THE cross rhythmic beat of chinyambera and dinhe drums, vibrant traditional attire and energetic dance performances filled the air at Panyatsime Culture and Heritage Centre in Chitungwiza on May 25, as children from B&P Study Centre Boarding Primary School and The Best Learning Centre commemorated Africa Day through music, storytelling and indigenous dance.
The celebrations brought together educators, cultural practitioners, artists and community members in an event organisers described as a celebration of African identity, unity and heritage.
Young performers captivated audiences with traditional dances reflecting Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural traditions and indigenous knowledge systems.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, organisers from Panyatsime Culture and Heritage Centre said the commemorations were inspired by the significance of Africa Day as a reminder of “shared heritage, resilience and unity as Africans”.
“As an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Zimbabwean culture, we saw this as a meaningful opportunity to bring communities together and celebrate African identity through culture, dialogue, music and heritage,” the organisers said.
The centre said this year’s commemorations focused on cultural preservation, youth empowerment and African solidarity through performances, exhibitions and discussions designed to encourage appreciation of African heritage.
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Director for Panyatsime Culture and Heritage Centre, Rumbidzai Dihwa, said the institution continued to promote Zimbabwean traditions through practical cultural education programmes.
She highlighted a recent visit by Lomagundi College Form 2 students, who received lessons in making and playing marimba.
Dihwa announced that the centre will conclude its Cultural Month commemorations tomorrow with activities involving more than 10 schools from Chitungwiza and Harare.
“Panyatsime is committed to showcasing Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural traditions.
“The event will feature traditional dance performances, indigenous music, storytelling sessions, traditional cuisine, fashion exhibition and display of local arts and crafts from different cultural groups across Zimbabwe.”
Dihwa added that cultural heritage centres played an important role in safeguarding African identity by preserving history, language, traditions and indigenous knowledge systems for future generations.
Attendees were treated to a programme featuring poetry, drumming, heritage workshops, youth dialogues and cultural exhibitions aimed at blending tradition with modern African creativity.
Cultural teacher and Dandemutande group leader Masimba Matyatya said community engagement remained central to the institution’s activities.
“Panyatsime aims to involve schools, artists, community groups, traditional leaders and young people in all kinds of activities,” he said.
“We believe cultural exchange strengthens understanding and unity, so events like Africa Day create space for learning, collaboration and participation among people from different backgrounds.”
Matyatya also spoke about the importance of traditional dance in reflecting African social structures and values while promoting gender balance and family unity within communities.
He described dance and movement as natural forms of expression rooted in African identity and childhood development.
Panyatsime administrator Liliosa Maganzo said the commemorations promoted pan-Africanism by creating platforms for intercultural dialogue and celebrating African excellence.
“Africa Day represents unity and pan-Africanism, values that Panyatsime strongly believes in,” she said.
“Through art, culture and education, we aim to strengthen the sense of belonging among Africans.”
Maganzo said the centre was working with cultural organisations, artists, educational institutions and community leaders to expand the reach and impact of the commemorations.
She encouraged the public to participate through volunteering, sponsorship, exhibitions and performances.
B&P Study Centre Boarding Primary School teacher Trust Chamisa said the learners performed traditional dances to demonstrate African customs and heritage.
Among the dances showcased was the mbende dance, which he described as a traditional rain-making ceremony associated with the Karanga people.
Chamisa said Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Curriculum encouraged schools to integrate culture into learning and helped learners to appreciate local traditions and values.
“School tours are very important as we are raising these children because it is learning through exploring,” he said.
Looking ahead, organisers said they hoped future Africa Day commemorations would continue inspiring communities to reconnect with African culture and heritage through inclusive and immersive experiences.