Cultural Diversity Music Show Set To Celebrate Unity This Weekend

By Colleta Bell

18 December 2025*

The Zimbabwe Academy of Music will on 20 December 2025 host the latest edition of Ubuntu Culture Night Bulawayo, a cultural diversity music show dedicated to promoting unity, tolerance and cultural appreciation through music.

Running under the theme “Celebrating Cultural Diversity,” the annual event will exclusively showcase local talent, providing a platform for Zimbabwean artistes to shine while celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage.

This year’s line-up brings together a diverse mix of sounds and artistic expressions, featuring Bhila, Black Diva, Mahlaba, Gog’ Bekezela, Maluka, Nobuntu, Thaluso Da Poet and Orbert Dube, each representing a unique cultural identity.

Speaking to Skyz Metro FM, musician Bhila said the vision of Ubuntu Culture Night is rooted in uplifting local artistes while fostering cultural pride through music.

“The idea is to celebrate our diversity and give local artistes a platform where their work can be appreciated and supported,” said Bhila.

Built on the African philosophy of Ubuntu, the event aims to create shared cultural experiences while addressing long-standing challenges faced by local creatives, including limited access to funding, visibility and marketing opportunities.

One of the major highlights of this year’s edition will be Black Diva’s first-ever performance in Bulawayo. The award-winning singer has enjoyed a meteoric rise following the success of her viral hit “Thilo Lilo,” which has surpassed one million views on YouTube. Her appearance marks a significant milestone as she continues to expand her audience across radio, live performances and digital platforms.

Also making a much-anticipated return to the local stage is Nobuntu, the internationally acclaimed a cappella group. Their Bulawayo performance will be their first since completing their 2025 United States Fall Tour, which saw them perform across Virginia, Michigan, Vermont, California and several locations in Hawaii, where the tour concluded in late November. Their return is expected to attract strong interest from local audiences following their international success.

The programme will further feature performances by Mahlaba, Gog’ Bekezela, Maluka and Ihawu Lesizwe, alongside traditional music, dance and spoken word, as organisers continue to prioritise showcasing Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural expressions.

Spoken word artist Thaluso Da Poet will also return after impressing audiences at the inaugural edition with his sharp wit and compelling delivery. Guiding the evening once again will be Orbert Dube, who returns as master of ceremonies following his role at the first edition.

Event spokesperson Desmond Ntini said Ubuntu Culture Night is centred on bringing people together through shared cultural experiences.

“December is a time when families and communities come together. It felt fitting to host an event that celebrates tradition, unity and the spirit of Ubuntu,” said Ntini.

Ubuntu Culture Night was launched in 2024 following a collaboration between Bhila and Linda Hirsch, managing director of Rainbowcolours Switzerland. The initiative later expanded with the involvement of other creatives, including Ihawu Lesizwe founder Timothy Mlalazi, leading to the formal establishment of Ubuntu Night as an organisation focused on supporting artists and preserving cultural practices.

Reflecting on the growth of the initiative, Bhila said the decision to make the event annual followed the positive response to its debut edition.

“Ubuntu Culture Night was created to celebrate our culture through traditional music and dance while helping local artistes build audiences and elevate their craft. The response last year showed us the potential of this platform, which is why we committed to making it a yearly event,” he said.

Ntini added that the 2025 edition will continue to incorporate conversations around men’s health and gender equality, reinforcing the event’s social impact beyond entertainment.

In addition to live performances, the programme will feature a fashion show highlighting traditional and contemporary African-inspired designs, as well as traditional food stalls offering a variety of local cuisines, with prices starting from US$2.

Ubuntu Culture Night Bulawayo will run from 6PM till late.Tickets are priced at US$10 (General Admission) and US$15 (VIP). Tickets are available at Video Eazy, corner 9th Avenue and Robert Mugabe Way, with CBD delivery available via +263 777 023 079.