BULAWAYO-BASED cultural group Songs of Queen Lozikeyi has been chosen to represent the country through a performance at the ongoing Dubai 2020 Expo.
Songs of Queen Lozikeyi is a group of Bulawayo artistes that was formed during last year’s Bulawayo Arts Festival.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe spokesperson Rodney Ruwende said the group was commissioned by the government to perform on Zimbabwe National Day (March 14) at the expo.
After a successful send-off concert in Bulawayo over the weekend, Songs of Queen Lozikeyi tonight performs in Harare at another farewell show set for Alliance Francaise ahead of their departure on Thursday.
At the Bulawayo concert, Songs of Queen Lozikeyi stole the limelight as it showcased its talent.
Its performances were premised on preserving the legacy of Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo of the Ndebele clan.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Affairs minister Judith Ncube described the group as an eagle ready to fly.
“The sky is the limit to our distinguished performers of the Songs of Queen Lozikeyi, who are set to represent Zimbabwe at the Dubai 2020 Expo,” she said.
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“This is part of the national delegation to commemorate Zimbabwe Day on March 14. The selection of Songs of Queen Lozikeyi is historical as it is the first time for Bulawayo to launch its plans as part of the 2021 expo.”
Bulawayo deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube said: “The artists collaborated to create a history and to preserve a legacy of the queen. They seek to promote and support culture.”
Bulawayo provincial arts manager Cleopatra Dube said the artists should go and showcase their talents and represent the country in a way that will uplift its banner.
“Performers go out there and represent Zimbabwe and Bulawayo as you are the window, face and the voice of the city in the arts industry. Let’s showcase the beauty of our culture, let there be joy in our dances, singing and may our conduct bear long-lasting fruits for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe,” Dube said.
The send-off programme was facilitated by the city council in partnership with the Nhimbe Trust
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