A blend of music, heritage and visual art marked the official launch of the Art Galzim Centre in Domboshava on Saturday, as traditional leaders, artists and cultural stakeholders gathered to celebrate a new creative space dedicated to Zimbabwean artistic expression.
Founded by visual artist Keith Zenda, the centre was officially opened by Chief Chinamhora (Richard Jeyi), highlighting the growing recognition of community-based arts initiatives that nurture talent while preserving cultural identity.
The launch underscored the increasing role of community art spaces in promoting local artists, safeguarding cultural heritage and contributing to Zimbabwe’s developing creative economy.
As a token of appreciation, Chief Chinamhora, who attended the event in his capacity as a traditional leader, received a hyper-realistic painted portrait created by Zenda. The artwork depicts the chief deeply engaged in office work, reflecting the artist’s signature attention to detail.
Delivering a reflective address, Chief Chinamhora blended cultural storytelling with lessons drawn from the traditional Shona game nhodo, linking heritage knowledge to contemporary creativity.
His remarks followed energetic performances by Black Sight Band and singer Caroline Chirowodza, whose music provided a lively backdrop to the exhibition.
Black Sight Band performed a mix of original compositions and cover songs, including Dzvamupande, Tisakala, Ziwerere, Ruzhowa, Huya, and Noakupa. Chirowodza’s set featured songs such as Kunze Kwashata Uko, Rise for Tomorrow and Mvura Munzara, adding emotional depth to the art-filled gathering.
Guests were served traditional cuisine by Tastee Bites Catering Company, reinforcing the event's cultural atmosphere.
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Chief Chinamhora said unity within communities should mirror the historical movement of the Shona people from Guruswa to settlements such as Great Zimbabwe, Washawasha and Mbire in Hwedza. He added that Zenda’s artworks reflected pride in African identity and cultural roots.
“Bushman paintings reflect hidden intelligence enshrined in our ancestors. Rock paintings, for example, those found here in Domboshava, have been there for ages while our modern oil paint does not last that long,” he said.
“What you grip by hand is of less strengthening and possessing than a heartfelt grasped philosophy and habits. Likewise, let’s carry our cultural practices with us.”
Earlier in the day, Goromonzi West legislator Biata Beatrice Karimatsenga Nyamupinga received a portrait painted by Zenda, although she was unable to attend the official ceremony due to other commitments.
Her message was delivered by war veterans’ leader and provincial representative Kainos Ngoshi, who described the gallery as a milestone aligned with the second republic’s principle of “leaving no place and no one behind”.
He encouraged parents to support their children’s artistic talents.
Zenda described the launch as the fulfilment of a long-held dream and an extension of his earlier initiative, the Zenda Art Gallery in Lower Gweru, adding that he hoped to establish a network of galleries across the country.
Dennis Ruf, a partner in the project and owner of Switzerland-based Art Gal Online, welcomed the opening.
“It was very good of Chiefs Murape and Chinamhora to be here as guests of honour. The paintings on display show the community the fantastic work Zimbabwean artists can produce,” Ruf said.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe deputy director for art development Babra Gotore described the centre as an important step towards strengthening Zimbabwe’s creative and cultural economy.
“A good painting communicates better than a million words,” Gotore said.
Artist Florah Maphosa also exhibited at the launch, presenting detailed works exploring feminist themes.
Creative spaces such as the Art Galzim Centre are increasingly vital to Zimbabwe’s cultural ecosystem, providing platforms where emerging artists engage with communities and preserve heritage narratives, and contribute to the growth of local creative economies.
