Creativity, Pure Talent

Welcome to IYASA!

Biography

Since its inception in 2001, Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (IYASA) has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s cherished arts institutions, renowned for its captivating choreography, irresistible stage plays and captivating music.

An encounter with Obert Mushure, Romeo Sibanda, Crispen Mukube and Vusa Sibanda (RONVIC) who were by then students at Mpopoma High School group and were into drama and music inspired IYASA founder Nkululeko Innocent Dube to establish the Mpopoma High School Drama Club which ultimately gave birth to Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts.

An invitation to perform in America at the turn of the millennium motivated the students to turn their drama club into a professional arts institution, which later touched the hearts of millions of theatre, music and dance lovers globally

The motto of IYASA, “there goes the morning star,” cleverly plays on the name IYASA, which also signifies sunrise in Ndebele. This motto embodies their mission to illuminate the path and provide opportunities for young and aspiring artists, just as the morning star heralds the dawn after the night.

IYASA has enthralled audiences in numerous countries, including the United States of America (USA), Germany, Serbia, Czech Republic, Japan, Slovakia, United Kingdom (UK), Taiwan, Mexico, Italy, Lichtenstein, Montenegro, South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia, and Malawi among others.

The tours have also given birth to international co-productions and have seen the creation of productions like Afrikanische Märchen/African Fairytales, Amanzi, Black and White, Elephant Moon, Sisonke and How is the Weather/Wie Das Wetter among others.

In Zimbabwe, IYASA has performed at state functions that include galas, Independence Day celebrations and events hosted by the President at state house. Furthermore, IYASA has been a part of corporate functions, weddings, road shows, adverts and birthday parties.

IYASA also established the Inkululeko Yabatsha Arts and Culture Trust (IYACT), which has implemented programs with the support of Culture Fund, Culture at Work Africa and Africa Culture Fund.

IYACT has successfully implemented programs like workshop program Isiphiwo Sami Talent Search, Creative Diversity and Social Inclusion (CREDISI) and Promoting Virtual Engagement for Creative Resilience in COVID 19 (PROVE).

IYASA has released eight studio albums that they have fused with some of their international productions. The 2014 production Sjaiva Sibancane became a popular song at schools and events across the country and was among the top 50 songs of the year on Radio Zimbabwe with the video being among the top visuals of the year on ZBC TV.

In 2022, IYASA released a track titled Babizeni Bonke which also enjoyed airplay on Zimbabwean radio stations. Bum Jive, the Banolila remake and Qula are some of the songs and music videos that have contributed to the growth of the IYASA name in the music scene.

IYASA has also musically collaborated and appeared in videos with artists such as Carmen Nelly, Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele and Jah Prayzah.

Future Sibanda, Prelude Sibindi, Nkwali, DJ Prince Eskhosini, Tsungai Tsikirai, Pepsie Magonya, Silethemba Magonya, Roben Mlauzi known as Mamozi, Memory Zikhali, Mitchell Msopero, Bekithemba Phiri, Newman Gondwe, Aaron Chikondawanga (Asante Mo), fitness trainer Mbongeni Nxumalo and musician/ward 20 councillor Sandra Ndebele are some of the artists that have their roots at IYASA and have flown the country’s flag high with their amazing works.

Recognition

IYASA has won over twenty awards, including the National Arts and Merit Awards (NAMA), Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA), Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards, Youth Project of the Year by NESCAFE, International Ambassadors Award (Czech Republic), TBA Best Production Award (SERBIA), Audience’s Best Performer’s Award (SERBIA) and the Stella 16 Award (Austria).

IYASA has also produced individual award winners at national awards, such as Cheryl Mabaya, Dorcas Ngwenya, Newman Takawira, Anele Sithole, Lethokuhle “Letty” Ncube and Mbongeni Nxumalo.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Next Tours

We're constantly on wheels n wings!

2 Sep- 14 Nov
Germany
KINDERKULTURKARAWANE TOUR
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