Pezhuba Pachena living up to its name

Rumbidzai Mhlanga

HWANGE – Hwange based cultural dance group, Pezhuba Pachena Cultural Ensemble is living up to its name and billing by traversing the country and beyond the borders, while churning out scintillating performances.  

The outfit from the coalmining town prides itself in p restoring and preserving  African culture through music and dance. ‘Pezhuba pachena’ is Nambya language for ‘in the open sun,’ a fitting name for the hugely visible group.

Formed in May 2012, the group’s vision was centred on keeping alive African culture and dignity after the realization that today’s generation is increasingly shunning African culture. Pezhuba Pachena Cultural Ensemble decided to close that cultural gap through music and dance.

The ensemble’s director Mr Lucky Munzabwa confessed that though the group’s initiatial inspiration was to make money, their performances have become a means of demonstrating the love they have for culture and africanness through music and dance.

 Munzabwa revealed that honesty and transparency keep the group together. 

 “Where there is the sun, there’s transparency. We believe in transparency in our dealings and that is what has helped us soldier on and  is what still keeps the group together.

We started off as a male acapella group and later on incorporated marimba instruments into our acts. 

We are a group of ten, six males and four females namely, Nothando Sibindi, Londokuhle Tshuma, Abigirl Tshabalala, Bertha Phiri, Matengu Mutabani, Kenrick Chitonje, Russel Shoko, Dennis Mwale, Tanyala D Luphahla and Ganizani Banda,” said Munzabwa.

 “Our mission is to preserve and sustain the indigenous African musical sensation by merging traditional sounds with contemporary music, while our vision is to restore our african pride and human dignity through performing arts,” added Munzabwa.

Since inception, the group has scooped a couple of awards and rubbed shoulders with prominent people.

“We have performed in quite a number of activities which I may say put us on in the musical map. Our first one was at the UNWTO General Assembly  held in Victoria Falls in August 2013 and many others that followed afterwards. We have shared the stage with Martin and Ndolwane Super sounds, Killer T ,Madlela Skhobokobo and Iyasa just to mention a few,” he said.

An upbeat Munzabwa revelled in the performances of the group which he likened to the notorious heat that Hwange town is renowned for.

“Synonymous with the Hwange sun which is known for being very hot, the group’s performances are just as hot and one cannot ignore them as they generate a lot of positive energy from the performers through to the audience,” he said.

Munzabwa however took a swipe at locals who do not value local groups and are reluctant to pay for services rendered.

“Our biggest challenge lies in people who do not  respect local talent as compared to outside groups, for instance they would want entertainment at their events but will not budget for it. They expect free entertainment from us or are only willing to to pay peanuts. In sharp contrast, they treat non-local people differently and could even pay double the amount we charge them.

 The other challenge we have as an ensemble is the issue of transport. We do not have a car of our own yet, so  we hire cars for our movement. The hiring is costly and hinders our mobility,” said Munzabwa.

Hwange has for long relied on musical performers from other towns and cities but the emergence of Pezhuba Pachena Cultural Ensemble might just be a start to the recognition and appreciation of local talent in the town.