IN the search for a national identity expressed through dress, Afro-athleisure brand Pfeka African is staking a compelling claim.
Its new short cultural fashion film, Threads of Heritage, explores the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary African identity through the brand’s Masvingo print fabric.
The 16-minute production draws inspiration from the architectural and cultural legacy of Great Zimbabwe, which informs the Masvingo print.
According to the creators, the film reflects how “cultural memory is preserved, interpreted, and re-imagined in the present”.
It premiered on March 20 via the Earground TV Facebook page and the Pfeka African YouTube channel.
Pfeka African said the project emerged from a multidisciplinary collaboration spanning fashion, film, performance and sound.
“The Masvingo print is interpreted into garment design by Ruby’s Touch Designs, led by Ruby Cheryl Zinyawu, translating textile into form through craftsmanship and contemporary design,” the brand said.
Supported by a British Council creative grant, the film is shaped in close collaboration with cultural storyteller and creative director Rutendo Mutsamwira, whose voice anchors the narrative. It opens with her poetry recital celebrating the African Iron Age palace, as a dancer moves to traditional mbira, ngoma and hosho rhythms.
“We may be scattered but we are not lost,” the poet chants, tracing ancient history and the timelessness of grey granite stones that rose “without mortar”, and held “weight without cracking”.
Her words mirror the craftsmanship reflected in Pfeka’s designs, which pay homage to pre-colonial stone builders.
Directed by Tatenda Kanengoni, the film blends movement, sound and visual storytelling. Original music was produced by Fungai Nengare of The Studio.Inc, with contributions from Tinashe Makore and Norest Kawanzaruwa. Models Melissa Marimo and Marshall Mutsamwira also feature.
Threads of Heritage debuted during Creative Economy Week 2026, where Mutsamwira performed in a striking dress with a train extending more than four metres behind her, captivating the audience.
“The flowing silhouette and movement of the garment draw inspiration from the Flame Lily, Zimbabwe’s national flower — a symbol of courage, endurance and rising above adversity. Like the flame lily, the woman represented in this piece is not fragile; she bends, she grows, she rises,” Zinyawu said.
“The radiating headpiece reflects presence and dignity, drawing from regal African expression — a reminder that every woman carries her own crown,” she added.
Pfeka, derived from the Shona word meaning “to wear”, was founded in 2018 by telecommunications engineer-turned-designer Eglet Mtengwa-Nyabvure. She said the film continues the brand’s storytelling approach.
“This has always been part of Pfeka’s mission — whether it’s through the fabrics, the patterns, or the inspirations behind our afro athleisure collections,” she said.
“But with projects like this film, it goes a little deeper. It’s not just about putting heritage onto clothing. It’s about documenting it, archiving it, and making it a source of knowledge, stories, and conversation.”
The brand’s range spans activewear, sportswear and casual clothing, including bucket hats and socks featuring the Masvingo print and chevron motifs. Pfeka has partnered with organisations such as the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, Hockey Association of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, Zimbabwe Davis Cup team and the Zimbabwe netball team.
It also designed the 2025 Warriors kit, as well as kits for FC Benelux in the Netherlands and Team Zimbabwe in the United Kingdom.