Zimbabwe’s creative and cultural industry is endowed with people with various gifts that stand out on the global stage.

However, it is rare to come across individuals who can dance, sing, play instruments and can also do a bit of acting and still be able to deliver on all those fronts.

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Extraordinary hey!

That is the case with one amazing talent we have been seeing on various platforms over the year’s and have been amazed by her deftness that has left many in awe.

Her name is Ndomupeishe Chipendo aka Ndomu.

When we first encountered Ndomu she was in the midst of various dancers who always knew how to capture the attention of audiences with their well thought routines. In particular, the traditional dances – it was always sweet to see Ndomu and her colleagues embracing and preserving cultural heritage with so much passion.

A few years later, we then saw Ndomu on stage playing a saxophone. Who in the world has time to blow her lungs out whilst playing the sax after they have broken their legs pulling off some energetic routines doing the Jerusarema dance? It can only be Ndomu.

Then most recently, we saw her as a backing vocalist for Afro-fusion act, Masa. At that moment we started chasing her.

When she then popped up on the big stage at Reps Theatre in a musical dubbed Bongile We Are as one of the main characters we had no choice but to start this conversation with her:

Who is Ndomu?

Ndomu is a vibrant, bubbly, focused, hard working, reliable, friendly, confident, eager to learn, well groomed, mannered and open to advice, extroverted young lady from Harare Zimbabwe

Performance arts when did this start?

I started my performing arts journey in the year 2001. I used to go for a children’s music programme at the Zimbabwe College Of Music called ‘Adventures’ and we used to learn different instruments namely recorder, mbira and marimba.

Then in 2006 I joined CHIPAWO and performed under CHIPAWO for two years. I then had to stop to do my secondary level studies, then in 2012 was back at it again.

I got  a scholarship under (Dance Foundation Course) now known as Afrikera arts trust and did my three year performing arts course but mainly focusing on dance. A few years after that, I went to Music Crossroads Academy and acquired my Professional certificate in music, bringing me to my present day performing arts life.

How do you manage to perfect all the things you do seeing they all demand high levels of dedication?

Practicing is not easy but I definitely try and make time to make sure I practice, dance wise I always make sure I’m working out to keep muscles activated and always stay in shape, also taking classes whenever I can to keep my dance technique going.

Is there one amongst your many gifts which you say stands out and why?

Dance is my first love, my main art. I get to fully express different emotions using my body through different movements and also because it keeps me going (very fit). It is just fun (haina stress). Lastly, as I get to learn different dance styles, I get to learn about different cultures just from dance interpretations.

Was or is the family always supportive?

My mom, Rumbidzai Chipendo, is an arts educator, and chairperson of Zimbabwe Association of Music Educators (ZAME), programmes coordinator of UMOJA cultural flying carpet Zimbabwe, a college lecturer and a freelance music teacher.

So it’s through her influence in the arts, that made me gravitate towards the arts. Constantly seeing her work with different artists both young and old have me the urge to want to join the arts field, and from the get go since I was a child she has always been very supportive and I’m very grateful for that.

Which individual(s) do you look up to and why?

My mom, she is one strong and organised lady, very focused, down to earth a calm, can relate with anyone regardless of age and makes things seem like they are easy.

Secondly, Soukaina M.L Edom (Artistic Director and Coordinator of Afrikera Arts Trust). I call her the Iron Lady. She has the toughest skin in the arts industry and no one bullies her. Coming from her grooming in the arts there is a lot of discipline involved. Once a Soukaina student, professionalism and arts appreciation become your daily dose.

Which is the biggest stage you have performed at and how was the feeling?

I have always been and still am a fan of Mother Africa a well known touring circus company in Europe. In 2017 I was privileged to be part of the cast in Germany performing as a dancer, marimba and mbira player and singer.

This is still the highlight of my entire career. The feeling is inexplicable, the stage was my home. I was in my element in my zone, I felt proud to represent my country  amongst Tanzanians who I worked with and a lot of Germans who we performed for.

How many productions have you been part of?

I have been part of a number of productions locally, regionally and internationally. Just to name a few; HIFA, Mother Africa in Germany, Dance umbrella festival South Africa, Shadows again in Brussels Belgium, Dhamaka and recently Bongile We Are.

What’s your take on the creative industry landscape in Zim and how do you think it can be improved?

Speaking from a Dancer’s point of view, there are a lot of amazing creatives dancers and choreographers in Zimbabwe, but our dance industry is suppressed so much it’s so sad, and this even includes the big well know Zimbabwean artists.

If we could have representatives (I would volunteer to be one) who will represent us in the industry just like how other sectors have representatives in the art field in Zimbabwe. Dance in Zimbabwe is not taken seriously, we are always last to be attended to and yet we work extremely hard to create and perform during productions. May our voice be heard as we are as important as the other arts sectors.

The creative sector as a whole: If we could at least stay authentic in our art I’m sure the industry will flourish, get back to our roots, know our culture and be proud of it, I believe that’s what sells and can put us on the map. The late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi sang, “Dada nerudzi rwako, chimiro chako nedzinza rako” and I think we should emulate that.

What would you consider in a guy who will marry you regards ensuring your gift grows and not have your dreams cut shot…

Support and a clear understanding of what I do  are key points to consider, the rest will work itself out. As long as he is able to understand that I’m a female artist, I’m a creative which means I won’t stop creating, then support and appreciate the hard work I am doing will definitely mean a lot for me.

What’s your major objective?

My major objectives are to excel in my performing arts field, learning and collaborating with other artists from different genres be it in the music or dance. Most importantly, enhancing and preserving our Zimbabwean culture through dance.