Othnell ‘Mangoma’ Moyo is a performing artist, ethnomusicologist and arts educator who has toured extensively, sharing his gift of music with the world. Moyo has extended his influence and built a performing arts and cultural centre.

Back in 2021, Moyo toured the United States and used his income from the tour to buy land where he began construction of Ngoma iNgungu Cultural Arts Centre. It is reported that ten huts have been set up so far.

“Opening the Ngoma iNgungu as a space where the creatives can meet up, rehearse, host residencies, camps, teach the young generation, host events and exhibit artworks across genres would mean a lot to me”

said Moyo in a recent Facebook post discussing the intention of the centre.

Moyo also hopes that the arts hub will help refine artworks produced in Zimbabwe, research, documentation, theatre arts, dance and instrument building.

“Researching and documenting Traditional Music, Dance and Visual Art of Zimbabwe and other African Cultures is at the core of my work. I frequently visit rural areas of Zimbabwe to study the Culture and Traditional Art forms, recording Audio, Visual as well as written materials.”

The arts sector in Zimbabwe is still grossly overlooked and often viewed as a sleeping giant. Often creatives find their wings through international fellowships and residencies. Moyo has taken a great move to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s artists are afforded a chance to shine within our own boarders. More on the centre can be found on Moyo’s website (Music | Othnell ‘Mangoma’ Moyo (othnellmangoma.com)