Bhila: From Storytelling to Cultural Stewardship in Zimbabwe

Bhila (image source)

Reporter Patriach W J Manyabi, artistically known as Bhila, is rapidly becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most compelling cultural visionaries. With roots stretching from Gwanda to Nkayi and creative formation in Bulawayo, Bhila has carved out a unique space in the artistic landscape—blending music, storytelling, and community building into a force of cultural preservation and growth.

Unveiling a New Musical Voice

Bhila made his official music debut in 2023 with the album Iphephandaba, a project defined by its poetic storytelling, soulful rhythms, and rich jazz influences. His songs echo the untold narratives of Zimbabwean heritage, delivered with conviction and pride in African identity.

“There is so much to tell in Zimbabwe, and I value and love our African culture. I believe it's cool being African,”Bhila affirms—a mantra evident in his work.

His most recent release, Emaweni featuring Kaykid Umfanomsotho, premiered on 21 July 2025 and quickly gained traction with over 1,000 views in its first few days. Originally developed as a short TikTok skit, the piece evolved into a fully produced track with an accompanying visualizer. The song captures the emotional terrain of long-distance relationships, offering a counter-narrative to often negative portrayals of love and marriage in contemporary media.

“Our song is a celebration of love that flourishes despite the miles between two people,” Bhila explains.“We need more positive songs challenging narratives that speak ill on love, marriage, and women.”

The production credits on Emaweni reflect Bhila’s collaborative ethos: Producer: Godwin Smalls Lead Guitar: Sam Siwela Bass Guitar: Master H Keys: Tafadzwa Gumbo Backing Vocals: Wayne Sibanda, Sandisiwe Mathe, and Bhila

Building Platforms for Talent and Community

Beyond music, Bhila’s impact is profoundly felt in cultural advocacy and community development. His performances at events like Munch & Sip Festival and 9ice Festival have earned acclaim for their energy and authenticity. In 2023, he was nominated for Outstanding Newcomer at the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards, marking a formal recognition of his growing influence. In 2024, Bhila co-founded Ubuntu Culture Night in Bulawayo alongside Timoth Mlalazi and Linda. What began as a cultural showcase has since grown into one of the city’s premier annual celebrations of African heritage, art, and storytelling. On 24 August 2025, Bhila is set to headline his first solo concert at the Bulawayo Theatre—an immersive experience expected to fuse live music with deep narrative performance.

Ubuntu Culture Night: A Festival of Heritage

Ubuntu Culture Night is more than just an event—it is a movement designed to celebrate African heritage, uplift local artists, and foster community pride. The inaugural 2024 edition featured performers like Vuyo Brown, Thandy Dhlana-Jele, Matojeni Melonics (currently touring Australia), and Khaya Arts, attracting artists and cultural advocates locally and internationally, including from Switzerland’s Rainbowcolours Gallery.

Upcoming Edition – Event Details

Event: Ubuntu Culture Night (2nd Edition) Date: 20 December 2025 Venue: Zimbabwe Music Academy, Bulawayo Tickets: Available via Eventbrite Organizers: Bhila, Timoth Mlalazi, Linda (Urban Moon Media)

How to Attend:

1. Visit Eventbrite or use the mobile app

2. Search “Ubuntu Culture Night”

3. Select ticket quantity, checkout, and confirm
   

Experience the Art: Dance, Music, Poetry, Fashion

Each Ubuntu Culture Night is a full-spectrum cultural experience.

• Music takes center stage with stirring live sets grounded in rhythm and community spirit.

• Dance performances fuse traditional and modern styles, showing how African culture evolves with every beat.

• Poetry and spoken word, led by renowned artists like Sithokozile “Um’Africakazi” Dube and Obert “The African Poet” Dube, add emotional and intellectual weight, exploring identity and resilience.

• Fashion showcases feature bold African-inspired designs from local creatives, reinforcing pride in indigenous identity and aesthetics.
  

Mission and Impact

Ubuntu Culture Night is committed to more than celebration. It exists to:

• Launch careers of emerging Zimbabwean artists

• Build networks between local and international creatives

• Preserve and promote the diversity of Matabeleland's culture

• Offer sustainable platforms for storytelling, performance, and collaboration

“Ubuntu Culture Night stands as a testament to artistic vitality and collective spirit,”Bhila emphasizes.“It’s where creativity meets culture and community meets legacy.”

Stay Connected with Bhila

• TikTok: @bhila_music

• YouTube: Bhila Official

• Instagram: @bhila_official

• Twitter: @Bhila_official

• Facebook: Bhila Official

Conclusion

Bhila is more than a musician—he is a custodian of culture, a community builder, and a visionary voice for Zimbabwe’s future. From storytelling stages to cultural festivals, his work bridges generations and genres, uniting people through music, meaning, and movement.

As Ubuntu Culture Night grows into a national tradition, Bhila remains its heartbeat—an artist transforming platforms into legacies and songs into solutions.