Artist Profile
Wanna know more about our artists? Sure! Check'em out below
Name: Patience Dube
Nick Name: None
Year of Joining IYASA: 2023
D.O.B: 17 September 2007
Inspiration
"I was inspired by Aunty Nyasha Dziruni’s performance on stage. She made me want to pursue art."
Favorite Part of Being a Member of Iyasa:
One of my favorite moments has been the continuous lessons on dance and music. I enjoy learning from our seniors and director, as it is something I love to do
What to Expect from Patie
As a new member, I have gone through all the vital lessons to become a well-packaged artist. People can expect amazing performances from me
Name:Princess Sibanda
Nickname: None
BOB: 25 June 2004
Year of joining IYASA: 28 April 2023
Inspiration:
I was inspired by watching Iyasa videos on YouTube and Facebook. I used to copy their moves and routines, especially the acts. I have always wanted to be part of the arts industry since I was at school
Favorite Part of Being a Member of Iyasa
I have learned discipline, focus, and the power of teamwork from being a member of Iyasa. These are things that I lacked a few years ago. It has had a profound influence on my life.
What to Expect from Princess
I have acquired new skills in music, dance, and singing. I hope to showcase all my hidden talents and make people enjoy my performances.
Name: Nonhlanhla Ncube
Nick Name: Tom
D.O.B: 12 November 2004
Year of Joining IYASA: 2022
Inspiration
I was inspired by the performances of the group that I grew up watching whenever they performed
Career Highlight
One of my major highs since I joined Iyasa was sharing the stage with some of Zimbabwe’s renowned artists
What to Expect from Tom
I promise to deliver amazing performances with excellence.
Name: Michael Ndlovu
Nickname: Njelic
BOB:12 January 1998
Date of joining IYASA: 18 February 2015
Inspiration:
I am inspired by Derrick Tembo of Kaisa Arts and Soundtainment, an arts institution that I grew up watching in Mpopoma. I also look up to IYASA, because I always wanted to do what I saw them do on TV and at various performances
Favorite Part of Being a Member of Iyasa
I have learned discipline, focus, and the power of teamwork from being a member of Iyasa. These are things that I lacked a few years ago. It has had a profound influence on my life.
First Day At IYASA
My first day at IYASA was on 18 February 2015. The senior members at the time welcomed me with open arms and love. On my arrival, I only did “Pantsula” dances. I was later asked to do a traditional dance, something that I failed dismally and had everyone laughing. I never thought I would do a traditional dance in all my life, but over time I have managed to learn it. IYASA has taught me life skills that have contributed to my livelihood.
Name: Gino Mkhaliphi Dube
Nick Name: Mkha
D.O.B: 24 March 1997
Year of Joining IYASA: 2015
Inspiration
I am inspired by Prelude Sibindi, Future Sibanda, Silethemba Magonya, Nkwali, and Tsungai Tsikirai.
Memorable Shows
: I was part of the cast of Umkhathi Theatre Works that had shows in Taiwan in 2018. I also performed at the State House through an invite by the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, and at the wedding of the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, and his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo
What I Want To Achieve
I would love to gain full experience of becoming an artist and to open my own dance studio that will teach young people how to earn a living through art.
Name: Kelvin Nyoni
Nickname: Mawere
D.O.B: 13 March 1998
Date of joining IYASA: 19 January 2016
Matshobana’s Impact On My Career
Growing up in Matshobana influenced my decision to join Iyasa. I lived close to some of Iyasa’s finest artists, such as Anele Sithole, Shelton Mpofu (Garie), Lebani Butawo (Pino), and others who inspired me. After my ordinary levels, I spent a lot of time with Lebani and we talked about art and more. Since he was someone I grew up watching, I asked him how to join. In January 2016, he took me for rehearsals and that’s how I became a member of Iyasa
Three of Your Most Memorable Shows
I toured with Umkhathi Theatre Works to Taiwan. I performed at the 15th Iyasa anniversary alongside some of the institution’s first generation stars, such as Romeo Sibanda, Crispen Mukube, and the late Sonia “Soso” Mbaya. I also performed for the first family at a dinner at the State House. These are some of my favorite moments as an artist.
Name: Ntokozo Ndhlovu
Nick Name: Happiness
D.O.B: 18 July 1991
Year of Joining IYASA: 2017
Inspiration
I have always dreamed of being part of Iyasa, ever since I watched them perform at various events on ZBC. When I joined Iyasa, I was inspired by individuals like Cheryl Mabaya and the late Sibonisiwe “Queen B” Sithole, who made me want to learn more and grow as an artist.
Career Highlight
My achievements have been mainly about what I have learned and how I have developed since I joined Iyasa. I can now sing, act, and dance amazingly. I hope to keep learning and doing more.
Name: Maud Bizure
Nickname: Mewu
DOB: 07 January 1996
Date Of Joining IYASA: May 2016
Inspiration
I have always loved dancing since I was young. I was inspired to join Iyasa by watching artists like Sandra Ndebele and Nkwali
Major Highlight
I was part of the cast that featured on Jah Prayzah’s 2019 single “Sadza Nemuriwo”. Sharing a stage with such an influential figure in the music industry propelled me into the spotlight and made people around me realize what I wanted to do with my life in the arts.
Name: Joaquim Mlotshwa
Nick Name: Jojojo/Joa/Mfana Yellow
D.O.B: 1 November 1999
Date of Joining IYASA: May 2026
Inspiration
I have been passionate about the arts since a young age. During my primary school at Fusi Primary School, I participated in various traditional dance competitions, including the annual Jikinya dance competitions. At high school, I joined the drama club and realized that art was my love and career choice. This was further inspired by watching institutions like IYASA perform in our communities. When I heard of an audition call in 2016, I went with so much excitement.
What I Want To Achieve
I wish to grow and work internationally as an individual someday, and to collaborate with international artists and learn from them. I want to create a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations and make a difference in my community through art.
Name: Axiliar Gwauya
Nickname: Shexie
DOB: 23 January 2002
Year Of Joining IYASA: 2021
Inspiration
I was inspired by Cheryl Mabaya, Dorcas Ngwenya, and Alice Gurure, who I saw expressing themselves on stage when I attended a rehearsal as a spectator. They made me realize how I wanted to be an artist
Memorable Show
My most memorable show to date was the recent one where we performed at the launch of the Widows Association by the First Lady in Masvingo. As we performed, the audience started to shed tears, which made me realize the impact of our performance.
